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NEC 250 grounding electrode conductor sizing with electrode type requirements

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Service & Grounding Parameters

NEC 250.66 — Grounding Electrode Conductor Size

Required GEC Size (Copper)

2 AWG

For service entrance conductor: 4/0 AWG

Ground Rod(s) — Requirements

  • Minimum 8 ft driven depth (NEC 250.53(G))
  • Minimum 5/8" diameter for iron/steel, 1/2" for copper-clad
  • If single rod exceeds 25 ohms, a second rod is required (NEC 250.53(A)(2))
  • Second rod must be spaced ≥ 6 ft from first (NEC 250.53(A)(3))
  • GEC to ground rod(s) need not be larger than 6 AWG copper

⚠ If single ground rod resistance exceeds 25 ohms, a second rod is required spaced ≥ 6 ft apart

NEC Table 250.66 — Full Reference

Service ConductorGEC (Cu)GEC (Al)
2 AWG or smaller8 AWG6 AWG
1 AWG or 1/0 AWG6 AWG4 AWG
2/0 or 3/0 AWG4 AWG2 AWG
Over 3/0 through 350 kcmil2 AWG1/0 AWG
Over 350 through 600 kcmil1/0 AWG3/0 AWG
Over 600 through 1100 kcmil2/0 AWG4/0 AWG
Over 1100 kcmil3/0 AWG250 kcmil
250.64(A)GEC shall be copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum; solid or stranded; insulated, covered, or bare
250.64(B)GEC shall be installed in one continuous length without splice (except irreversible compression or exothermic)
250.66GEC sizing per Table 250.66 based on largest service-entrance conductor
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