Canadian Entrance Panel Grounding

[Doug M.]

Hello, One part of the grounding electrode system on my 60 amp panel runs through a #6 stranded wire to the top of a rod in the ground. This rod was placed decades ago and I assume it is was driven perpendicularly, I do not know how long it is. The other wire used to go to a metal water pipe that came out of the earth. The metal pipes were removed when we hooked up a pump with plastic tubing. My question: How do I reconstruct this part of the electrode system? Can I drive another 1/2" x 6-8 ft copper grounding rod and attach the #6 cable to it? How far must it be from the other electrode? Can it be laid flat if it can't be driven perpendicularliy? Since this is the grounding electrode, is it safe to work on this while the panel is energized? Thank you all for your help. PS - Is there a way to test a grounding electrode system, or, do you simply re-tork the connections periodically and visually inspect for cable damage?

[Chris Lewis]

According to Doug M. :

They're often not quite vertical, especially if they hit bedrock.

Pretty well.

Assuming the original installation was inspected, just matching approximately where the pipe connection used to be should be fine.

You'd be surprised how easy these things are to drive given a 10lb sledge or a proper "driver". Driving in at an angle is acceptable. You want to get it down into undisturbed dirt if possible.

Yes.

Code doesn't require testing (it's inspector-imposed rule of thumb actually), and there's no particular "standard" to achieve.

US NEC has something to say, but that doesn't apply.

Torque it properly once, bury and forget it.

Just make sure you have the right bar and clamps. Not just any old rebar.

[Doug M.]

Thanks for the help. Is there a good reference book on the Canadian electric code? Where can I buy it? Thanks again.

[Chris Lewis]

According to Doug M. :

Knight's " Electrical Code Simplified". Available virtually everywhere that sells electrical equipment (including Canadian Tire, Home Hardware etc). Should still be less than $15.

[Don Phillipson]

Electrical Code Simplified (6th edn. 1995) pub. P.S. Knight, Richmond BC based on the Ont. Elec. Safety Code, 21st edn. I bought mine in a specialist elec/plumbing store.

-- Don Phillipson Carlsbad Springs (Ottawa, Canada)