Ground Ring?

[coulomb]

In the past, as long as the copper water pipe made contact w/ the earth for 10 feet or more it could be used as a grounding electrode. Here in Indianapolis, the plumbers are starting to use Pex pipe (plastic)for the incoming water supply.
My question is, Why can't I put a 10' piece of bare 3/0 copper in a 2' trench to act as the grounding electrode? Why does the ground ring have to circle the entire building?

 

[petersonra]

Re: Ground Ring?

There is no requirement to have a ground ring at all.

 

[jtester]

Re: Ground Ring?

coulomb
Most references to buried conductors as a grounding electrode require 20'. See 250.52(A)(3) and (4). Our inspectors would accept 20' of buried 3/0, but not 10'.
Jim T