03-25-2010, 03:04 PM
Well, to be specific the 2008 code section 250.53(G) says "...in contact with soil." Article 100, Definitions, does not give a definition for soil. Other places in the grounding sections uses the word earth, for example 250.52(A)(3) which is for concrete-encased electrodes.
There is movement to change references to soil to earth and another movement that wants to change grounding to earthing. If you want I can direct you to web sites where these things are debated ad nauseum.
Be aware that the first pole, the one with the meter, is installed according to HELCO specs, and they require the pole to be supported by concrete.
Bottom line, don't put concrete around your ground rods, do put concrete around the pole.
Jerry
There is movement to change references to soil to earth and another movement that wants to change grounding to earthing. If you want I can direct you to web sites where these things are debated ad nauseum.
Be aware that the first pole, the one with the meter, is installed according to HELCO specs, and they require the pole to be supported by concrete.
Bottom line, don't put concrete around your ground rods, do put concrete around the pole.
Jerry