Wire size for ground rod

[tomtheelder2020]

Following up on a post from 3 weeks ago, I plan to drive ground rods, then run a heavy wire from them to ground wires from recepticles around my house that currently are grounded to galvanized water pipes (repiping with pex next week). Two questions:

1) I had planned to connect to the ground rod with 8 awg but saw something today that recommened 6 awg. Do I really need that size?
2) The best thing I found to connect smaller wires to the primary ground wire are split bolt connectors. However, those suckers are expensive, especially if I should go with the 6 awg. Can anyone suggest an adequate but cheaper connector?

Thanks.

 

[Eddie_T]

Not sure what code requires but soldered connections would be cheaper than connectors.

 

[tomtheelder2020]

Not sure what code requires but soldered connections would be cheaper than connectors.

I don't doubt you are right about that, but I have no experience soldering and all the connections will be made laying on my back in the crawlspace so I am going to have to use some kind of mechanical connector. If I have to use split bolt connectors, they are about $7.50 each.

 

[Eddie_T]

Since you don't really need them grounded and to do so might not meet code I don't think I would go to that expense.

 

[havasu]

I've recently had 2 different electricians here to upgrade to a 200 A service panel. Both said 3 ground rods, 5 feet apart, and grounded to incoming water feed was mandatory using #4 wire. Must be a local thing.

 

[tomtheelder2020]

I've recently had 2 different electricians here to upgrade to a 200 A service panel. Both said 3 ground rods, 5 feet apart, and grounded to incoming water feed was mandatory using #4 wire. Must be a local thing.

It could also be a change in code.

 

[havasu]

My concern is my meter is 70 feet away from my incoming water line. 70' of #4 wire across my garage, around my planter, and into my flower bed makes this a no go. I'm now inquiring whether I can punch into my garage, bury it in the drywall, thru a bedroom, down a closet, and out to the water main will work?

 

[Krich]

Since you don't really need them grounded and to do so might not meet code I don't think I would go to that expense.

Wall plus don't need to be grounded???

I'm shocked!