NEC Commercial Electrical Practice Test

When using multiple electrodes in a grounding system, what is the required minimum spacing between each electrode?

1. 4 ft

2. 5 ft

3. 6 ft

4. 8 ft

The correct answer is: 6 ft

The required minimum spacing between each electrode in a grounding system is set to ensure effective grounding performance and to avoid the mutual interference that can occur when electrodes are placed too close together. When electrodes are evenly spaced, the overall grounding system gains improved effectiveness due to a lower resistance path for electrical faults or surges. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), the minimum spacing of 6 feet is recommended in order to achieve this goal. This distance helps maintain separate grounding areas so that each electrode can properly dissipate fault currents into the earth without negatively impacting the performance of adjacent electrodes. By following this guideline, the grounding system's reliability is enhanced, ensuring safety and compliance with the NEC requirements. Proper adherence to spacing ensures that each electrode functions optimally in providing a safe path for electrical faults, thereby improving the overall safety of the electrical installation.