Journeyman Electrician Practice Exam

What is the minimum electrical trade size for grounding electrodes made of pipe or conduit?

1. 1/2 inch

2. 3/4 inch

3. 1 inch

4. 1 1/4 inch

The correct answer is: 3/4 inch

The minimum size for grounding electrodes made of pipe or conduit is established to ensure effective grounding and reliable operation of electrical systems. A grounding electrode is crucial for safety, as it helps to prevent electrical shock hazards and assists in protecting equipment from lightning strikes and electrical surges. Choosing a size of 3/4 inch for grounding electrodes made from metallic pipe or conduit strikes a balance between effectiveness and feasibility. This size is adequate to provide a low-resistance path to ground while being manageable enough for installation purposes. Smaller diameters, such as 1/2 inch, may not provide sufficient surface area for effective grounding, while larger sizes, like 1 inch or 1 1/4 inch, may be unnecessarily cumbersome for standard applications. In summary, the 3/4 inch size is specified as the minimum acceptable diameter for grounding electrodes made of pipe or conduit, ensuring both safety and efficiency in electrical grounding practices.