Should we install a ground rod for the electrical service if there was never one to begin with ?

Question

We own an extremely old home.  I have been asking questions lately in regards to the electrical safety & requirements.  Our home never had a ground rod installed near the electrical service from the power company.  All we have is a cold water ground strap.  

Is there an advantage to now installing a ground rod for additional safety protection for family and electronic equiptment.

Thank you

Answer 1

 

Hi Mark,

 

Missing grounding rod is a safety issue / an electrical code requirement; water pipe cannot be the only grounding electrode. However, depending on a jurisdiction and adopted / enforced code in your area, you may not be required to perform such improvement, even if it is a safety concern.

 

Some jurisdictions go after safety issues and attempt to enforce them even if there were no major electrical updates performed in a property. Others may request to install the second grounding electrode only when updating electrical service. 

 

It would definitely be safer to have that grounding rod installed, it shouldn't be that expensive.