What does NEC 250.50 require for grounding electrodes?

NEC 250.50 emphasizes the importance of bonding all grounding electrodes that are present at a building or structure to ensure a consistent ground potential. This requirement is designed to create a unified grounding system that minimizes the risk of electrical shock and enhances the overall safety of the electrical installation. When grounding electrodes are bonded together, it enables fault currents to flow back to the ground without creating discrepancies in potential between different grounding systems, which can occur if they are not bonded. This practice enhances the effectiveness of lightning protection, surge protection, and ensures that any fault is cleared safely and quickly by overcurrent devices.

In summary, bonding all grounding electrodes together as specified in NEC 250.50 is crucial for the safety and reliability of electrical systems, ensuring that they operate efficiently without introducing hazards due to differences in potential between unbonded electrodes.