Two physical grounds??

Tjtrout20,

In Gs5556 defense he may live in an area were all branch circuits must be installed in conduit. I believe Chicago as well as New York City being two that come to mind. He may have just had a brain fart and forgot not everywhere in the US require branch circuits must be installed in metallic conduit.
Jim

Jea48,
Check this from the 2011 NEC. 250.130(c)1
250.130 (C)
(C) Non grounding Receptacle Replacement or Branch
Circuit Extensions. The equipment grounding conductor
of a grounding-type receptacle or a branch-circuit extension
shall be permitted to be connected to any of the following:
(1) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode system
as described in 250.50
(2) Any accessible point on the grounding electrode conductor
(3) The equipment grounding terminal bar within the enclosure
where the branch circuit for the receptacle or
branch circuit originates
(4) For grounded systems, the grounded service conductor
within the service equipment enclosure
(5) For ungrounded systems, the grounding terminal bar
within the service equipment enclosure
The cold water pipe is part of the Grounding Electrode System. The key word is System, which includes the cold water pipe. Check 250.50 for description of GES.
This is discussed in length on Mike Holts web site.
As far as the correct size of the equipment grounding conductor for 15amp circuits #14awg copper or 20amp circuits #12awg as per 250.122 2011 NEC but nothing wrong with #10 also.
Did not mean to slam GS5556 but a blanket statement like that can get people hurt. Peace T. J.

I think the take-away here is that for hi-current electrical issues and advice, hire a PRO. someone familiar with NEC and any local issues.

Tjtrout20,

The cold water pipe is part of the Grounding Electrode System. The key word is System, which includes the cold water pipe. Check 250.50 for description of GES.

You need to go back to the book.... Only the first 5 feet from point of entrance. NEC 2008 250.52 (A) (1). "Exception" does not apply here.

I have been a little lazy and have not picked up a copy of the New 2011 NEC code......

As far as the correct size of the equipment grounding conductor for 15amp circuits #14awg copper or 20amp circuits #12awg as per 250.122 2011 NEC but nothing wrong with #10 also.

True.... I am concerned with protection from physical damage.... #10 will withstand more physical abuse than #14 or even #12. This safety equipment grounding conductor is going to be installed on the exterior of the house. More than likely by the home owner....

Code is bare minimum safety standards as you know.
Jim

Agree with Magfan. Good advice. Hire a Pro in your area :^).