Which material is considered unsuitable for protecting exposed grounding electrode conductors that are 6 AWG or larger?

Reinforced thermosetting resin conduit is considered unsuitable for protecting exposed grounding electrode conductors that are 6 AWG or larger due to the conduit’s physical properties and construction. This type of conduit, while durable, does not provide the necessary mechanical protection against damage that is required for larger conductors.

Grounding electrode conductors need to be adequately protected to ensure their effectiveness in grounding systems and to prevent any potential faults or failures. Materials such as rigid PVC conduit, schedule 80 PVC, and metallic flexible conduit are typically recognized for their mechanical strength and ability to safeguard these conductors from physical damage as well as environmental conditions.

Using materials not designed for this purpose, like reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, can lead to vulnerabilities in the grounding system, which is critical for electrical safety and the prevention of equipment damage or electrical shock hazards. Proper protective measures are essential, especially for larger conductors, which can carry significant fault currents.