What is a supplemental electrode?

A supplemental electrode refers to an additional grounding electrode that is employed in conjunction with a primary grounding electrode, often for enhancing the overall grounding system. When an underground metal water pipe is utilized as the primary electrode, a supplemental electrode acts to provide additional grounding capabilities. This is particularly important in ensuring a low-resistance path to ground, which can help safeguard against electrical faults and improve overall system reliability.

The rationale for using a supplemental electrode is to ensure effective grounding in situations where the primary electrode may not be sufficient on its own, such as in areas with high soil resistivity or in installations where greater ground fault protection is necessary. Thus, using a supplemental electrode substantially enhances the safety and performance of electrical installations.