Ice Bridge Grounding: Each support must be grounded using which gauge copper?

• A. #4 AWG
• B. #2 AWG
• C. #6 AWG
• D. #8 AWG

Answer: (B)

Grounding each support is about giving fault and lightning currents a safe, low-impedance path to earth, even when ice or moisture is present between structures. In an ice-bridge setup, you need a bond that stays effective across spans and under environmental loads, so the conductor must be sized to carry the expected fault current long enough for protective devices to clear it.

The specified copper grounding conductor size provides a solid cross-section to keep impedance low, minimizing ground potential rise during a fault and maintaining a reliable bond despite ice and weather exposure. A conductor that is too small would have higher impedance, risking slower fault clearance and higher touch/step potentials, while a much larger size isn’t necessary for the typical fault levels defined in the standard.

So, using a larger, robust copper conductor—two AWG copper—meets the requirements for safe, effective grounding at each supported structure in ice-bridge conditions.