250.50

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pete m.

pete m.

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Ohio
In the 2005 NEC there is a change to the wording in 250.50. The 2002 NEC had the language "If available on the premises..." NOW the 2005 has changed that to "All grounding electrodes as described... that are present...." Formal interpretation 78-4 to the question "Is it the intent of 250.50 that reinforcing steel, if used in a building footing, must be made available for grounding?" was "No".

With the language from the 2002 code it seems fairly clear that if the reinforcing steel is "available" it shall be made part of the grounding electrode system. My question is; With the new language in the 2005 NEC "All grounding electrodes... that are present.." would the formal interpretation 78-4 still apply? Available and Present are two different terms with two different meanings. I can understand that if the electrician arrives on the job site and the re-bar is already cast in concrete it would not be available but it is still present and the 2005 states that if it is present it shall be part of the grounding electrode system. The exception to 250.50 almost seems to indicate that new construction shall have the reinforcing steel as part of the GES... even if the electrician arrives a little late?

Thoughts and opinions appreciated.

Thanks, Pete
 
Re: 250.50

It is my opinion and understanding that the rebar is required to be used and the formal interpretation has been tossed in the trash. The panel has made an exception for existing installations but for new construction, ya gotta connect if it is installed.

I understand that Florida doesn't have a problem because they have worked through the problems of coordination. The concrete contractors in Florida will turn up a piece of rebar during the construction of the footers so it will be available for the EC. The rest of the nation will have to catch up with Florida. :D
 
Re: 250.50

I like Florida's idea.

I think if it needs a formal interpretation it's flawed. And I don't know what to think if the formal interpretation is flawed.

And I love your Earth rise Charlie! ;)
 
Re: 250.50

Alright Charlie, I want to know how come you get a cool picture and how I can get one.
 
Re: 250.50

Sorry Jim, I thought you guys had it working. Now the big question, what do you have to do about the ones that were not turned up?

Sam, go to My Profile, choose Edit/View Your Profile & Newsletter Subscription, select Avatar Image, and scroll through until you find one that suits you. :D
 
Re: 250.50

Wayne, next to Avatar Image, I have Select a different Avatar Image. I don't remember what it said before I selected one. I assume that if you get tired of seeing them, you can turn them off with that switch.
 
Re: 250.50

Charlie, i asked that very question since i have the job of building the services.My forman says not to worry about it.Somehow they have passed rough inspection.My guess is they are using that NOT AVAILABLE idea.Will see what happens when we go for final.I was under the thinking that without it they could not get a slab inspection.Perhaps it got barried when they ran the blocks.All nice and stuco /painted
 
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