250.52 concrete encased electrode

[codequestion]

Can a single vertical ground rod not reinforce rod 20 feet long encased in 2 inches so rest is above concrete since vertical and in direct contact with earth qualify per nec 250.52 as concrete encased electrode?

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[ActionDave]

The point you are trying to make would be easier to understand if what you are asking made any sense.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It sounds like you are asking if the rod can be placed above the concrete. If so, then how would it be a concrete encased electrode if not in concrete

 

[infinity]

I'm with Dave on this one. :?

 

[marmathsen]

Are you simply asking if the encased electrode can be vertical for the entire length? As opposed to being horizontal as is stated in 250.52(3)?

If so, my opinion would be that if that concrete stem wall is in contact with the earth it "should" be approved. I would get the ok from the inspector first if it was me.

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[don_resqcapt19]

While there is no technical reason why you could not use a ground rod encased in the footing or foundation as a concrete encased electrode, the code specifies the use of either reinforcing bars or bare copper wire. There is no code provision to use a ground rod in this application.

 

[petersonra]

Can a single vertical ground rod not reinforce rod 20 feet long encased in 2 inches so rest is above concrete since vertical and in direct contact with earth qualify per nec 250.52 as concrete encased electrode?

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The code says this.

Metallic components shall be encased by at least 50 mm (2 in.) of concrete and shall be located horizontally

Since the code says explicitly it has be be located horizontally, I don't see how it can be a CEE if it is vertical.

 

[petersonra]

While there is no technical reason why you could not use a ground rod encased in the footing or foundation as a concrete encased electrode, the code specifies the use of either reinforcing bars or bare copper wire. There is no code provision to use a ground rod in this application.

(3) Concrete-Encased Electrode. A concrete-encased electrode
shall consist of at least 6.0 m (20 ft) of either (1) or (2):
(1) One or more bare or zinc galvanized or other electrically
conductive coated steel reinforcing bars or rods

I guess it comes down to whether the rod he wants to use is a steel reinforcing rod or not. The code would allow rebar to be used as a ground bar, but I agree it does not allow a ground rod to be used in a CEE because it is not rebar.