Agricultural Buildings - Art. 547, bonding

[chris kalil]

Mike, I and the local inspector have a mutual concern regarding Art. 547 - Agricultural Bldgs. The situation is over "bonding" in a holding area for livestock; it is a covered structure, wooden walls, aluminum framed ceiling
canopy with plastic overlay. Are concerns are ho to properly bond this building if in fact necessary. Art 547-10 (A)(1) relates to Equipotential Planes of bonding of such. This building has a concrete "runner" down the center for
farm vehicles and dirt floor areas on both sides where the livestock are contained behind metal swing gate sections. This is not a milking barn, this is solely a "holding area", some hay thrown on the floor for feeding, all watering is done outside the building. The size of the building is approx. 200x90.
Now, please understand we're not arguing over this, we're both trying to determine what is the best method to accomplish this requirement, if in act necessary. We have discuused "bonding" all metal parts where "accessible" and practical, and connecting to a ground rod other than the service grounding electrode. If you could take aminute to shed some light on this subject, it would be appreciated.
You're seminar for the Eastern Chapter of the IAEI in Swansea, Mass. was most interesting.
Thank You, Chris Kalil

 

[charlie b]

Just FYI, Mike very seldom responds to posts on this forum. He leaves that up to the rest of us. Welcome aboard.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Art 547-10 (A)(1) relates to Equipotential Planes of bonding of such. This building has a concrete "runner" down the center for
farm vehicles and dirt floor areas on both sides where the livestock are contained behind metal swing gate sections.
Thank You, Chris Kalil

I don't see the concrete slab as being a confinement area for livestock as 547.10 states. If the concrete is not accesible to the livestock I do not see any reason to have an equipotential bond for it. Is that what you are asking???

 

[lpelectric]

.......... We have discuused "bonding" all metal parts where "accessible" and practical, and connecting to a ground rod other than the service grounding electrode........ Chris Kalil

Your aim is to arrive at and maintain low grounding electrode system resistances. See 547.10(A) & (B). At (B) it states that "Equipotential planes shall be bonded to the electrical grounding system."

Driving ground rods that are not connected to the power system grounding electrode system will surely create a high-resistance path and increase danger potential around the electrical system.