Thanks for the post Charlie!
Now you have actually opened a completely different can of worms if you want to read into the definitions....
Read 250.52 (A) (3) again. Notice "bare copper conductor" in reference to the 4 AWG. It does not say bare copper electrode. It specifically states that in using the 4 AWG method that you are using a conductor.
Now go to the handbook Exhibit 250.22. On the example it says that this connector shall be listed for the purpose.
So I go back to one of my questions: Which connector?
Here is yet another problem with a different example. I present this is just something to consider as it is directly related:
How many of you have ever had to install a ground ring because someone forgot to install or did not have a CEE inspected?
So you leave your 20' of 2 AWG rolled up on the exterior of the house waiting on the trencher to arrive in the next week or so. In the meanwhile, someone decides that the price of copper is nice right now and cuts your 2 AWG off at the wall.
Fortunately, you still have enough to make a splice. So you dig a ditch...install your ground ring per code with a 2 AWG conductor. Now, how do you splice it? Will you use a split bolt?
Based on what some are interpreting with the CEE....the ground ring is still an electrode after it leaves the ground. It is not a conductor. So you can splice it however you wish?
I have another situation that deals with a framer slamming the sole plate down over the CEE and damaging the CEE.....but I will leave that until later in the argument....after all, the reference to 4 AWG protection against physical damage is reserved for a grounding electrode conductor.....not an electrode....right?
Thanks to all who are joining in. Please keep in mind that this is a light-hearted debate and I am just interested to hear everyone's opinions. I mean no offense in anything I say; therefore, I hope no one will take offense.
TXInspect