Concrete-encased electrode vs. cast-in-place concrete reinforcing

[Robert107]

E3608.1 of the Indiana Residential Code states: All electrodes specified in Sections E3608.1.1, E3608.1.2, E3608.1.3, E3608.1.4 E3608.1.5 and E3608.1.6 that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system.
E3608.1.2 of the IRC states: A concrete-encased electrode consisting of not less than 20 feet (6096 mm) of either of the following shall be considered as a grounding electrode:
1. One or more bare or zinc-galvanized or other electrically conductive coated steel reinforcing bars or rods not less than 1/2 inch (13 mm) in diameter, installed in one continuous 20-foot (6096 mm) length, or if in multiple pieces connected together by the usual steel tie wires, exothermic welding, welding, or other effective means to create a 20-foot (6096 mm) or greater length.
2. A bare copper conductor not smaller than 4 AWG.
Metallic components shall be encased by at least 2 inches (51 mm) of concrete and shall be located horizontally within that portion of a concrete foundation or footing that is in direct contact with the earth or within vertical foundations or structural components or members that are in direct contact with the earth.
Where multiple concrete-encased electrodes are present at a building or structure, only one shall be required to be bonded into the grounding electrode system.
GROUNDING ELECTRODE is defined as a conducting object through which a direct connection to earth is established.

QUESTION #1:
By definition are all 1/2" or larger reinforcing steel bars concrete-encased electrodes? If so, then one 20-foot-long section must be bonded to the other components of the grounding electrode system. If not, then the reinforcing is not required to be bonded to the grounding electrode system.

QUESTION #2:
If the reinforcing steel is in the foundation (basement) wall, the interior is not in contact with the ground (obviously), and the exterior is separated from the ground by a plastic damp-proofing liner, is the concrete-encased electrode "in direct contact with the earth"?

 

[infinity]

1) The rebar has to be within the footing to qualify as a CEE
2) The footing has to be in direct contact with the earth so a plastic liner would negate that footing from being part of a CEE.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[roger]

QUESTION #1:
By definition are all 1/2" or larger reinforcing steel bars concrete-encased electrodes? If so, then one 20-foot-long section must be bonded to the other components of the grounding electrode system. If not, then the reinforcing is not required to be bonded to the grounding electrode system.

QUESTION #2:
If the reinforcing steel is in the foundation (basement) wall, the interior is not in contact with the ground (obviously), and the exterior is separated from the ground by a plastic damp-proofing liner, is the concrete-encased electrode "in direct contact with the earth"?

Question #1 It would not have to be one continuous piece
" or if in multiple pieces connected together by the usual steel tie wires, exothermic welding, welding, or other effective means to create a 20-foot (6096 mm) or greater length."

Question#2 As Infinity stated.

 

[Robert107]

Infinity, what do you think about the phrases in E3608.1.2, "within that portion of a concrete foundation or footing" and "within vertical foundations or structural components or members".

Infinity and Roger, you would agree that structural reinforcing is by definition a concrete-encased electrode and as such must be bonded to the grounding electrode system? Assuming the length, encased thickness, and direct contact with the ground.

Thank you for your help, Robert

 

[roger]

See NEC article sections 250.50 and 250.52 if the rebar meets the definition of a CEE it must be used

.

 

[david]

E3608.1 of the Indiana Residential Code states: All electrodes specified in Sections E3608.1.1, E3608.1.2, E3608.1.3, E3608.1.4 E3608.1.5 and E3608.1.6

or within vertical foundations or structural components or members that are in direct contact with the earth

QUESTION #2:
If the reinforcing steel is in the foundation (basement) wall, the interior is not in contact with the ground (obviously), and the exterior is separated from the ground by a plastic damp-proofing liner, is the concrete-encased electrode "in direct contact with the earth"?

There are buildings for example pole barn footings and footings for manufactured homes where the footings are vertical not horizontal.

So when it says vertical it does not mean that would have to be the (foundation) basement wall.

Footings in general are one continues poor below frost for both the horizontal or vertical types