GEC splice

nizak

Senior Member
Can an existing GEC be spliced with a split bolt in order to get it to reach the service disconnect?

There is already a continuous GEC from the service disconnect to the newly installed ground rods.

The existing GEC that is too short ( but yet accessible enough to bug onto runs through a crawl space that’s not accessible and attaches to the incoming copper city water .

I don’t have any irreversible crimps with me.

Thanks
 
Are you asking about code or functionality? As far as performance a split bolt will work until you can go back with something that will satisfy the code
 
Are you asking about code or functionality? As far as performance a split bolt will work until you can go back with something that will satisfy the code
Asking about code. Leaving it with a split bolt as a permanent fix.
 
If you have a GEC to 2 grounds rods, then I believe your conductor to the water line could be a bonding jumper, and therefore not subject to the limitations of a GEC.
 
Can an existing GEC be spliced with a split bolt in order to get it to reach the service disconnect?

There is already a continuous GEC from the service disconnect to the newly installed ground rods.

The existing GEC that is too short ( but yet accessible enough to bug onto runs through a crawl space that’s not accessible and attaches to the incoming copper city water .

I don’t have any irreversible crimps with me.

Thanks
It only has to be continuous to the first rod. Anything past that can be spliced.
 
Is the wayer pipe an electrode (portion outside the house is metal in the earth for at least 10 feet)? And what size is the wire to your rods?

Id argue the GEC is one of the electrode conductors that is the largest required one. All the others are bonding jumpers which can be spliced. If all the wires are the same size, i would say your GEC is the unspliced one to the first rod. If the water pipe is an electrode and has a larger wire than the wire to the rods, Id argue the water pipe is your GEC and needs an irreversible splice.
 
It only has to be continuous to the first rod. Anything past that can be spliced.
If I understand the OP, he is not extending it to the rods, he wants to extend it to the panel which I believe would need to be irreversible. I agree that if he extends it to the rods, it does not need to be.

Mark
 
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