Is it permissable to use the rebar electrode as a conductor? Bond a grounding conductor to rebar at one end of a building to service equipment, and at another location bond another grounding conductor from the continuous rebar grid to the water pipe where it enters the building? Using all approved connectors encased in concrete. If this method is approved does a supplemental grounding electrode required, a ground rod perhaps?
Grounding electrode as a conductor
- Thread starter mwe
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bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Grounding electrode as a conductor
I believe section 250.64(F) permits your installation. I do not believe a supplemental electrode will be required. The concrete-encased will serve as the water pipe supplement.
I believe section 250.64(F) permits your installation. I do not believe a supplemental electrode will be required. The concrete-encased will serve as the water pipe supplement.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Re: Grounding electrode as a conductor
The 2005 NEC will require a concrete encased ufer ground. 250.50 states "all grounding electrodes described in 250.52....that are present. Then there is an exception for concrete encased electrodes of existing buildings.
The 2005 NEC will require a concrete encased ufer ground. 250.50 states "all grounding electrodes described in 250.52....that are present. Then there is an exception for concrete encased electrodes of existing buildings.
physis
Senior Member
Re: Grounding electrode as a conductor
I'm not sure the rebar grid satisfies the requirements of 250.50.
The electrodes must be bonded together.
Article 100 Bonding (Bonded). The permanemt joining of metalic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
I don't know if a rebar grid could guarranty that the second part of the bonding definition is satisfied. I don't think it wouldn't work but I don't think you can be sure either.
I'm not sure the rebar grid satisfies the requirements of 250.50.
The electrodes must be bonded together.
Article 100 Bonding (Bonded). The permanemt joining of metalic parts to form an electrically conductive path that ensures electrical continuity and the capacity to conduct safely any current likely to be imposed.
I don't know if a rebar grid could guarranty that the second part of the bonding definition is satisfied. I don't think it wouldn't work but I don't think you can be sure either.
charlie
Senior Member
- Location
- Indianapolis
Re: Grounding electrode as a conductor
I agree with Sam and Tom on this one. While this is a great grounding electrode, the performance would be in doubt for carrying a lightning strike, high voltage fault, etc. to another electrode. Article 250 is different from the other articles in that it is ultimately a performance document where the rest of the Code is a prescriptive document.
I agree with Sam and Tom on this one. While this is a great grounding electrode, the performance would be in doubt for carrying a lightning strike, high voltage fault, etc. to another electrode. Article 250 is different from the other articles in that it is ultimately a performance document where the rest of the Code is a prescriptive document.
jtester
Senior Member
- Location
- Las Cruces N.M.
Re: Grounding electrode as a conductor
One feature of the grounding electrode system, and associated bonding, is that it provides an equipotential plane when the utility drops a phase wire on the service neutral, or a fault occurs. At that point, you are like the little bird sitting on a power line. You are energized, but so is everything around you, and at the same voltage.
One feature of the grounding electrode system, and associated bonding, is that it provides an equipotential plane when the utility drops a phase wire on the service neutral, or a fault occurs. At that point, you are like the little bird sitting on a power line. You are energized, but so is everything around you, and at the same voltage.
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