CurrentFlow
Member
- Location
- Florida
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Request for Opinions on NEC 800.100(B)(1)
I’m seeking opinions on NEC 800.100(B)(1), which states:
This seems like an obvious best practice and a clear requirement when practical. However, in large buildings or high-rises, especially those with communications antennas on the roof, connecting to the IBT may require a run of several hundred feet from the antenna entrance.
In such cases, I’ve always connected the arrestor and cable ground kit to building steel using listed irreversible grounding terminals and lugs, provided the building steel meets the criteria in 250.68(C), or alternatively, to an approved EGC.
Logically, it seems building steel would provide a lower impedance path to ground than a 6 AWG conductor running several hundred feet to the IBT. However, 800.100(B)(1) uses “shall be connected” language. The only exception appears to be in 800.100(B)(2), which applies only to buildings without an IBT.
I’ve never had an AHJ question this approach, but a licensed telecom professional recently challenged me on this point. Has anyone else run into this issue or am I reading too far into this section?
I’m seeking opinions on NEC 800.100(B)(1), which states:
This seems like an obvious best practice and a clear requirement when practical. However, in large buildings or high-rises, especially those with communications antennas on the roof, connecting to the IBT may require a run of several hundred feet from the antenna entrance.
In such cases, I’ve always connected the arrestor and cable ground kit to building steel using listed irreversible grounding terminals and lugs, provided the building steel meets the criteria in 250.68(C), or alternatively, to an approved EGC.
Logically, it seems building steel would provide a lower impedance path to ground than a 6 AWG conductor running several hundred feet to the IBT. However, 800.100(B)(1) uses “shall be connected” language. The only exception appears to be in 800.100(B)(2), which applies only to buildings without an IBT.
I’ve never had an AHJ question this approach, but a licensed telecom professional recently challenged me on this point. Has anyone else run into this issue or am I reading too far into this section?
