K8MHZ
Senior Member
- Occupation
- Electrician
So could I take a plate and bend it at a 90 degree angle?
Can we bend a rod or a pipe at a 90 degree angle?
I don't see where the NEC prohibits either. Great question!
So could I take a plate and bend it at a 90 degree angle?
Can we bend a rod or a pipe at a 90 degree angle?
I don't see where the NEC prohibits either. Great question!
RE: Bending electrodes
Could we bend a 10 foot rod into a corkscrew so it could be twisted instead of driven in?
Kind of like this, only bigger
View attachment 6963
There is that pesky 45 degree rule.
the code requires it be driven in. I don't think twisting it in counts.
A recent example was the development of AFCI technology. UL simply refused to act on this technology until after the patent owners surrendered their rights to the 'public domain.'
I will tell you point blank, right now, that UL is NOT going to develop a standard or create a listing for anything that is patent-protected. UL will NOT become party to a proprietary marketing scheme.
A recent example was the development of AFCI technology. UL simply refused to act on this technology until after the patent owners surrendered their rights to the 'public domain.' Only then would UL consider examining the concept.
UL is simply not in the business of protecting your business model.
Finally, no matter what UL says, it has no authority to over-rule any code, standard, or law. All UL does is give their independent opinion that a product meets a safety-related standard.
Case in point: UL lists NM cable. You still cannot use NM in places that do not allow it.
Regarding the corkscrew / bent plate discussion ... look to the "Ufer" for guidance.
Code only states the amount of metal in contact with the concrete .... your electrode need not be straight, can even be a coil.
The Ufer also gives us an indication of what the OP needs to do. He needs to present the code panel with substantiation that his electrode performs at least as well as any recognized electrode, and get the panel to recognize his method. Only then can he ask UL to evaluate his product.
UL tests and lists more than just electrical items. Why would you need to get code panels to recognize a product before UL will evaluate it? I would think it would be just the opposite. If a NRTL recognizes a product can perform a specific duty that a code panel will be more willing to accept the use of it.
If the OP has a product that does what he claims there is no reason he can't take it to a NRTL and get it recognized by them. It would not be the first time someone has made or improved something and won't be the last. If he gets it listed Don is right - no code change is necessary it will be "other listed electrodes". Doesn't mean that in the future this particular electrode can't get specific mention, but until then it will still be allowed if listed.
Where is the phrase "other listed electrode" in the code?
the code requires it be driven in. I don't think twisting it in counts.
It would be irresponsible for UL to 'approve' things that are not allowed. .
Twisting is OK. You can also lay it in a trench. As long as the rod makes contact with the earth.
Don said in post 20 it is in 250.52(A)(6). I checked and that is what I see there (2011 NEC)
something new I think.