Proper Use of Split Bolt

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SolarMan

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New Orleans, LA, USA
We recently had an inspector tell us that split bolts are not permitted to be used for joining together EGCs or for bonding an EGC to a GEC. Has anyone ever heard of this? (NEC references?)

--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy
New Orleans, LA
 
SolarMan said:
We recently had an inspector tell us that split bolts are not permitted to be used for joining together EGCs or for bonding an EGC to a GEC. Has anyone ever heard of this? (NEC references?)

--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy
New Orleans, LA
Click to expand...

I don't see an issue with either.

If you were trying to connect two lengths of wire together to form a single GEC, it generally has to be irreversible.
 
most split bolts are rated for just two conductors. does the application exceed two conductors ?
also note 250.64(D)(1) requires the tap connector be listed for as grounding & bonding equipment but most if not all are so listed.
 
I bet the inspector is referring to the use of a non reversing splice method which split bolts usually don't qualify for.
Not the first time I've seen or heard of it.
 
mopowr steve said:
I bet the inspector is referring to the use of a non reversing splice method which split bolts usually don't qualify for.
Not the first time I've seen or heard of it.
Click to expand...

What is a "non-reversing splice method"? That is a new term for me.
 
wireman said:
What is a "non-reversing splice method"? That is a new term for me.
Click to expand...


Irreversible is the more commonly used term.


250.64(C) Continuous. Except as provided in 250.30(A)(5) and
(A)(6), 250.30(B)(1), and 250.68(C), grounding electrode
conductor(s) shall be installed in one continuous length
without a splice or joint. If necessary, splices or connections
shall be made as permitted in (1) through (4):

(1) Splicing of the wire-type grounding electrode conductor
shall be permitted only by irreversible compression type
connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment
or by the exothermic welding process.
Click to expand...
 
And it means that you cannot undo it without destroying it or cutting the wire.
A split bolt definitely does not comply (unless you weld or mash the threads?)
 
250.64(C) Continuous. Except as provided in 250.30(A)(5) and
(A)(6), 250.30(B)(1), and 250.68(C), grounding electrode
conductor(s) shall be installed in one continuous length
without a splice or joint. If necessary, splices or connections
shall be made as permitted in (1) through (4):

(1) Splicing of the wire-type grounding electrode conductor
shall be permitted only by irreversible compression type
connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment
or by the exothermic welding process.
Click to expand...
I quote Bob's quote - but also notice it applies to grounding electrode conductors, OP said his inspector was rejecting them for equipment grounding conductor applications - which I feel was wrong as long as long as the split bolt was used for conductor size, type, number of conductors it was listed for.
 
SolarMan said:
We recently had an inspector tell us that split bolts are not permitted to be used for joining together EGCs or for bonding an EGC to a GEC. Has anyone ever heard of this? (NEC references?)

--
Corey Shalanski
Joule Energy
New Orleans, LA
Click to expand...

EGCs can be bonded together with any component or method that is listed for establishing the electrical continuity, and used according to manufacturer's instructions. A split bolt certainly meets this criteria, although a common pitfall with split bolts is using them for more wires than approved. Split bolts are rated for two wires by default unless listed otherwise.

GECs are a different beast, and require an irreversible bond among any junctions or discontinuities. Here, split bolts and just about any mechanical connector, would not qualify.
 
Carultch said:
EGCs can be bonded together with any component or method that is listed for establishing the electrical continuity, and used according to manufacturer's instructions. A split bolt certainly meets this criteria, although a common pitfall with split bolts is using them for more wires than approved. Split bolts are rated for two wires by default unless listed otherwise.

GECs are a different beast, and require an irreversible bond among any junctions or discontinuities. Here, split bolts and just about any mechanical connector, would not qualify.
Click to expand...
Remember the GEC itself is what is required to use irreversible splicing methods, a bonding jumper off the GEC to a secondary electrode or any other item permitted to be attached to the GEC can use reversible methods as long as it doesn't break the GEC as part of the connecting method.
 
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