Ufer and Ground Rods

[Kenkamba]

IF the code only requires an Uffer ground or if not possible then ground rods at the main service, then why do electrical engineer's show both Uffer and ground rods on their single line for a new construction single-family residence?

 

[tom baker]

1.The cult of ground rods.
2. Often electrical specs are cut and pasted for generations
3. Avoid liability
4. Don’t understand the code


Interesting question for sure. Mike Holt has been fighting ground rods at metal lighting poles for 30 years.

 

[augie47]

In our area the utility requires a rod on all meter enclosures regardless of any other electrodes present. It's possible that may apply in your area

 

[rc/retired]

IF the code only requires an Uffer ground or if not possible then ground rods at the main service, then why do electrical engineer's show both Uffer and ground rods on their single line for a new construction single-family residence?

The code does not require a Ufer, concrete encased electrode.
Cookie cutter plans
As Mr. Baker stated, lack of knowledge.

Ron

 

[Elect117]

In California it could be due to the increased use of vapor barriers. I have been in discussions where their use was left off of the plans for the electrical and when the contractor showed up they expected to be able to use the concrete encased electrode + building steel for the dry types in the building.

It ended up being a simple fix to go to the cold water, but there was an issue of who screwed up and who was responsible for the cost to make that correction and blah blah blah.

I imagine it is the same (minus the dry types) for residential.

It is a catch all for if there is a vapor barrier, plastic water piping, etc. That way there is no argument on who messed up and who is paying to make the fix on material, etc.

 

[infinity]

IF the code only requires an Uffer ground or if not possible then ground rods at the main service, then why do electrical engineer's show both Uffer and ground rods on their single line for a new construction single-family residence?

Ignorance or as Tom suggested using both electrodes makes them feel warm and fuzzy. The CEE is only required when the rebar meets the 1/2" or larger and 20' or longer minimum. Since the CEE does not require a supplemental electrode it can stand alone as the sole electrode making up the GES.

 

[Kenkamba]

Thanks everyone.

 

[Murphy79]

IF the code only requires an Uffer ground or if not possible then ground rods at the main service, then why do electrical engineer's show both Uffer and ground rods on their single line for a new construction single-family residence?

They may be giving you options or sometimes you may want to do both and that way you'll have supplemental grounding as required by some jurisdictions. This will ensure that some type of grounding is in place in just case loose one of them for some strange reason.

 

[jaggedben]

... loose one of them for some strange reason.

Lol

No ufer, only ground rods

home owner ripped out Ufer competently digging his trench for his well. I also already had 2 ground rods along with the Ufer. Passed inspection waiting of poco to do there end. My question is with the ufer beging gone will my 2 ground rods be sufficient?

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