Ufer connection point

[nizak]

I am looking for suggestions on the most effective way to run a Grounding electrode conductor to the footing re bar.

400 amp meter base supplying 2 -200amp load centers.

Our utility will not allow the #4 Cu conductor to enter the meter socket. Is there any reason why the conductor can't be attached to the exterior of the socket with an approved lug?

This would eliminate running individual conductors from each load Center to the rebar.

 

[infinity]

You have some options.

 

[necGuru]

I believe it would be permissible to run the UFER up and into the first means of disconnect, without spice or joint. Then 250.64(D)(1) would simply let one make a "tap" and run it into the second means of disconnect. I'm using the 2017. This is probably the quickest, easiest and cleanest way. The connector that you use to make the tap must be listed for grounding and bonding (250.8).

 

[infinity]

I believe it would be permissible to run the UFER up and into the first means of disconnect, without spice or joint. Then 250.64(D)(1) would simply let one make a "tap" and run it into the second means of disconnect. I'm using the 2017. This is probably the quickest, easiest and cleanest way. The connector that you use to make the tap must be listed for grounding and bonding (250.8).

You could also run a GEC to the location of the multiple service disconnects and tap off of that with individual bonding jumpers using split bolts connectors.

 

[texie]

I am looking for suggestions on the most effective way to run a Grounding electrode conductor to the footing re bar.

400 amp meter base supplying 2 -200amp load centers.

Our utility will not allow the #4 Cu conductor to enter the meter socket. Is there any reason why the conductor can't be attached to the exterior of the socket with an approved lug?

This would eliminate running individual conductors from each load Center to the rebar.

You must connect a GEC to the grounded conductor per 250.24. Connecting to the enclosure would not be compliant. Do as the others have already described.

 

[GoldDigger]

You could also run a GEC to the location of the multiple service disconnects and tap off of that with individual bonding jumpers using split bolts connectors.

Note that the GEC needs to be continuous or irreversibly spliced all the way to one of the points where it is bonded to the neutral. All the other bond points are then connected with bonding jumpers, which avoids the need to use an irreversible connection means to the first GEC. In some cases you may be able to use a bus bar as part of the interconnection.
I am not convinced that a standalone bus bar or set of split bolt connections with no bond point connected directly to a continuous GEC would be compliant.

 

[infinity]

Note that the GEC needs to be continuous or irreversibly spliced all the way to one of the points where it is bonded to the neutral. All the other bond points are then connected with bonding jumpers, which avoids the need to use an irreversible connection means to the first GEC. In some cases you may be able to use a bus bar as part of the interconnection.
I am not convinced that a standalone bus bar or set of split bolt connections with no bond point connected directly to a continuous GEC would be compliant.

Taps to the GEC are permitted and are not required to be irreversible. The GEC does not need to terminate on the grounded conductor. {250.64(D)(1)}.

From the NECH:

 

[Hacky]

I don't believe the code is clear enough on this issue and I wish they would add clarification. I have had many inspectors say that the tap needed to be irreversible in the case of 2/3-family house GEC and bonding jumper/s. I even showed them the image posted above, but it is not clear either way. Even the Moderator in Chief of this forum says that it needs to be irreversible.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Hacky, the chief moderator is not the final interpretation. There are many here who know a lot more than I do. The chief is just a title...LOL