ufer ground clarification

[shaggy0420]

I live in Hawaii and apparently were still adhering to the 2017 NEC. My question is: for a Ufer ground where the #4 bare copper will be tied into rebar that runs more than 20 feet continuous, does the #4 bare copper itself have to be 20 feet in length? or does it just have to be long enough to tie onto the rebar with the appropriate clamp? and has this changed in the 2 new versions of the NEC since 2017?

 

[infinity]

The GEC isn't even required to be bare when connecting to the CEE so the answer to your question is no. You can use 20' of rebar OR 20' of bare conductor in the footing as the CEE. Since you have the 20' of rebar you only need to connect the GEC to it.

 

[Charged]

What is CEE ?

 

[LarryFine]

What is CEE ?

Concrete-Encased Electrode.

 

[infinity]

Concrete-Encased Electrode.

Correct. Ufer is a slang term that you won't find in the NEC so I avoid using it.

 

[LarryFine]

Ufer is a slang term that you won't find in the NEC so I avoid using it.

I believe it's named after the German guy who came up with the idea.

It's better to poke rebar out than run the copper in, to avoid breakage.

 

[ptonsparky]

Correct. Ufer is a slang term that you won't find in the NEC so I avoid using it.

I believe it's the name of the guy who developed it.

 

[nizak]

Make sure to have the CEE inspected.

I’ve seen inspectors reject it if there’s no record of it being inspected prior to pour.

Around here the Building Inspector works with the E I , he/she looks at it during the footing inspection.

 

[infinity]

Make sure to have the CEE inspected.

I’ve seen inspectors reject it if there’s no record of it being inspected prior to pour.

Around here the Building Inspector works with the E I , he/she looks at it during the footing inspection.

Same here. The guy inspecting the footings will look for the CEE connection. No connection, no pour.