Working on a new resi build at the moment. The basement walls have been prebuilt and are setting on a crush/run gravel base. I placed a 5/8" grnd rod under the walls so that we could tie into the rebar. Come to find out, they wont be using any rebar, it will be fiber reinforced concrete. Should I just span a 20 ft piece of #4 copper or do you have any other suggestions. Thanks
Ufer?
- Thread starter mccayry
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
I would just install 2 ground rods and call it a day.
I agree. Why make it any harder than it needs to be.
jumper
Senior Member
- Location
- 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
I would pull the rod and drop in 20' of #4 with enough extra to reach panel. Easier to toss wire in trench than pound/drive 2 rods IMO.
Probably cheaper also.
Probably cheaper also.
I'm a little confused here. OP says basement walls are prebuilt (precast?) and setting on a gravel base... then says they will be using fiber-reinforced concrete. Exactly what is the fiber-reinforced concrete being used for? If basement slab floor, my understanding is it does not qualify as "foundation or footing".
jumper
Senior Member
- Location
- 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
I dunno, I did not read real closely and thought there was a footer. Basement walls on a slab with no footer does not sound right.:?
Yeah, slab does not count for an area for installing a CEE.
I really only meant that a CEE is easier than rods to install IMO.
The problem I have is convincing the AHJ there is 20'. He can see two rods and assumes they are 8' long, but doesn't assume there is 20' of #4.
I went to a meter pedestal a couple of weeks ago to install the service, and the inspector passed the install, even though the rods were only 9" apart. Don't know who built it...(just a side note)
He said walls set on gravel base, so I don't think they set on the floor slab. Not familiar with the design, but I'm thinking the gravel serves as a self-leveling "footing". Likely a typical floor slab.
I gathered that and agree. I only commented because I don't see a yet-to-be-poured concrete foundation or footing in the OP description.
Watched one being installed a couple of years ago. I don't see how it would last being set on gravel, but as usual, change frightens most.
http://www.superiorwalls.com/pdf/Energy_Smart_Foundation_in_Two_Days.pdf
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
I wasn't so sure if there was a poured footing so I suggested the 2 rods but if there is a poured concrete footing I would go with the CEE.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Here the electrical inspector must see the uffer before it is covered.
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician (retired)
Same thing here, usually inspected by the building inspector checking the footing forms before pouring. Having the BI inspect should be a no-brainer but I've had problems with them in the past. :rant:
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