I was reviewing some work at a project and noticed how the the GEC was bonded to the water main. I thought it was an awkward method as I've never seen it done this way before. A twin lug was secured to a typical ground clamp. Is this a code compliant installation? I think a ground clamp listed for the 2/0 GEC should have been used. What are your thoughts? See photo.
Approved GEC Bonding Method
- Thread starter Allied
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Massachusetts
I see it often and I don't see any issue with it.
See it far more than I like to. hate it as any movement of the wire tends to loosen the connection but I reluctantly accept it.
There are water pipe clamps on the market that will accommodate a larger wire and do a far better job in doing so (such as Blackburn AJ2). I encourage the use of such clamps and have "converted" several electricians over the years.
There are water pipe clamps on the market that will accommodate a larger wire and do a far better job in doing so (such as Blackburn AJ2). I encourage the use of such clamps and have "converted" several electricians over the years.
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- Location
- Massachusetts
I agree it is nicer.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
No irreversible bond between the two fittings?
You are allowed one connector, not two in series, since neither one directly bridges from the wire to the pipe/electrode?
If this is a GEC it fails. If this is a bond, it is OK.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
If the twin lug was a compression clamp to the wire, I would say OK.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I guess the green tape is supposed to keep you from looking at the poor job that was done. Did the use any staples on the grounding electrode conductor?
- Location
- Massachusetts
jumper
Senior Member
- Location
- 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
How would this really be any different than using an "add a lug" into a busbar to attach a conductor?
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
1. Not a GEC?
2. If a GEC there is the provision about extending via a busbar to wiggle around.
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
Simple enough, but without section citations:You will need to show me that rule.
A grounding pipe clamp is listed for attaching a GEC to a pipe, not for attaching a lug attached to a GEC to a pipe.
I would guess that since the pipe clamp used does not have a place to attach a wire directly it is not in fact a listed or recognized ground clamp under NEC.
If the pipe clamp does have a wire connection point and you do not use it you are violating the installation instructions.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Well seeing as you can't provide a code section and this is a common method in my area and seemingly other areas as well we will have to remain in disagreement.
The only problem I see is what Gus pointed out about the fact it can loosen if disturbed. But the same can be (and has been) said about the common acorn connection to a ground rod
- Location
- Placerville, CA, USA
- Occupation
- Retired PV System Designer
And my reply to that is that the acorn connector is listed/identified AND it captures the wire directly. So there is just one assembly that links the two components.
As for the inspectors generally accepting it, that is a great convenience for those who work in those areas, I am sure. But the real world has no backward influence on the NEC.
Here's the pertinent Code...And my reply to that is that the acorn connector is listed/identified AND it captures the wire directly. So there is just one assembly that links the two components.
As for the inspectors generally accepting it, that is a great convenience for those who work in those areas, I am sure. But the real world has no backward influence on the NEC.
RICK NAPIER
Senior Member
- Location
- New Jersey
Here we see that as a violation of 110.3 and 250.70. There is not much surface contact to that lug or any certainty that it will hold. When dealing with a grounding electrode you wants to be sure it will hold up to its intended purpose.
mjc763
Member
- Location
- Minneapolis Minnesota
If the wire went to the other side of the meter first that would be OK, I see that as a splice in the GEC. The only reason or for going around the meter is to bond interior metal water, it's not part of the electrode. I also agree its a violation of 110.3.
- Location
- Massachusetts
Where did you find out the 'required contact area'?
- Location
- Massachusetts
The electrode extends 5' in regardless of the meter position.
mjc763
Member
- Location
- Minneapolis Minnesota
I respectfully disagree. The electrode does not extend 5' from grade, the electrode is underground, however the first 5' entering the structure can be used as a conductor to attach to the electrode. I do agree that meter position does not matter. Question, if we were to just attach on the supply the side of the meter then there would be no need to bond around it, correct? My understanding is that it's always bonded round anyways because that is the easiest spot for bonding the interior metal water pipes.
electricalist
Senior Member
- Location
- dallas tx
When weg get into o size gec its hard to find the clamp that fits a 4 or 6 " water pipe and the gec termination point be any bigger than awg 1 or 2. I may be mistaken by memory , but I think we put the bolt for tightining the clamp through the lug then through the clamp with lock washer and nut .. on the clamp side that doesnt open. When the crimp tool is there . I have seen it crimped down to 100 a wire size. Although from what is being posted gec s cant be connector to connector.
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