What is your opinion? Am I too picky?

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#1

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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In one of my recent CodeWatch web articles I received an email from the field from one person who said I was too picky!


http://www.gremcoinc.com/

I emailed this link to this company.. ![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

If an inspector gives this the OK I would challenge that approval.



--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

#2

Originally Posted By: rwills
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Joe, I think you have “grounds” to be picky here! (pun intended)!

–
Bob Wills - MAB Chairman


BW Inspection Services


Warminster, Pa.


http://www.bwinspections.com

#3

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Thanks Pun Accepted! You made my day!!


![icon_lol.gif](upload://zEgbBCXRskkCTwEux7Bi20ZySza.gif)

Joe's Electrical Inspection Pointer:



This is one of the correct types of ground clamps designed for use on a ground rod (electrode). It is usually called an "Acorn" and it can be directly buried in the earth, and in concrete in a concrete encased electrode (Ufer Ground). See the words "Direct Burial" on the clamp.

PS: Make sure the (GEC) Grounding Electrode Conductor is positioned as shown, and not secured under the bolt.

--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

#4

Originally Posted By: Scott Vickrey
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For the amount of work it takes to fix that.


I don’t think that’s too picky.

–
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#5

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Since this is related to our question of the day, I just have to ask. Is the clamp installed incorrectly, or is the wire installed incorrectly! icon_biggrin.gif


Joe Myers

#6

Originally Posted By: Mike Parks
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Joe


While I do not have a reference, doesn't the acorn need to be accessible?

I mean not in concrete.

Mike P.

#7

Originally Posted By: Scott Vickrey
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It’s the wrong clamp. I’m sure that clamp is not listed for use on a ground rod. What’s going to happen to this connection when that steel all thread rusts to crumbs? I can’t tell if that’s copper-clad aluminum wire or not but if it is it’s in violation too. because aluminum and copper-clad aluminum shouldn’t be within 18" of the earth(big ball). Per 2002 NEC Section 250.64(A)

–
Have an electrical question?


A great forum to sharpen your knowledge.


Electrical Knowledge Repository

#8

Originally Posted By: jpeck
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Joe, Scott,


It's the right clamp (well, one of the right types of clamps), however, the installer apparently did not know that the back piece of the clamp gets turned around for smaller diameter ground rods, and left like it is for larger diameter pipes.

If you don't know how to install something, there is a p-r-e-t-t-y g-o-o-d c-h-a-n-c-e that you should not be the one installing it. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida

#9

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


jpeck wrote:
Joe, Scott,

It's the right clamp (well, one of the right types of clamps), however, the installer apparently did not know that the back piece of the clamp gets turned around for smaller diameter ground rods, and left like it is for larger diameter pipes.

If you don't know how to install something, there is a p-r-e-t-t-y g-o-o-d c-h-a-n-c-e that you should not be the one installing it. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)


NOTE: The reversed (smaller) position of the water pipe type of clamp is not designed for use on ground rod electrode, it is designed to be used on "Water Tubing" See the words here: "Copper Water Tubing"



--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
#10

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Joe T.


I am confused.

While working for an electrical distributor for over 5 years, we sold the acorns for 5/8 ground rods and the larger clamps which you have shown for 3/4 ground rods. I had the understanding that the acorn style clamps would not fit on the 3/4 ground rods.

If I am reading your post correctly, the clamp that you have shown is not allowed to be used on ground rods.

While I did not know they were not allowed to be used on ground rods, my question would be is what clamp is used for the 3/4 ground rod?

I know this clamp was used for bonding the panel to the water pipes, but I also had the understanding it was ok to be used on the larger diameter ground rods.

As a matter of point, when I purchased my first home, I installed a new 200 amp CH series panel with a 3/4 X 10 copper ground rod. Since I could not use the acorn clamp, I used one of these. The inspector that inspected the service did not say anything to me when he saw it, and I know he saw it, it was directly below the electric meter and above the ground, since they are not rated for direct burial.

What gives?

Joe Myers

#11

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
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Quote:
Clamps are intended for use with rod and/or pipe electrodes in accordance
with the NEC and are marked with the size of electrode and electrode
grounding conductor with which the clamp is intended to be used.
Clamps suitable for use on copper water tubing are marked for such use.


--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm
#12

Originally Posted By: jmyers
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


Ok, so you are saying that they are alright for 3/4 inch copper tubing and 3/4 inch ground rods.


I misunderstood what you were saying.

Joe Myers

#13

Originally Posted By: jtedesco
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


No that’s not what I am saying! The 3/4 inch “Acorn” is available and the clamp in the first picture is not to be used on a rod, it is for a Water Pipe!


![icon_rolleyes.gif](upload://iqxt7ABYC2TEBomNkCmZARIrQr6.gif)

--
Joe Tedesco, NEC Consultant

www.nachi.org/tedescobook.htm

#14

Originally Posted By: jpeck
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.


jtedesco wrote:
NOTE: The reversed (smaller) position of the water pipe type of clamp is not designed for use on ground rod electrode, it is designed to be used on "Water Tubing" See the words here: "Copper Water Tubing"


Apparently not all of them.

http://www.tnb-canada.com/catalogues/pdf/en/iberville_roughing_in/roughing_02_eng.pdf

Note these are shown for use on "Water Pipe" - "1/2 to 1 inch", "Galv. Steel" - "5/8 to 1 inch", and "Copper Clad" - well, copper clad shows "N/A" for size.

I will have to look closer next time I see one, but some apparently are rated and approved for ground rod use, apparently, some may not be rated or approved for that use. Or are they just approved for that in Canada and not the US?

--
Jerry Peck
South Florida