Page 735 - 2018_IRC

SERVICES

available in the grounding electrode system where the other Where a raceway is used as protection for a grounding
electrode(s), if any, are connected by bonding jumpers in conductor, the installation shall comply with the requirements
accordance with Section E3608.2, or to one or more ground- of Chapter 38. [250.64(E)(1), (2), (3), (4)]
ing electrode(s) individually. The grounding electrode con- E3610.4 Prohibited use. An equipment grounding conductor
ductor shall be sized for the largest grounding electrode shall not be used as a grounding electrode conductor.
conductor required among all of the electrodes connected to (250.121)
it. [250.64(C)]
Exception: A wire-type equipment grounding conductor
Exception: Splicing of the grounding electrode conductor shall be permitted to serve as both an equipment grounding
by irreversible compression-type connectors listed as conductor and a grounding electrode conductor where
grounding and bonding equipment or by the exothermic installed in accordance with the applicable requirements
welding process shall not be prohibited. [250.64(C)(1)] for both the equipment grounding conductor and the
E3610.2 Securing and protection against physical dam- grounding electrode conductor in Chapters 36 and 39.
age. Where exposed, a grounding electrode conductor or its Where used as a grounding electrode conductor, the wire-
enclosure shall be securely fastened to the surface on which it type equipment grounding conductor shall be installed and
is carried. Grounding electrode conductors shall be permitted arranged in a manner that will prevent objectionable cur-
to be installed on or through framing members. A 6 AWG or rent. [250.121 Exception, 250.6(A)]
larger copper or aluminum grounding electrode conductor not
exposed to physical damage shall be permitted to be run
along the surface of the building construction without metal SECTION E3611
covering or protection. A 6 AWG or larger copper or alumi- GROUNDING ELECTRODE CONDUCTOR
num grounding electrode exposed to physical damage shall CONNECTION TO THE GROUNDING ELECTRODES
be in rigid metal conduit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid E3611.1 Methods of grounding conductor connection to
polyvinyl chloride (PVC), nonmetallic conduit, reinforced electrodes. The grounding or bonding conductor shall be
thermosetting resin (RTRC-XW) nonmetallic conduit, elec- connected to the grounding electrode by exothermic welding,
trical metallic tubing or cable armor. Grounding electrode listed lugs, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps or other
conductors smaller than 6 AWG shall be in rigid metal con- listed means. Connections depending on solder shall not be
duit, intermediate metal conduit, rigid polyvinyl chloride used. Ground clamps shall be listed for the materials of the
(PVC) nonmetallic conduit, reinforced thermoseting resin grounding electrode and the grounding electrode conductor
(RTRC-XW) nonmetallic conduit, electrical metallic tubing and, where used on pipe, rod or other buried electrodes, shall
or cable armor. Grounding electrode conductors and ground- also be listed for direct soil burial or concrete encasement.
ing electrode bonding jumpers in contact with the earth shall Not more than one conductor shall be connected to the
not be required to comply with Section E3803, but shall be grounding electrode by a single clamp or fitting unless the
buried or otherwise protected if subject to physical damage. clamp or fitting is listed for multiple conductors. One of the
[250.64(B)] methods indicated in the following items shall be used:
Bare aluminum or copper-clad aluminum grounding elec- 1. A pipe fitting, pipe plug or other approved device
trode conductors shall not be used where in direct contact screwed into a pipe or pipe fitting.
with masonry or the earth or where subject to corrosive con-
ditions. Where used outside, aluminum or copper-clad alumi- 2. A listed bolted clamp of cast bronze or brass, or plain
num grounding electrode conductors shall not be installed or malleable iron.
within 18 inches (457 mm) of the earth. [250.64(A)] 3. For indoor communications purposes only, a listed
E3610.3 Raceways and enclosures for grounding elec- sheet metal strap-type ground clamp having a rigid
trode conductors. Ferrous metal raceways and enclosures metal base that seats on the electrode and having a strap
for grounding electrode conductors shall be electrically con- of such material and dimensions that it is not likely to
tinuous from the point of attachment to cabinets or equipment stretch during or after installation.
to the grounding electrode, and shall be securely fastened to 4. Other equally substantial approved means. (250.70)
the ground clamp or fitting. Ferrous metal raceways and E3611.2 Accessibility. All mechanical elements used to ter-
enclosures shall be bonded at each end of the raceway or minate a grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper to
enclosure to the grounding electrode or to the grounding elec- the grounding electrodes that are not buried or concrete
trode conductor to create an electrically parallel path. Nonfer- encased shall be accessible. [250.68(A) and 250.68(A) Excep-
rous metal raceways and enclosures shall not be required to tion]
be electrically continuous. Bonding methods in compliance
with Section E3609.4 for installations at service equipment E3611.3 Effective grounding path. The connection of the
locations and with Sections E3609.4.2 through E3609.4.4 for grounding electrode conductor or bonding jumper shall be
other than service equipment locations shall apply at each end made in a manner that will ensure a permanent and effective
and to all intervening ferrous raceways, boxes, and enclo- grounding path. Where necessary to ensure effective ground-
sures between the cabinets or equipment and the grounding ing for a metal piping system used as a grounding electrode,
electrode. The bonding jumper for a grounding electrode con- effective bonding shall be provided around insulated joints
ductor raceway shall be the same size or larger than the and sections and around any equipment that is likely to be
required enclosed grounding electrode conductor. disconnected for repairs or replacement. Bonding jumpers

710 2018 INTERNATIONAL RESIDENTIAL CODE ®
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