Grounding connections

[mcbane]

A question for the electrically inclined:

I am about to submit permit docs for a pre-engineered metal building. I need to install the grounding system when the footings are poured. The code is pretty clear that splices in the grounding conductor need to be mechanical, irreversible and I have the tool to do that.

My question is: is there any value in using irreversible connections at points where rebar and ground rods are connected? The code allows screw clamps at those points as long as they are "DB" rated and the irreversible lugs are costly.

Besides meeting electric code, my priorities are 1) suppress Emi problems associated with running a TIG high frequency starter in a metal building, and 2) lightning (but I hope lightning would prefer to hit a nearby 100 ft tree than my 35 ft metal building).

 

[tyme2par4]

A question for the electrically inclined:

I am about to submit permit docs for a pre-engineered metal building. I need to install the grounding system when the footings are poured. The code is pretty clear that splices in the grounding conductor need to be mechanical, irreversible and I have the tool to do that.

My question is: is there any value in using irreversible connections at points where rebar and ground rods are connected? The code allows screw clamps at those points as long as they are "DB" rated and the irreversible lugs are costly.

Besides meeting electric code, my priorities are 1) suppress Emi problems associated with running a TIG high frequency starter in a metal building, and 2) lightning (but I hope lightning would prefer to hit a nearby 100 ft tree than my 35 ft metal building).

I think you need to correct your third sentence. There is no such thing as mechanical and irreversible. Irreversible connections are either crimp or exothermic.
Is there a value in irreversible at other points? Sure. Compression connections are a much tighter and better connection. I would rather use them if you have the option.

 

[joe_padavano]

I think you need to correct your third sentence. There is no such thing as mechanical and irreversible. Irreversible connections are either crimp or exothermic.

As an engineer, I would call a crimp connection "mechanical" as opposed to welding or solder.

 

[Gummi Bear]

You can also Cadweld your connection to the rebar and ground rod.

Some municipalities require this.

There are clamps made and listed to clamp your grounding conductors to rebar.




I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately...

Henry David Thoreau

 

[Norcal]

I think you need to correct your third sentence. There is no such thing as mechanical and irreversible. Irreversible connections are either crimp or exothermic.
Is there a value in irreversible at other points? Sure. Compression connections are a much tighter and better connection. I would rather use them if you have the option.

Crimped connections are irreversible,as would a exothermic, unlike a set screw connection.

 

[tyme2par4]

As an engineer, I would call a crimp connection "mechanical" as opposed to welding or solder.

Crimp connections are known as compression in the industry. Mechanical connections are anything secured with a screw or fastener.

You can also Cadweld your connection to the rebar and ground rod.

Some municipalities require this.

There are clamps made and listed to clamp your grounding conductors to rebar.

Cadweld is Exothermic.