Are "Ufer" grounds required

[strutaeng]

Hello, I'm doing a large addition to my house working on formwork and steel rebar. I'm going to be pouring soon.

Are Ufer grounds required? I'm under NEC 2017

 

[larry_g]

When I built my building they were not required but optional. If being used they had to be inspected and tagged before the pour. I would suggest that you talk to your inspector.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Does your service already have grounding electrodes?

 

[strutaeng]

Does your service already have grounding electrodes?

Yes, (200A) but because the addition is where the existing power line comes, I'm relocating the meter, powerhead, etc. An electrician came and said he could probably install a new main panel, shift some 220V circuits to the new panel, and make my existing a subpanel. Will need a temp. pole for the switch over...

I just haven't got that far. I will have do this work once new walls are framed.

 

[strutaeng]

I make things more interesting, i had added a subpanel to my detached garage, which is closer to where the new main panel is.

I have natural gas, not a lot of 220V circuits...

 

[n20junkie]

Around here they are mandatory on new builds, but additions with existing panels don’t need them.

Most concrete companies around here install them as standard. I would have the rod tied it, cut it off 3 inches above the pad just in case you need it down the road.

 

[Jim greengo]

If the new service is going to be in the addition I'd go ahead and do it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes, (200A) but because the addition is where the existing power line comes, I'm relocating the meter, powerhead, etc. An electrician came and said he could probably install a new main panel, shift some 220V circuits to the new panel, and make my existing a subpanel. Will need a temp. pole for the switch over...

I just haven't got that far. I will have do this work once new walls are framed.

since youre redoing the main, i would do a UFER and be done with it.

 

[OneOfEm]

Adding an UFER ground was by far one of the easiest parts of laying out rebar in my foundation.

I'm not an electrician, but I think there's something in the code about the UFER connection being accessible. I'm doing surface mount, so mine is coming up just outside of the wall. If this is indeed required, plan accordingly.

I'm sure someone will chime in on this.

 

[Big Dad]

I put one in my foundation, the concrete guy claimed he had not seen one previous

 

[Falcon67]

AHJ has the say (hey, that rhymes). In this city with no amendments, either. I used 20' of copper in the foundation, per NEC recommendation. In Abilene, they require both rods and UFER.

 

[Zeke]

It's too easy not to.

 

[Norcal]

I have heard (but not seen) of some AHJ’s making some folks break out the concrete if they forgot the UFER, ******** but one way to do it. The word would get around pretty quick. It is really pretty simple to do before pouring concrete.