Thread: Ufer ground

In concrete construction I may come across 2 aluminium conductors at the water main pipe.
One attached to the water pipe at the sub-out, the service ground, the other exposed several inches but not connected to the main water pipe.
My questions are, would this be a Ufer visual verification point.
If so do you address the conductor in the report.
Thanks in advance.
grounding conductor.jpg

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If they're aluminum, it is a code violation. Ufers should be terminated at the service disconnect.
They look like copper to me.

Brad thank you.
I concur. It certainly looks like copper.
The patina on the copper had me confused.

Aluminium feeds are typical in developments in my neck of the woods.
Time to open dead fronts again when I can.
Best regards.

Robert,

I don't know about Que. but in Ontario Aluminum is not used for grounding only copper as aluminum is prone to corrosion. They do use aluminum for feeders from the street though since copper is pretty pricey.

Judging by the valve that's an older incoming water line and me thinks that you likely have grounding rods used rather than Uffer or they used the incoming water line for ground.

Is there a requirement that the wire be solid???

Its all stranded.

Originally Posted by Garry Sorrells

Is there a requirement that the wire be solid???

I recall asking that same question a number of years ago and the answer was no. The wire gauge is the important part. Unfortunately, I am buried right now and do not have time to look it up for you.

According to the Cdn Elect. Code

1. The conductor must be bare
2. Conductor must be copper
3. Two ground rods minimum, sometimes more may be required.
4. Ten feet apart

Six ga. is minimum or larger to connect the ground rods together and back to service panel.

For water piping -

Ten feet is required of continuously conductive metal water piping system that is located underground at least 24 inches below finished grade.

Concrete Encased Electrode -

1. Single copper conductor
2. Four ga. or larger
3. At least 20 ft. long (min.) but can be longer

Sections above were taken from PS KNIGHT Electrical Code Simplified based on 22nd Edition of Ont. Elec. Safety Code.

Originally Posted by Raymond Wand

According to the Cdn Elect. Code

1. The conductor must be bare
2. Conductor must be copper
3. Two ground rods minimum, sometimes more may be required.
4. Ten feet apart

Six ga. is minimum or larger to connect the ground rods together and back to service panel.

For water piping -

Ten feet is required of continuously conductive metal water piping system that is located underground at least 24 inches below finished grade.

Concrete Encased Electrode -

1. Single copper conductor
2. Four ga. or larger
3. At least 20 ft. long (min.) but can be longer

Sections above were taken from PS KNIGHT Electrical Code Simplified based on 22nd Edition of Ont. Elec. Safety Code.

Thanks, in my files.
Everyone, much thanks.

Raymond Wand! I am truly surprised at you. Sections above were taken from PS KNIGHT Electrical Code and not the CSA electrical safety standard? ha ha ha!!!!
Good on you mate!