Grounding Equipment
Ground rods shall have a copper surface over a steel center 19 mm (3/4 in) in diameter (Copper-weld type). When rods longer than 3 m (10 ft) are required, threaded 3 m (10 ft) long rod sections shall be joined using threaded couplings. The contractor shall provide all driving studs for all ground rods.
Ground wire shall be made of bare, soft-drawn stranded copper with a conductivity of 100% International Annealed Copper Standard (IACS) (20°C). Refer to the contract drawings for conductor sizes.
All splices and connections, unless indicated otherwise, shall be made using a connection method from one of the following manufactures. No Substitutions.
- Cadweld process as manufactured by ERICO Products, Inc.
- Burndy “HYGROUNDTM” compression system. Calibration tests shall be done on the compression tool before using each day; records of test shall be forwarded to Air Products site personnel. Use only Burndy tools for crimps.
- Panduit “STRUCTUREDGROUNDTM” Direct Burial Compression Grounding System. Calibration tests shall be done on the compression tool before using each day; records of test shall be forwarded to Air Products site personnel. Crimps shall use the 3-step enhanced process to meet IEEE Std 837. Use only Panduit dies and approved tools.
Where above ground connections cannot be made using the exothermic welding process (for example, aluminum structures, building columns under 6 mm (1/4″) thick, motors, and equipment with bolted ground pads), connections shall be made with copper compression terminal lugs. Refer to paragraphs 4.10.3.1 and 4.10.3.2 for lug requirements.