Overview

Many updates to the NEC are made to clarify disputes commonly encountered in the field. Other changes can be made to simply remove options or requirements that require equipment that simply does not exist. Both of these cases can be found in updated Section 250.70 in the 2023 NEC. Section 250.70 covers Grounding and Grounding Conductor Connection to Electrodes. One outdated method of connection to these electrodes has been removed, as such a connection method did not exist, and clarification was added regarding the use of connections or fittings listed for direct burial.

Applying the 2023 Code

Section 250.70, which covers Grounding and Bonding Conductor Connection to Electrodes, has been substantially revised in the 2023 NEC. Previously, the section consisted of four list items. These list items have been eliminated, and the section has been split into two subsections. Subsection (A) covers the general requirements, and subsection (B) covers indoor communication systems. A new informational note has been added which clarifies that if a fitting or connector is listed for direct burial, it is automatically listed/suitable for use for concrete encasement. Finally, because no pipe fitting, pipe plug, or other approved device that screws into a pipe or pipe fitting exists, so this option has been removed. Moving forward, the new layout of Section 250.70 will make navigation much clearer. The new informational note will clear up any disputes in the field regarding fittings used in concrete encasement installations.

What’s New for the 2023 NEC?

2020 NEC

In the 2020 NEC Section 250.36 read as follows (excluding informational note):

250.70 Methods of Grounding and Bonding Conductor Connection to Electrodes.
The grounding or bonding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode by exothermic welding, listed lugs, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means. Connections depending on solder shall not be used. Ground clamps shall be listed for the materials of the grounding electrode and the grounding electrode conductor and, where used on pipe, rod, or other buried electrodes, shall also be listed for direct soil burial or concrete encasement. Not more than one conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode by a single clamp or fitting unless the clamp or fitting is listed for multiple conductors. One of the following methods shall be used:
(1) A pipe fitting, pipe plug, or other approved device screwed into a pipe or pipe fitting
(2) A listed bolted clamp of cast bronze or brass, or plain or malleable iron
(3) For indoor communications purposes only, a listed sheet metal strap-type ground clamp having a rigid metal base that seats on the electrode and having a strap of such material and dimensions that it is not likely to stretch during or after installation
(4) An equally substantial approved means

2023 NEC

In the 2023 NEC Section 250.36 reads as follows (excluding informational note):

250.70 Methods of Grounding and Bonding Conductor Connection to Electrodes.
(A) General.
The grounding or bonding conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode by exothermic welding, listed lugs, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or other listed means. Connections depending on solder shall not be used. Ground clamps shall be listed for the materials of the grounding electrode and the grounding electrode conductor and, if used on pipe, rod, or other buried electrodes, shall also be listed for direct soil burial or concrete encasement. Not more than one conductor shall be connected to the grounding electrode by a single clamp or fitting unless the clamp or fitting is listed for multiple conductors.

(B) Indoor Communications Systems.
For indoor communications purposes only, a listed sheet metal strap-type ground clamp having a rigid metal base that seats on the electrode and having a strap of such material and dimensions that it is not likely to stretch during or after installation shall be permitted.

Informational Note: Listed ground clamps that are identified for direct burial are also suitable for concrete encasement.