Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
This Product MasterSpec Section is licensed by ARCOM to Thomas & Betts Corporation ("Licensee").
This Product MasterSpec Section modifies the original MasterSpec text, and does not include the
full content of the original MasterSpec Section.
Revisions made to the original MasterSpec text are made solely by the Licensee and are not endorsed by,
or representative of the opinions of, ARCOM or The American Institute of Architects (AIA). Neither AIA
nor ARCOM are liable in any way for such revisions or for the use of this Product MasterSpec Section by
any end user. A qualified design professional should review and edit the document to suit project
requirements.
For more information, contact Thomas & Betts Corporation, 8155 T&B Boulevard, Memphis, TN 38125;
Phone: 901-252-5000; Website: www.tnb.com; Technical Questions: Phone: 888-862-3289; Customer
Service: Phone: 800-816-7809; Fax: 800-816-7810; Email: elec_custserv@tnb.com.
For information about MasterSpec contact ARCOM at (800) 424-5080 or visit www.MasterSpec.com.
SECTION 260526 - GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS
TIPS:
To view non-printing Editor's Notes that provide guidance for editing, click on Masterworks/Single-File
Formatting/Toggle/Editor's Notes.
To read detailed research, technical information about products and materials, and coordination
checklists, click on Masterworks/Supporting Information.

PART 1 - GENERAL
SCHEDULE 0 - RELATED DOCUMENTS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Drawings and general provisions of the Contract, including General and
Supplementary Conditions and Division 01 Specification Sections, apply to this Section.
SCHEDULE 1 - SUMMARY
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Section includes grounding and bonding systems and equipment.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Section includes grounding and bonding systems and equipment, plus
the following special applications:
1.1
1.2
1.3

Underground distribution grounding.

Ground bonding common with lightning protection system.
Foundation steel electrodes.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 1

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
SCHEDULE 2 - ACTION SUBMITTALS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Product Data: For each type of product indicated.
SCHEDULE 3 - INFORMATIONAL SUBMITTALS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - As-Built Data: Plans showing dimensioned as-built locations of
grounding features specified in "Field Quality Control" Article, including the following:
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5

Test wells.
Ground rods.
Ground rings.
Grounding arrangements and connections for separately derived systems.
<Insert items>.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Qualification Data: For testing agency and testing agency's field
supervisor.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Field quality-control reports.
SCHEDULE 4 - CLOSEOUT SUBMITTALS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Operation and Maintenance Data: For grounding to include in
emergency, operation, and maintenance manuals.
0.1

In addition to items specified in Section 017823 "Operation and Maintenance Data,"

include the following:
A.

Instructions for periodic testing and inspection of grounding features at [test wells]
[ground rings] [grounding connections for separately derived systems] <Insert
locations> based on [NETA MTS] [NFPA 70B] <Insert reference>.
1.
2.

Tests shall determine if ground-resistance or impedance values remain

within specified maximums, and instructions shall recommend corrective
action if values do not.
Include recommended testing intervals.

SCHEDULE 5 - QUALITY ASSURANCE

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Testing Agency Qualifications: Member company of NETA or an
NRTL.
0.1

Testing Agency's Field Supervisor: Certified by NETA to supervise on-site testing.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as
defined in NFPA 70, by a qualified testing agency, and marked for intended location and
application.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 2

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Comply with UL 467 for grounding and bonding materials and
equipment.
PART 2 - PRODUCTS
SCHEDULE 0 - MANUFACTURERS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements,
provide Thomas & Betts Corporation product listed below or comparable product by one of the
following:
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
0.10

Burndy; Part of Hubbell Electrical Systems.

Dossert; AFL Telecommunications LLC.
ERICO International Corporation.
Fushi Copperweld Inc.
Galvan Industries, Inc.; Electrical Products Division, LLC.
Harger Lightning & Grounding.
ILSCO.
O-Z/Gedney; an EGS Electrical Group brand.
Robbins Lightning, Inc.
Siemens Power Transmission & Distribution, Inc.

SCHEDULE 1 - SYSTEM DESCRIPTION

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Electrical Components, Devices, and Accessories: Listed and labeled as
defined in NFPA 70, by a qualified testing agency, and marked for intended location and
application.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Comply with UL 467 for grounding and bonding materials and
equipment.
SCHEDULE 2 - CONDUCTORS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Insulated Conductors: [Copper] [or] [tinned-copper] wire or cable
insulated for 600 V unless otherwise required by applicable Code or authorities having
jurisdiction.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Bare Copper Conductors:
1.1
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6

Solid Conductors: ASTM B 3.

Stranded Conductors: ASTM B 8.
Tinned Conductors: ASTM B 33.
Bonding Cable: 28 kcmil, 14 strands of No. 17 AWG conductor, 1/4 inch (6 mm) in
diameter.
Bonding Conductor: No. 4 or No. 6 AWG, stranded conductor.
Bonding Jumper: Copper tape, braided conductors terminated with copper ferrules; 1-5/8
inches (41 mm) wide and 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 3

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
1.7

Tinned Bonding Jumper: Tinned-copper tape, braided conductors terminated with copper
ferrules; 1-5/8 inches (41 mm) wide and 1/16 inch (1.6 mm) thick.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Grounding Bus: Predrilled rectangular bars of annealed copper, [1/4 by
4 inches (6.3 by 100 mm)] <Insert dimensions> in cross section, with 9/32-inch (7.14-mm)
holes spaced 1-1/8 inches (28 mm) apart. Stand-off insulators for mounting shall comply with
UL 891 for use in switchboards, 600 V and shall be Lexan or PVC, impulse tested at 5000 V.
SCHEDULE 3 - CONNECTORS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Listed and labeled by an NRTL acceptable to authorities having
jurisdiction for applications in which used and for specific types, sizes, and combinations of
conductors and other items connected.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Welded Connectors: Exothermic-welding kits of types recommended
by kit manufacturer for materials being joined and installation conditions.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Beam Clamps: Mechanical type terminal, ground wire access from four
directions, with dual, tin-plated or silicon bronze bolts.
2.1 Type TGC.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [IBG20-40][IBG2-10]
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Bus-Bar Connectors: Compression type, copper or copper alloy, with
two wire terminals.
3.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation [TBGS58][TBGS38][TBGS34].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 4 - Cable to Cable Connectors: Compression type, copper or copper alloy
connectors.
4.1 Easy Ground Figure 6 Connector.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [54885][54855][54860][54890][54895].
4.2 Easy Ground Figure 8 Connector.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [GR34-40250][GR58-202].
4.3 Easy Ground C-Taps.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [CTP22][CTP25020][CTP250250][CTP202]
[CTP2020].
4.4 Easy Ground C-Crimps.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 5 - Cable Tray Ground Clamp; Mechanical type, zinc-plated malleable
iron.
5.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation [3888][3844][10103-TB][3826].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 6 - Conduit Hubs: Mechanical type, terminal with threaded hub.
6.1 Malleable iron.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 4

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
A.
6.2

Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide

Thomas & Betts Corporation [3930][3940][3951][3950].
Type CH cast bronze.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [CH12][CH34][CH1BB].

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 7 - Ground Rod Clamps: Mechanical type, copper or copper alloy, terminal
with [hex head bolt] [socket set screw].
7.1 Type JAB.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [JAB34C][JAB58HP][JAB58H][JAB58][JAB34H]
[JAB12H][JAB1H][TGC][JWR].
7.2 Type GG and GGH.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [GG34H][GG12H][GG58H].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 8 - Ground Rod Clamps: Mechanical type, copper or copper alloy, terminal
with hex head bolt.
8.1 Type G.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [G6][G5-B1-30][G5][G3][G4].
8.2 Type JWR.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 9 - Lay-in Lug Connector: Mechanical type, [aluminum] [copper rated
for direct burial] terminal with set screw.
9.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation [LL1014][LL2506][LL306][LL414][CULL4-14][CULL4-14TP]
[CULL4-14-B2-10].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 10 - Service Post Connectors: Mechanical type, bronze alloy terminal, in
short- and long-stud lengths, capable of single and double conductor connections.
10.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation [SP3DL-WN][SP3SS][SP4DS][SP4SS][SP5DS][SP5SS][SP6SS]
[SP1SL][SP3SL][SP4DL][SP4SL][SP5DL][SP5SL][SP6DL][SP6DS][SP6SL]
[SP8DL][SP8SL][SP8SS].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 11 - Signal Reference Grid Clamp: Mechanical type, stamped-steel
terminal with hex-head screw.
11.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation [3900][SRG8-4].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 12 - Straps:
12.1 Solid Copper with cast bronze clamp.
12.2 Solid Copper with copper lugs. Rated for 600A.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [FBD12-1][FBD16-1][FBD24-1].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 13 - Tower Ground Clamps: Mechanical type, copper or copper alloy,
terminal [one] [two] -piece clamp.
13.1 Type GTC.
13.2 Type CTG.
GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 5

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 14 - U-Bolt Clamps: Mechanical type, copper or copper alloy, terminal
listed for direct burial.
14.1 Type GUV.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [GUV1384][GUV15821][GUV584][GUV5825]
[GUV5821][GUV4025][GUV4021][GUV3025][GUV3021][GUV21225]
[GUV21221][GUV2025][GUV2021][GUV7825][GUV7821][GUV1184]
[GUV13825][GUV15825].
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 15 - Water Pipe Clamps: Mechanical type, two-piece with [zinc-plated]
[stainless-steel bolts].
15.1 U-Bolt Type; [Malleable iron clamp and copper ground connector] [Malleable iron
clamp and copper ground connector rated for direct burial].
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [GTC23][GTC14][GTC13P][GTC24][2-TB][4][3TB][5-TB][6][3908BU][3907BU][3907][3906BU][3905BU][3905-TB][3906-TB]
[3904BU][3904][3903BU][3903][3902BU][3902][3909-TB][3908].
15.2 Tin-plated aluminum.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [CTG250][AJ][AJ-2124][BJ1][AJ-2].
15.3 Die-cast zinc alloy.
15.4 Type JD Cast bronze ground clamp listed for direct burial.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation JD.
15.5 Type J Cast bronze ground clamp.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [J2D][J][J2124][J2BB-B1-5][L185C-1-10][J6][J2BB].
15.6 Type JJB Budget price cast bronze clamp.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation JJR.
15.7 Type JDLI direct burial ground clamp.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [JDLI][JDLI-B1-10][JDLI-1].
15.8 Type JA cast bronze clamp.
15.9 Type JP cast bronze clamp for conduit.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [JP34][JP12][JPS12].
15.10 Type JPT cast bronze clamp for conduit.
SCHEDULE 4 - GROUNDING ELECTRODES
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Ground Rods: Copper-clad steel[, sectional type]; [3/4 inch by 10 feet
(19 mm by 3 m)] [5/8 by 96 inches (16 by 2400 mm)].
0.1 Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide Thomas &
Betts Corporation 7510.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Chemical-Enhanced Grounding Electrodes: Copper tube, straight or Lshaped, charged with [nonhazardous electrolytic chemical salts] <Insert enhancement
material>.
GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 6

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
1.1
1.2

Termination: Factory-attached No. 4/0 AWG bare conductor at least 48 inches (1200 mm)
long.
Backfill Material: Electrode manufacturer's recommended material.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Ground Plates: 1/4 inch (6 mm) thick, hot dipped galvanized.
2.1 Galvanized Ground Plate.
A.
Basis-of-Design Product: Subject to compliance with requirements, provide
Thomas & Betts Corporation [1016BTB-NG][1016TB][1016TB-NG][1016BTB].
PART 3 - EXECUTION
SCHEDULE 0 - APPLICATIONS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Conductors: Install solid conductor for [No. 8] <Insert number> AWG
and smaller, and stranded conductors for [No. 6] <Insert number> AWG and larger unless
otherwise indicated.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Underground Grounding Conductors: Install bare [tinned-]copper
conductor, [No. 2/0] <Insert number> AWG minimum.
1.1
1.2

Bury at least 24 inches (600 mm) below grade.

Duct-Bank Grounding Conductor: Bury 12 inches (300 mm) above duct bank when
indicated as part of duct-bank installation.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Isolated Grounding Conductors: Green-colored insulation with

continuous yellow stripe. On feeders with isolated ground, identify grounding conductor where
visible to normal inspection, with alternating bands of green and yellow tape, with at least three
bands of green and two bands of yellow.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Grounding Bus: Install in electrical equipment rooms, in rooms housing
service equipment, and elsewhere as indicated.
3.1
3.2

Install bus horizontally, on insulated spacers 2 inches (50 mm) minimum from wall, 6
inches (150 mm) above finished floor unless otherwise indicated.
Where indicated on both sides of doorways, route bus up to top of door frame, across top
of doorway, and down; connect to horizontal bus.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 4 - Conductor Terminations and Connections:

4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4

Pipe and Equipment Grounding Conductor Terminations: Bolted connectors.

Underground Connections: Welded connectors except at test wells and as otherwise
indicated.
Connections to Ground Rods at Test Wells: Bolted connectors.
Connections to Structural Steel: Welded connectors.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 7

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
SCHEDULE 1 - GROUNDING AT THE SERVICE
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Equipment grounding conductors and grounding electrode conductors
shall be connected to the ground bus. Install a main bonding jumper between the neutral and
ground buses.
SCHEDULE 2 - GROUNDING SEPARATELY DERIVED SYSTEMS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Generator: Install grounding electrode(s) at the generator location. The
electrode shall be connected to the equipment grounding conductor and to the frame of the
generator.
SCHEDULE 3 - GROUNDING UNDERGROUND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM COMPONENTS
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Comply with IEEE C2 grounding requirements.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Grounding Manholes and Handholes: Install a driven ground rod
through manhole or handhole floor, close to wall, and set rod depth so 4 inches (100 mm) will
extend above finished floor. If necessary, install ground rod before manhole is placed and
provide No. 1/0 AWG bare, tinned-copper conductor from ground rod into manhole through a
waterproof sleeve in manhole wall. Protect ground rods passing through concrete floor with a
double wrapping of pressure-sensitive insulating tape or heat-shrunk insulating sleeve from 2
inches (50 mm) above to 6 inches (150 mm) below concrete. Seal floor opening with
waterproof, nonshrink grout.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Grounding Connections to Manhole Components: Bond exposed-metal
parts such as inserts, cable racks, pulling irons, ladders, and cable shields within each manhole
or handhole, to ground rod or grounding conductor. Make connections with No. 4 AWG
minimum, stranded, hard-drawn copper bonding conductor. Train conductors level or plumb
around corners and fasten to manhole walls. Connect to cable armor and cable shields according
to written instructions by manufacturer of splicing and termination kits.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Pad-Mounted Transformers and Switches: Install two ground rods and
ground ring around the pad. Ground pad-mounted equipment and noncurrent-carrying metal
items associated with substations by connecting them to underground cable and grounding
electrodes. Install tinned-copper conductor not less than No. 2 AWG for ground ring and for
taps to equipment grounding terminals. Bury ground ring not less than 6 inches (150 mm) from
the foundation.
SCHEDULE 4 - EQUIPMENT GROUNDING
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Install insulated equipment grounding conductors with all feeders and
branch circuits.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Install insulated equipment grounding conductors with the following
items, in addition to those required by NFPA 70:
1.1

Feeders and branch circuits.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 8

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
1.2
1.3
1.4
1.5
1.6
1.7
1.8
1.9

Lighting circuits.
Receptacle circuits.
Single-phase motor and appliance branch circuits.
Three-phase motor and appliance branch circuits.
Flexible raceway runs.
Armored and metal-clad cable runs.
Busway Supply Circuits: Install insulated equipment grounding conductor from
grounding bus in the switchgear, switchboard, or distribution panel to equipment
grounding bar terminal on busway.
X-Ray Equipment Circuits: Install insulated equipment grounding conductor in circuits
supplying x-ray equipment.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Air-Duct Equipment Circuits: Install insulated equipment grounding
conductor to duct-mounted electrical devices operating at 120 V and more, including air
cleaners, heaters, dampers, humidifiers, and other duct electrical equipment. Bond conductor to
each unit and to air duct and connected metallic piping.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Water Heater, Heat-Tracing, and Antifrost Heating Cables: Install a
separate insulated equipment grounding conductor to each electric water heater and heat-tracing
cable. Bond conductor to heater units, piping, connected equipment, and components.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 4 - Isolated Grounding Receptacle Circuits: Install an insulated equipment
grounding conductor connected to the receptacle grounding terminal. Isolate conductor from
raceway and from panelboard grounding terminals. Terminate at equipment grounding
conductor terminal of the applicable derived system or service unless otherwise indicated.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 5 - Isolated Equipment Enclosure Circuits: For designated equipment
supplied by a branch circuit or feeder, isolate equipment enclosure from supply circuit raceway
with a nonmetallic raceway fitting listed for the purpose. Install fitting where raceway enters
enclosure, and install a separate insulated equipment grounding conductor. Isolate conductor
from raceway and from panelboard grounding terminals. Terminate at equipment grounding
conductor terminal of the applicable derived system or service unless otherwise indicated.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 6 - Poles Supporting Outdoor Lighting Fixtures: Install grounding
electrode and a separate insulated equipment grounding conductor in addition to grounding
conductor installed with branch-circuit conductors.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 7 - Metallic Fences: Comply with requirements of IEEE C2.
7.1
7.2
7.3

Grounding Conductor: Bare[, tinned] copper, not less than [No. 8] <Insert
number> AWG.
Gates: Shall be bonded to the grounding conductor with a flexible bonding jumper.
Barbed Wire: Strands shall be bonded to the grounding conductor.

SCHEDULE 5 - INSTALLATION
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Grounding Conductors: Route along shortest and straightest paths
possible unless otherwise indicated or required by Code. Avoid obstructing access or placing
conductors where they may be subjected to strain, impact, or damage.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 9

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Ground Bonding Common with Lightning Protection System: Comply
with NFPA 780 and UL 96 when interconnecting with lightning protection system. Bond
electrical power system ground directly to lightning protection system grounding conductor at
closest point to electrical service grounding electrode. Use bonding conductor sized same as
system grounding electrode conductor, and install in conduit.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Ground Rods: Drive rods until tops are 2 inches (50 mm) below
finished floor or final grade unless otherwise indicated.
2.1
2.2

Interconnect ground rods with grounding electrode conductor below grade and as
otherwise indicated. Make connections without exposing steel or damaging coating if
any.
For grounding electrode system, install at least [three] <Insert number> rods spaced at
least one-rod length from each other and located at least the same distance from other
grounding electrodes, and connect to the service grounding electrode conductor.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Test Wells: Ground rod driven through drilled hole in bottom of
handhole. Handholes are specified in Section 260543 "Underground Ducts and Raceways for
Electrical Systems," and shall be at least 12 inches (300 mm) deep, with cover.
3.1

Test Wells: Install at least one test well for each service unless otherwise indicated. Install
at the ground rod electrically closest to service entrance. Set top of test well flush with
finished grade or floor.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 4 - Bonding Straps and Jumpers: Install in locations accessible for
inspection and maintenance except where routed through short lengths of conduit.
4.1
4.2
4.3

Bonding to Structure: Bond straps directly to basic structure, taking care not to penetrate
any adjacent parts.
Bonding to Equipment Mounted on Vibration Isolation Hangers and Supports: Install
bonding so vibration is not transmitted to rigidly mounted equipment.
Use exothermic-welded connectors for outdoor locations; if a disconnect-type connection
is required, use a bolted clamp.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 5 - Grounding and Bonding for Piping:

5.1

5.2
5.3

Metal Water Service Pipe: Install insulated copper grounding conductors, in conduit,
from building's main service equipment, or grounding bus, to main metal water service
entrances to building. Connect grounding conductors to main metal water service pipes;
use a bolted clamp connector or bolt a lug-type connector to a pipe flange by using one of
the lug bolts of the flange. Where a dielectric main water fitting is installed, connect
grounding conductor on street side of fitting. Bond metal grounding conductor conduit or
sleeve to conductor at each end.
Water Meter Piping: Use braided-type bonding jumpers to electrically bypass water
meters. Connect to pipe with a bolted connector.
Bond each aboveground portion of gas piping system downstream from equipment
shutoff valve.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 6 - Bonding Interior Metal Ducts: Bond metal air ducts to equipment
grounding conductors of associated fans, blowers, electric heaters, and air cleaners. Install
[tinned ]bonding jumper to bond across flexible duct connections to achieve continuity.
GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 10

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 7 - Grounding for Steel Building Structure: Install a driven ground rod at
base of each corner column and at intermediate exterior columns at distances not more than 60
feet (18 m) apart.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 8 - Ground Ring: Install a grounding conductor, electrically connected to
each building structure ground rod and to each [steel column] [indicated item], extending
around the perimeter of [building] [area or item indicated].
8.1
8.2

Install tinned-copper conductor not less than [No. 2/0] <Insert number> AWG for
ground ring and for taps to building steel.
Bury ground ring not less than [24 inches (600 mm)] <Insert dimension> from
building's foundation.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 9 - Concrete-Encased Grounding Electrode (Ufer Ground): Fabricate

according to NFPA 70; use a minimum of [20 feet (6 m)] <Insert dimension> of bare copper
conductor not smaller than [No. 4] <Insert number> AWG.
9.1
9.2

If concrete foundation is less than [20 feet (6 m)] <Insert dimension> long, coil excess
conductor within base of foundation.
Bond grounding conductor to reinforcing steel in at least four locations and to anchor
bolts. Extend grounding conductor below grade and connect to building's grounding grid
or to grounding electrode external to concrete.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 10 - Concrete-Encased Grounding Electrode (Ufer Ground): Fabricate

according to NFPA 70; using electrically conductive coated steel reinforcing bars or rods, at
least 20 feet (6.0 m) long. If reinforcing is in multiple pieces, connect together by the usual steel
tie wires or exothermic welding to create the required length.
SCHEDULE 6 - FIELD QUALITY CONTROL
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 0 - Testing Agency: [Owner will engage] [Engage] a qualified testing
agency to perform tests and inspections.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 1 - Manufacturer's Field Service: Engage a factory-authorized service
representative to inspect, test, and adjust components, assemblies, and equipment installations,
including connections.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 2 - Perform tests and inspections.
2.1

Manufacturer's Field Service: Engage a factory-authorized service representative to

inspect components, assemblies, and equipment installations, including connections, and
to assist in testing.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 3 - Tests and Inspections:

3.1
3.2

After installing grounding system but before permanent electrical circuits have been
energized, test for compliance with requirements.
Inspect physical and mechanical condition. Verify tightness of accessible, bolted,
electrical connections with a calibrated torque wrench according to manufacturer's
written instructions.

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 11

Copyright 2011 AIA

MasterSpec Premium
03/11
PRODUCT MASTERSPEC LICENSED BY ARCOM TO THOMAS & BETTS CORPORATION.
3.3

Test completed grounding system at each location where a maximum ground-resistance

level is specified, at service disconnect enclosure grounding terminal[, at ground test
wells][, and at individual ground rods]. Make tests at ground rods before any
conductors are connected.
A.

B.
3.4

Measure ground resistance no fewer than two full days after last trace of
precipitation and without soil being moistened by any means other than natural
drainage or seepage and without chemical treatment or other artificial means of
reducing natural ground resistance.
Perform tests by fall-of-potential method according to IEEE 81.

Prepare dimensioned Drawings locating each test well, ground rod and ground-rod
assembly, and other grounding electrodes. Identify each by letter in alphabetical order,
and key to the record of tests and observations. Include the number of rods driven and
their depth at each location, and include observations of weather and other phenomena
that may affect test results. Describe measures taken to improve test results.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 4 - Grounding system will be considered defective if it does not pass tests
and inspections.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 5 - Prepare test and inspection reports.
PRODUCT DATA SHEET 6 - Report measured ground resistances that exceed the following values:
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7

Power and Lighting Equipment or System with Capacity of 500 kVA and Less: [10]
<Insert value> ohms.
Power and Lighting Equipment or System with Capacity of 500 to 1000 kVA: [5] <Insert
value> ohms.
Power and Lighting Equipment or System with Capacity More Than 1000 kVA: [3]
<Insert value> ohms.
Power Distribution Units or Panelboards Serving Electronic Equipment: [1] [3] <Insert
value> ohm(s).
Substations and Pad-Mounted Equipment: [5] <Insert value> ohms.
Manhole Grounds: [10] <Insert value> ohms.
<Insert application and maximum ground-resistance value> ohms.

PRODUCT DATA SHEET 7 - Excessive Ground Resistance: If resistance to ground exceeds specified
values, notify Architect promptly and include recommendations to reduce ground resistance.
END OF SECTION 260526

GROUNDING AND BONDING FOR ELECTRICAL SYSTEMS

260526 - 12