What is the purpose of the PVC sleeve in concrete grounding?

What is the purpose of the PVC sleeve in concrete grounding? - E&S Grounding Ask the Experts

Doug asked:
What is the purpose of PVC sleeves in concrete? Is there any reference material discussing ground wire installation methods in concrete?

Our Answer:

250-23_FINAL_300dpi

The PVC sleeve is a requirement under NEC 250.64(B) for mechanical stress relief of equipment grounding conductors. There is an excellent illustration in the NEC Handbook at 250.52(A)(3) Exhibit 250.23.

We do not recommend PVC sleeves as there are a number of vendors who sell 2 and 4 hole brass bonding plates specifically designed to provide a rebar/concrete interface connection point. A grounding electrode conductor that is broken entering a concrete slab, whether protected by a PVC sleeve or not, will require you to bust the concrete slab up to repair it. A brass plate with bolt holes in it makes for a quick and simple repair. It also allows for future testing as a simple wrench can remove the connections.

Corrosion is not the reason for the PVC sleeve, however it would be advisable to test the concrete prior to pouring to ensure that the pH is slightly on the caustic side. Acids corrode copper, caustics protect.

Note that concrete has a very high level of water content, even when cured as relative humidity levels between 60 to 95% RH are common. Because concrete is so porous and tends to absorb water, vapor barriers are commonly installed between the slab and the earth, so as to prevent water seepage in to a building. In fact, your moisture content in your slab will vary with the seasons. Humidity monitors are sometimes installed directly into concrete slabs for monitoring reasons. This is why concrete will explode if you put a blow torch to it or pass a large electrical current through it, the inherent water in the concrete will turn in to steam, thereby exploding the concrete.

The Engineering Experts at E&S Grounding Solutions

Grounding & Earthing Below-Grade Electrodes, hole brass bonding plates, concrete, mechanical stress relief, PVC Sleeve

Related Posts

Grounding of metal buildings - E&S Grounding Ask the Experts

Grounding of metal buildings

PJ Asked:Inspector requires grounding of metal building, I plan to use a rebar in slab to tie to metal frame in another place?

Read More
How to Ground a Metal Building or Warehouse Properly - E&S Grounding

How do I ground a metal building or metal warehouse with metal...

PJ Inquired:I bought a 40X24 Metal frame with metal sidings building. No Elec or plumb at present, maybe later. Inspector requires grounding Metal Building. 1×5/8”x8’cu clad steel rod ok tied to...

Read More
Can all steel rebar be welded? - E&S Grounding Ask the Experts

Can all steel rebar be welded?

Jeff asked:Can I weld any steel rebar or are there specific grades to look for?Our Answer:Not all rebar can be welded, particularly with the exothermic welding process as it must be able to heat the...

Read More
Grounding and Lightning Protection System | E&S Grounding

Is it ok to connect the lightning protection system to the main...

Romeo Asked:Is it ok to connect the lightning protection system (LPS) to the main grounding system?

Read More