Does any one splice or tap to the GEC? What do you use? I'm upgrading a duplex with 100 amp panels side by side in the basement. Rather than run two #6 solid cu from each panel to the ground rods outside, I'd like to run from one panel to the rods. Then run #6 from the 2'nd panel and tap onto the 1'st panel's GEC using irreversible compression-type connectors. I believe this is permitted by NEC 250.64 (C) and (D).
I've checked with 2 supply houses and they evidently do not carry a compression tool or the connectors. Anyone have experience with this?
Donles, Burndy, Thomas & Betts, and Anderson are the ones that make the tools and materials off the top of my head. All of these can be found by a simple web search.
If you quit that solid habit, you can use a Cadweld, made by erico www.erico.com These are reusable for a long time, and do not degrade like crimps or split bolts.
I've found the cost of the T&B tools to be prohibitive for my infrequent use. Although I did see a Penn-Union tool on ebay for what is probably alot less than retail. Minimum bid $99 for a TDM-250 and the auction was winding down.
If you do a search on this site for cad welds you will find a thread that talks about one shot disposable cad welds for $5.00 I have not used them but it sounds like a great deal.
Bob Badger Construction & Maintenance Electrician Massachusetts
I looked at Erico's site for the one-shot, inexpensive cadweld splices. Their site isn't the most user friendly. I did come across mold # PG11L for #4 solid to #4 solid taps but no details. I'll have to call suppliers tomorrow. Thanks.
Couldn't 250.64(D) be used here, and wouldn't that allow the use of something like a split bolt to make a tap to a second enclosure as long as the GEC to the first enclosure meets 250.64(C) and is not spliced where the tap joins?
