ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Extend pool bonding grid wire

I just found this site the other day and think it’s great to have a place to air some questions and get some insights on code topics.

I have a question regarding the #8 solid bonding conductor for a pool. I have a customer that has an existing pool and the other day moved the pool pump and heater about 30’ away to the back of a pool cabana. He asked me to relocate the electrical to the back of the cabana as well. I’ll be installing a hand hole to make splices and extend the PVC conduits, however my question is how to extend the #8 solid bond wire since it terminated at the pump. As far as I can see the Code says nothing about the bond wire needing to be “unbroken”. The hand book even shows the pump, railings, diving board, etc being tapped from the run around the pool. The only requirement that I can see in the code is to use a listed pressure connector or clamp or exothermic weld. Since I don’t have the exothermic weld tool available can I use a split bolt rated for direct burial and splice a piece of #8. Or how about a UF splice kit – it’s a pressure connector listed for direct burial (or am I misapplying the term pressure connector?) Any thoughts?

Mic.

They use direct burial listed split bolts around here.

Split bolts here in Michigan too.

The bonding conductor is regularly, and legally connected to the pool reinforcing steel with approved clamps causing a 'breaking' or discontinuation of the conductor. Bonding is a means to assure the equipotential of the conductive surfaces in the pool area, and is different from carrying fault current in service equipment. I would use any kind of equal clamping mechanism, such as a split bolt.