UFER - Multiple Connection Points?

[kingshootr]

I'll be pouring a foundation and slab for a new shop that will also be where I listen to a scanner.

I'll be using a UFER ground for the electrical, embedded into the foundation pour. Is it possible/legal/inadvisable to have 3 connection points at different places along the wire? The "normal" one for the panel, but 2 others for eventual antenna installations.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

I would recommend a ground rod in addition to the UFER ground for each of your 2 antenna installations in addition the utility ground.

I have a situation here where I need to extend my grounding system to other side of the house. Per R56 I am adding an 8 foot ground rod every 16 feet of the horizontal run of the new buried ground wire.

If I were to install a new home, I would go with UFER like you plan as it is more effective than a buried conductor. But I would still have ground rods at any potential entry points. All of course tied to the utility ground for equi-potential.

My new deck footer has an UFER in its pour. But still tied to a ground rod nearby for a sub panel.

I probably don't need to mention it, but never remove the existing utility ground. It is dangerous. Even if you think it is substandard, drive the new rods, etc., and hook up the UFER to the existing point with a clamp. You might put a meter between the two before you make the permanent connection. You will find some current flowing, maybe even from a next door neighbor or pole transformer. Add a nearby lightning strike and you can picture the need for bonding everything.

 

[mmckenna]

Should be fine. Just make sure the rod guys bond everything appropriately.

You may still want to add a ground rod at the base of your antenna mast and make sure that is bonded to your primary ground. Lightning is no joke, and having a tall steel mast sticking up on the side of a hill can be an issue.

Also remember, it's not just direct strikes that you have to contend with. Even nearby strikes can induce a lot of energy into towers, coax, antennas to do damage.

 

[RFI-EMI-GUY]

Should be fine. Just make sure the rod guys bond everything appropriately.

You may still want to add a ground rod at the base of your antenna mast and make sure that is bonded to your primary ground. Lightning is no joke, and having a tall steel mast sticking up on the side of a hill can be an issue.

Also remember, it's not just direct strikes that you have to contend with. Even nearby strikes can induce a lot of energy into towers, coax, antennas to do damage.

Yeah I am still working through my lightning strike 2 years ago. No radios hurt, but other stuff and it was an eye opener that my sprinkler system controls were so vulnerable and could cause lightning to enter the far side of the house.

 

[kingshootr]

Excellent. As always, your expertise and responses are greatly appreciated.

I'll have hope there isn't rock where the rods would need to go. It's hit or miss in this area as to how deep you can go before hitting some. That's why UFER is a godsend in my case.