Concrete Encased Electrode (CEE)
An impromptu learning opportunity arose out of the most recent progress made at the Oakley Home 2.0 project site, which prompted me to do a little research on the history and science behind electric grounding in home construction. The following is what I discovered on the use of 'Concrete Encased Electrodes' (CEE), more commonly referred to as the 'Ufer' ground that is being implemented on this project with the additional run of steel rebar and copper wire placed in the footing keyway.
Named after engineer, Herbert Ufer who recognized the effectiveness of concrete-encased electrode grounding while working as a consultant for the Army in WWII. The Ufer ground is a popular home construction technique that meets electrical code requirements for grounding electrodes, by using extra runs of steel rebar tied to a copper grounding wire that is embedded in concrete footings during foundation construction. The Ufer method offers optimal performance with the the footing around the entire building perimeter providing a large surface area for ground (earth) contact and the concrete itself continuously absorbing moisture through the bottom of the footing, which ensures an effective connection between the footing and the earth. So now you know a little something about Ufer grounding, and if you want to learn more, here is a link.
