Irreversible ground splices

[peakbagger]

This is a general rant. The biggest PITA I have has in my recent PV installation are irreversible ground splices. The local electricians and electrical supply house just sort of chuckle when I mention I need them and they universally suggest split bolts (which don't meet the code). Its a rural area but they are supposed to be working to NEC 2011. I ended up ordering burndy's at an obscene cost and now have to beg or borrow a tool to set the splices. I do have a cheap hydraulic crimper and may end up grinding out one of the die heads to match the profile to crimp the darn things.

Definitely one of those details that most folks would miss when planning an install

[thastinger]

I feel you on that. I don't get the hydro crimps since the split bolt is what secures the wire to the grounding rod.

[Sunking]

. I don't get the hydro crimps since the split bolt is what secures the wire to the grounding rod.

Not true, Burndy Hygroud has the terminals to crimp to ground rods. Pros use both crompression and thermal welding.

[bcroe]

irreversible ground splices

This is a general rant. The biggest PITA I have has in my recent PV installation are irreversible ground splices. The local electricians and electrical supply house just sort of chuckle when I mention I need them and they universally suggest split bolts (which don't meet the code). Its a rural area but they are supposed to be working to NEC 2011. I ended up ordering burndy's at an obscene cost and now have to beg or borrow a tool to set the splices. I do have a cheap hydraulic crimper and may end up grinding out one of the die heads to match the profile to crimp the darn things.

Definitely one of those details that most folks would miss when planning an install

How about, soldering the split bolt? Bruce Roe

[peakbagger]

I don't think soldering a split bolt would count as in theory it can be "reversed". In industrial applications we always cad welded grounds to building steel.

[inetdog]

I don't think soldering a split bolt would count as in theory it can be "reversed". In industrial applications we always cad welded grounds to building steel.

What about hammering the threads flat?

[peakbagger]

What the heck if an AHJ allows it, anything goes.

[Naptown]

What about a split bolt and spot weld the nut to the bolt?

[peakbagger]

I ended up grinding one of my hand hydraulic crimp dies to match the burndy splices (that my brother and electrician has never seen used) and crimping it. Its not perfect but it is not coming apart!