R U S Acceptance Procedures for
(Item ai)

In addition to requirements shown under the general acceptance procedures, the following information is required in a request for initial acceptance of ground rods.

Product Description

The material used and the galvanizing or cladding where applicable, should be identified by ASTM specification numbers. The carbon grade should also be included for rods made of carbon steel. The following lists the various ground rods presently considered for acceptance:

5/8" x 8' (15.9 mm x 2.4 m), 1/2" x 5' (12.7 mm x 1.5 m), 5/8" x 10' (15.9 mm x 3.0 m) sectional, and sectional couplings. Sectional rods and couplings are considered together only. Rods may be made of galvanized steel or copper-covered steel.

Conformance to Standards

For copper-covered ground rods RUS requires the copper jacket thickness to average not less than .015 inch (0.381 mm) on any rod and the minimum jacket thickness should not be less than .013 inch (0.330 mm) at any point on the rod. For galvanized steel rods, hot-dip galvanizing shall meet the requirements of ASTM Specification A 153. Electro-galvanizing shall meet the weight of coating and other applicable requirements in ASTM Specification A 153. The manufacturer should submit an original signature certified testreport including data (for tests conducted within 90 days of submission to RUS) detailing jacket thickness and galvanizing manufacture.

Samples

The manufacturer should submit a sample for each type of ground rod for which acceptance is requested. Samples for each rod preferably should include only short sections from each end. One end of which should include the markings identifying the manufacturer and other information, etc., that would be imprinted on rods supplied under any acceptances which might be issued. One sample of the appropriate sectional coupling for sectional rods should also be submitted.

Questions regarding acceptance of grounding connectors should be addressed to:

Norberto Esteves
norberto.esteves@usda.gov