GROUNDING APPARATUS
AND GROUNDING SYSTEM INCLUDING THE SAME
BACKGROUND
Field
The disclosed concept pertains generally to grounding apparatus and,
more particularly, to grounding apparatus for a ground conductor and a plurality of
other conductors. The disclosed concept also pertains to grounding systems including
a grounding apparatus.
Background Information
It is known to employ a neutral bar to provide a common point for
termination of a plurality of neutral conductors and one ground conductor in a
panelboard or load center. Each of a plurality of screw terminals electrically and
mechanically engages one end of a corresponding neutral or ground conductor.
It is known to employ a ground bar to provide a common point for
termination of a plurality (e.g., six) of grounding and bonding conductors. Each of a
plurality of screw terminals electrically and mechanically engages one end of a
corresponding wire or ground conductor.
The 2008 National Electric Code (NEC) Section 250.94 provides the
requirements for intersystem bonding termination. Under NEC 250.94, intersystem
bonding and grounding connectors are to be provided external to enclosures at the
service equipment and at the disconnecting mechanisms for any additional buildings
or structures. Such an intersystem bonding termination device does not interfere with
opening a service or metering equipment enclosure. Also, the intersystem bonding
termination device has the capacity for connection of not less than three intersystem
bonding conductors. NEC 250.94 covers, for example, bonding telephone, cable
television (CATV) and satellite to a home's grounding system.
One proposal to address the requirements of NEC 250.94 provides a kit
that clamps on a meter socket box. However, the kit damages the paint on the meter
socket box and needs sealant to prevent the box from rusting. Also, since meter
socket boxes come in many different sizes, the installer has to stock multiple different
kit sizes.

Another proposal provides a lay-in intersystem grounding and bonding
termination connector. The connector accommodates a grounding electrode
conductor and four bonding taps and purports to offer fast, simple installation on the
ground electrode conductor below a meter or panel without mounting. The structure
of the connector prevents any mounting. The lay-in feature eliminates the need to cut
or splice into an existing grounding electrode. The multiple bonding taps terminate
up to four communication systems. Stainless steel screws provide corrosion
resistance and serrations in the conductor wire way cut oxidation.
There is room for improvement in grounding apparatus.
There is also room for improvement in grounding systems employing a
grounding apparatus.
SUMMARY
These needs and others are met by embodiments of the disclosed
concept.
In accordance with one aspect of the disclosed concept, a grounding
apparatus comprises: an elongated conductive member comprising: a first end
including an open jaw lug structured to receive and electrically and mechanically
engage a portion of a ground conductor extending transverse to the elongated
conductive member; an opposite second end; and an intermediate portion disposed
between the first end and the opposite second end, wherein the intermediate portion
includes a plurality of lugs, wherein each of the plurality of lugs is structured to
receive and electrically and mechanically engage an end portion of a corresponding
conductor, and wherein the intermediate portion further includes a plurality of
mounting apertures.
As another aspect of the disclosed concept, a grounding system
comprises: a mounting surface; a first ground conductor including a first end and a
second end; a plurality of second ground conductors; and a grounding apparatus
comprising: an elongated conductive member comprising: a first end including an
open jaw lug structured to receive and electrically and mechanically engage a portion
of the first ground conductor extending transverse to the elongated conductive
member, the portion of the first ground conductor being different than the first and
second ends thereof, an opposite second end, and an intermediate portion disposed

between the first end and the opposite second end of the elongated conductive
member, wherein the intermediate portion includes a plurality of lugs, wherein each
of the plurality of lugs is structured to receive and electrically and mechanically
engage an end portion of a corresponding one of the second ground conductors,
wherein the intermediate portion further includes a plurality of mounting apertures,
and wherein each of a plurality of fasteners mounts the intermediate portion to the
mounting surface at a corresponding one of the mounting apertures.
The intermediate portion may be a ground bar including a first one of
the plurality of mounting apertures, the plurality of lugs, and a second one of the
plurality of mounting apertures disposed along the elongated conductive member.
The second one of the plurality of mounting apertures may be disposed
at the opposite second end of the intermediate portion.
The open jaw lug may include a first threaded opening receiving a first
threaded screw lug; each of the plurality of lugs may include a second threaded
opening receiving a second threaded screw lug; and the elongated conductive member
may have a first thickness at about each of the plurality of mounting apertures, a
second thickness at the intermediate portion, and a third thickness at the open jaw lug,
the third thickness being greater than the second thickness, the second thickness being
greater than the first thickness.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A full understanding of the disclosed concept can be gained from the
following description of the preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is an isometric view of a grounding apparatus in accordance
with embodiments of the disclosed concept.
Figure 2 is a plan view of the grounding apparatus of Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a vertical elevation view of the grounding apparatus of
Figure 1.
Figure 4 is an isometric view of a system including a grounding
apparatus, a grounding electrode conductor and an enclosure having a mounting
surface in accordance with other embodiments of the disclosed concept.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The disclosed concept is described in association with a grounding
apparatus, which meets the requirements of 2008 NEC Article 250.94, although the
disclosed concept is applicable to a wide range of grounding apparatus.
Referring to Figures 1-3, a grounding apparatus 2, such as the example
lay-in intersystem grounding and bonding termination connector, is shown. The
grounding apparatus 2 includes an elongated conductive member 4, which has a first
end 6 with an open jaw lug 8 structured to receive and electrically and mechanically
engage a portion 10 of a ground conductor 12 (shown in phantom line drawing in
Figure 1) extending transverse to the elongated conductive member 4. The elongated
conductive member 4 also has an opposite second end 14, and an intermediate portion
16 disposed between the first end 6 and the opposite second end 14. The intermediate
portion 16 includes a plurality of lugs 18, each of which is structured to receive and
electrically and mechanically engage an end portion 20 of a corresponding conductor
22 (as shown in phantom line drawing in Figure 1 in connection with lug 38). The
intermediate portion 16 further includes a plurality of mounting apertures 24.
The elongated conductive member 4 includes a planar surface 26. The
mounting apertures 24 are disposed through the planar surface 26. The open jaw lug
8 includes a first threaded opening 28 receiving a first threaded screw lug 30, and
each of the plurality of lugs 18 includes a second threaded opening 32 receiving a
second threaded screw lug 34. Each of the plurality of lugs 18 is structured to receive
the end portion 20 of the corresponding conductor 22 (as shown in phantom line
drawing in Figure 1 in connection with lug 38), in order that the corresponding
conductor 22 extends transverse to the elongated conductive member 4.
A first mounting aperture 36 of the plurality of mounting apertures 24
is disposed between the open jaw lug 8 and a first lug 38 of the plurality of lugs 18. A
second mounting aperture 40 of the plurality of mounting apertures 24 is disposed at
the opposite second end 14 of the elongated conductive member 4 and is next to
another lug 42 of the plurality of lugs 18.
The ground conductor 12 (shown in phantom line drawing in Figure 1)
extends transverse to the elongated conductive member 4 in a first direction and also
transverse to the elongated conductive member 4 in an opposite second direction, in

order that the ground conductor 12 is continuous, with no joint, at the grounding
apparatus 2.
The intermediate portion 16 is a ground bar 44 including the two
example mounting apertures 36,40 and the plurality of lugs 18 disposed along the
elongated conductive member 4. Although two mounting apertures 36,40 and four
lugs 18 are shown, any suitable counts of mounting apertures and lugs can be
employed.
Figure 4 shows an example grounding system 50 including a mounting
surface 52 of an enclosure 53, a first ground conductor 54 including a first end 56 and
an opposite second end 58, a plurality of second ground conductors 60, and the
grounding apparatus 2 of Figures 1-3. A portion 62 of the first ground conductor 54
that is engaged by the open jaw lug 8 is different than the first and second ends 56,58
thereof. Each of a plurality of fasteners 64,66 mounts the intermediate portion 16 of
the grounding apparatus 2 to the mounting surface 52 at a corresponding one of the
mounting apertures 24. The second mounting aperture 40 is disposed at the opposite
second end 14 of the intermediate portion 16.
Referring again to Figure 3, the elongated conductive member 4 has a
first thickness 76 above the planar surface 26 at about each of the plurality of
mounting apertures 24, a second thickness 78 at the intermediate portion 16, and a
third thickness 80 at the open jaw lug 8. The third thickness 80 is greater than the
second thickness 78, which is greater than the first thickness 76.
Example 1
The grounding apparatus 2 is structured to mount, for example and
without limitation, on an enclosure (e.g., without limitation, a meter base; enclosure
53 of Figure 4), a building wall, or an enclosure back board or back pan. When used
in combination with the open jaw lug 8, the two mounting apertures 36,40 of the
grounding apparatus 2 allow the apparatus to be mounted to an exterior wall on new
or existing construction. The grounding apparatus 2 can also be used as part of a
control panel in which it is mounted to a back panel (e.g., without limitation, wood;
metal) inside an enclosure. Alternatively, the grounding apparatus 2 can be mounted
to a bracket, if needed, to ensure a secure connection.

Example 2
The open jaw lug 8 of the grounding apparatus 2 is coupled to a new or
existing ground conductor, such as 54 of Figure 4. Then, the grounding apparatus 2 is
coupled to a suitable mounting surface, such as 52, by using suitable fasteners 64,66
(e.g., screws and/or anchors).
Example 3
The example grounding apparatus 2 meets the requirements of 2008
NEC Article 250.94 where a central point of termination is employed to connect and
bond all systems of a facility. The grounding apparatus 2 ensures a consistent path to
ground and makes certain that all grounds are the same potential. Otherwise, each of
the various systems in a facility has their own separate grounding electrode and, in
essence, is a separate system. As a result, the separate systems could have a different
resistance to ground due to the lack of commonality. Under 2008 NEC Article 250.94
with the example grounding apparatus 2, the separate systems (e.g., without
limitation, telephone 82; cable television (CATV) 84; satellite 86; disconnect 88) all
have the same grounding point and the same potential.
Example 4
The grounding electrode conductor 90 of Figure 4 originates in the
building service entrance (e.g., where the electric meter connects). As is
conventional, the grounding electrode conductor 90 is electrically connected to the
service entrance equipment and then is suitably routed to ground (e.g., via a driven
grounding electrode 92). The grounding apparatus 2 can be electrically connected to
the grounding electrode conductor 90 anywhere along that conductor 90. As an
important aspect of the disclosed concept, the open jaw lug 8 allows the grounding
electrode conductor 90 to be continuous, with no joints, as is required by the 2008
NEC. The open jaw lug 8 allows the electrical connection anywhere along the
grounding electrode conductor 90 on both new or existing systems without
disconnection of that conductor 90.
Example 5
The versatile grounding apparatus 2 saves time for the contractor,
provides a safe and reliable termination, and meets the 2008 NEC requirements.

While specific embodiments of the disclosed concept have been
described in detail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various
modifications and alternatives to those details could be developed in light of the
overall teachings of the disclosure. Accordingly, the particular arrangements
disclosed are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting as to the scope of the
disclosed concept which is to be given the full breadth of the claims appended and
any and all equivalents thereof.

REFERENCE NUMERICAL LIST
2 grounding apparatus, such as the example lay-in intersystem grounding
and bonding termination connector
4 elongated conductive member
6 first end
8 open jaw lug
10 portion
12 ground conductor
14 opposite second end
16 intermediate portion
18 plurality of lugs
20 end portion
22 corresponding conductor
24 plurality of mounting apertures
26 planar surface
28 first threaded opening
30 first threaded screw lug
32 second threaded opening
34 second threaded screw lug
36 first mounting aperture
38 first lug
40 second mounting aperture
42 another lug
44 ground bar
50 grounding system
52 mounting surface
53 enclosure
54 first ground conductor
56 first end
58 second end
60 plurality of second ground conductors
62 portion
64 fastener
66 fastener
76 first thickness
78 second thickness
80 third thickness
82 telephone
84 cable television (CATV)
86 satellite
88 disconnect
90 grounding electrode conductor
92 driven grounding electrode

WE CLAIM
1. A grounding apparatus (2) comprising:
an elongated conductive member (4) comprising:
a first end (6) including an open jaw lug (8) structured
to receive and electrically and mechanically engage a portion (10) of a ground
conductor (12) extending transverse to said elongated conductive member;
an opposite second end (14); and
an intermediate portion (16) disposed between the first
end and the opposite second end,
wherein said intermediate portion includes a plurality of lugs
(18),
wherein each of said plurality of lugs is structured to receive
and electrically and mechanically engage an end portion (20) of a corresponding
conductor (22), and
wherein said intermediate portion further includes a plurality of
mounting apertures (24).
2. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein said elongated
conductive member further comprises a planar surface (26); and wherein said
mounting apertures are disposed through said planar surface.
3. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein said open jaw
lug includes a first threaded opening (28) receiving a first threaded screw lug (30);
and wherein each of said plurality of lugs includes a second threaded opening (32)
receiving a second threaded screw lug (34).
4. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein each of said
plurality of lugs is structured to receive the end portion (20) of the corresponding
conductor (22), in order that said corresponding conductor extends transverse to said
elongated conductive member.
5. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein one (36) of
said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed between said open jaw lug and one
(38) of said plurality of lugs.

6. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein one (40) of
said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed at the opposite second end of said
elongated conductive member.
7. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein said ground
conductor extends transverse to said elongated conductive member in a first direction
and also transverse to said elongated conductive member in an opposite second
direction, in order that said ground conductor is continuous, with no joint, at said
grounding apparatus.
8. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein a first one (36)
of said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed next to one (38) of said plurality of
lugs; and wherein a second one (40) of said plurality of mounting apertures is
disposed next to another one (42) of said plurality of lugs.
9. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein said
intermediate portion is a ground bar (44) including said plurality of lugs.
10. The grounding apparatus (2) of Claim 1 wherein said
intermediate portion is a ground bar (44) including a first one (36) of said plurality of
mounting apertures, said plurality of lugs, and a second one (40) of said plurality of
mounting apertures disposed along said elongated conductive member.
11. A grounding system (50) comprising:
a mounting surface (52);
a first ground conductor (54) including a first end (56) and a
second end (58);
a plurality of second ground conductors (60); and
a grounding apparatus (2) comprising:
an elongated conductive member (4) comprising:
a first end (6) including an open jaw lug (8)
structured to receive and electrically and mechanically engage a portion (10) of said
first ground conductor (12) extending transverse to said elongated conductive
member, said portion of said first ground conductor being different than the first and
second ends thereof,
an opposite second end (14), and

an intermediate portion (16) disposed between
the first end and the opposite second end of said elongated conductive member,
wherein said intermediate portion includes a plurality of lugs
(18),
wherein each of said plurality of lugs is structured to receive
and electrically and mechanically engage an end portion (20) of a corresponding one
of said second ground conductors (60;22),
wherein said intermediate portion further includes a plurality of
mounting apertures (24), and
wherein each of a plurality of fasteners (64,66) mounts said
intermediate portion to said mounting surface at a corresponding one of said mounting
apertures.
12. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein said elongated
conductive member further comprises a planar surface (26); and wherein said
mounting apertures are disposed through said planar surface.
13. The grounding system (50) of Claim 12 wherein said planar
surface (26) is structured to be mounted on said mounting surface (52); and wherein
said mounting surface is one of an exterior wall, an exterior of an enclosure (53), a
meter base, a control panel, a back panel of an enclosure, and a bracket.
14. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein each of said
plurality of lugs is structured to receive the end portion (20) of the corresponding
conductor (22), in order that said corresponding conductor extends transverse to said
elongated conductive member.
15. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein one (36) of
said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed between said open jaw lug and one
(38) of said plurality of lugs.
16. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein one (40) of
said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed at the opposite second end of said
elongated conductive member.
17. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein said first
ground conductor extends transverse to said elongated conductive member in a first
direction and also transverse to said elongated conductive member in an opposite

second direction, in order that said first ground conductor is continuous, with no joint,
at said grounding apparatus.
18. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein a first one (36)
of said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed next to one (38) of said plurality of
lugs; and wherein a second one (40) of said plurality of mounting apertures is
disposed next to another one (42) of said plurality of lugs.
19. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein said
intermediate portion is a ground bar (44) including said plurality of lugs.
20. The grounding system (50) of Claim 11 wherein said
intermediate portion is a ground bar (44) including a first one (36) of said plurality of
mounting apertures, said plurality of lugs, and a second one (40) of said plurality of
mounting apertures disposed along said elongated conductive member.
21. The grounding system (50) of Claim 20 wherein the second one
(40) of said plurality of mounting apertures is disposed at the opposite second end
(14) of said intermediate portion.
22. The grounding system (50) of Claim 21 wherein said open jaw
lug includes a first threaded opening (28) receiving a first threaded screw lug (30);
wherein each of said plurality of lugs includes a second threaded opening (32)
receiving a second threaded screw lug (34); and wherein said elongated conductive
member has a first thickness (76) at about each of said plurality of mounting
apertures, a second thickness (78) at said intermediate portion, and a third thickness
(80) at said open jaw lug, said third thickness being greater than said second
thickness, said second thickness being greater than said first thickness.

A grounding system (50) includes a mounting surface (52), a first
ground conductor (54) including first and second ends (56,58), a plurality of second
ground conductors (60), and a grounding apparatus (2). The grounding apparatus (2)
includes an elongated conductive member (4) having a first end (6) including an open
jaw lug (8) structured to receive and electrically and mechanically engage a portion
(10) of the first ground conductor (12) extending transverse to the elongated
conductive member, an opposite second end (14), and an intermediate portion (16)
disposed between the first end and the opposite second end. The intermediate portion
includes a plurality of lugs (18). Each of the plurality of lugs is structured to receive
and electrically and mechanically engage an end portion (20) of a corresponding one
of the second ground conductors (60;22). The intermediate portion further includes a
plurality of mounting apertures (24). Each of a plurality of fasteners (64,66) mounts
the intermediate portion to the mounting surface at a corresponding one of the
mounting apertures.