Code Change Summary: New definition of a Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper.

SME commentary: In the 2026 NEC^®, a new definition of a Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper was added which will bring clarity to a common misconception regarding installing Grounding Electrode Conductors in one continuous length.

The basic rule in 250.64(C) is to install Grounding Electrode Conductors in one continuous length without a splice or joint. If a splice or joint is absolutely necessary, 250.64(C)(1-5) gives the following options:

(1) Splicing of wire-type grounding electrode conductors permitted by irreversible compression-type connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment or by the exothermic welding process.

(2) Where splices are made at accessible locations, the splice of wire-type grounding electrode conductors permitted by listed grounding and bonding equipment.

(3) Sections of busbars permitted to be connected together to form grounding electrode conductors.

(4) Bolted, riveted, or welded connections of structural metal frames of buildings or structures.

(5) Threaded, welded, brazed, soldered or bolted-flange connections of metal water piping.

Many inspectors apply the above language to Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumpers even though the language clearly pertains to Grounding Electrode Conductors.

A common grounding method involves installing a ground rod and running a Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) from the electrical service to the ground rod, forming the grounding electrode system.

In many cases, an additional ground rod is installed (at least 6 feet apart) to supplement the first ground rod as required in 250.53(A)(2) if it is found that the first ground rod has a resistance to earth greater than 25 ohms. The two ground rods are then joined by the addition of a Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper (see image).

A common misinterpretation of the code has led some inspectors to incorrectly require a single, continuous GEC to be installed from the electrical service, looped through the first ground rod's clamp, and extended—without a splice—to the second ground rod. However, this method is not required by the NEC^®. Proper code application allows for a Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper between the ground rods, rather than a single continuous conductor.

Grounding electrode bonding jumpers and bonding jumper connections to electrodes are mentioned several times in Article 250 including but not limited to 250.53(E), 250.64(B)(4), 250.64(F), and 250.68.

In the 2026 NEC^®, Article 100 defines a Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper, or Grounding Electrode Bonding Conductor as A conductor, other than the grounding electrode conductor, used for the interconnection of 2 or more grounding electrodes to form the grounding electrode system..

A Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) is defined as a conductor used to connect the system grounded conductor or equipment to a grounding electrode, or to a point on the grounding electrode system.

This new definition clarifies the difference between Grounding Electrode Bonding Conductors and the Grounding Electrode Conductor. A conductor used to bond or interconnect grounding electrodes together is a “bonding conductor” and not the Grounding Electrode Conductor.

Below is a preview of the NEC^®. See the actual NEC^® text at NFPA.ORG for the complete code section. Once there, click on their link to free access to the 2026 NEC^® edition of NFPA 70.

2023 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions.

The definition did not exist.

2026 Code Language:

Article 100 Definitions.

N Bonding Conductor, Grounding Electrode (Grounding Electrode Bonding Jumper). (Grounding Electrode Bonding Conductor) A conductor, other than the grounding electrode conductor, used for the interconnection of 2 or more grounding electrodes to form the grounding electrode system.