What is the purpose of the PVC sleeve in concrete grounding?

Question: We have a grounding conductor coming from a ground rod that is concrete-encased. It comes up through the concrete slab in a PVC sleeve. Is this PVC sleeve required to extend above the finished floor? And if so, by how much?

Answer: Yes, the PVC sleeve is a requirement for mechanical stress relief as the conductor exits the concrete. While there is no specific height requirement mentioned in the code, we recommend extending the sleeve at least a few inches above the finished floor to provide adequate protection.

However, we have found that a better and more reliable solution is to use our 2-hole brass bonding plates instead of a PVC sleeve. These plates provide a secure and permanent connection that is less prone to damage and corrosion over time.