Workshop - Effective Electrical Grounds in Poor Soils in Boulder
This Workshop is intended for electricians, engineers, designers, project managers, and contractors because it will describe and discuss the following information:
- · The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires electrical systems to be effectively grounded.
- · However, effective grounding is poorly understood, even by engineers, because soils are not understood and a soil resistance test is seldom performed.
- · Soil types such as loam, sand, gravel, rocky soil, shallow soil over bedrock, and bare rock each require different approaches to achieve an effective electrical grounding
- · Particular attention will be given to methods for designing effective grounding in poor soils and on rock.
- · Soil resistance which is measured with 3-point resistance testing will be explained and demonstrated by
-
- · There are 7 NEC approved methods of grounding electrodes, with concrete encased electrodes being the best, and 3 types of electrodes forbidden.
- · Lightning protection grounding practices are very similar to electrical grounding but do have some differences in requirements and practices.
- · Lightning protection grounding requirements and practices are presented in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standard 780 while the NEC is NFPA 70E. However, grounding on bare rock such as a mountain top requires some unusual practices.
During this presentation, questions are encouraged and may even be required. Attendees will be sent a certificate for 7 Professional Development Hours (PDH) after the session.
Date and Time
Location
Hosts
Registration
-
Add Event to Calendar
- Limelight Hotel
- 1295 University Ave
- Boulder, South Dakota
- United States 80302
- Room Number: Bear Creek - 2nd Floor
- Click here for Map
- Contact Event Hosts
- Co-sponsored by James Mercier
- Starts 25 February 2026 07:00 PM UTC
- Ends 27 March 2026 02:00 PM UTC
- Admission fee ?
Speakers
James Mercier of IEEE Region 5
Effective Electrical Grounds in Poor Soils
|
|
James Mercier, P.E., is an IEEE Life Senior Member in the Central Texas who is widely recognized for his long-term volunteer leadership within IEEE, especially in the Power & Energy and Industry Application Societies. His expertise is in electrical construction and open-channel hydraulics. Because James is a Civil Engineer with a strong electrical background, he can explain issues of soils, concrete, and construction in terms relevant to Electrical Engineers and technicians. |
Biography:
Who he is
- He is an IEEE Life Sr. Member and an ASCE Life Member.
- He is a retired IBEW Journeyman Wireman (LU 212), a retired Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.), with licensure in multiple states, and a Texas-licensed Master Electrician.
- He has been active for decades in the IEEE Central Texas Section and is known for membership development and Senior Member upgrade activities.
IEEE roles and activities
- He helped found and lead the IEEE (PI)², the Austin joint chapter of Power & Energy Society (PES), Power Electronics Society (PELS), Industry Applications Society (IAS), and Industrial Electronics Society (IES), and Product Safety Engineering Society (PSES).
- He has served as Chair and Treasurer of (PI)², and as Senior Member Upgrade Coordinator and Treasurer for the Central Texas Section.
- He organizes workshops and training events for local IEEE, including professional development and senior member upgrade workshops.
Awards and recognition
- He received the IEEE‑USA George F. McClure Citation of Honor for “dedicated leadership promoting vibrant professional activities facilitating cross-organizational relationships within IEEE and with industry partners.”
- The (PI)² Austin chapter he helped build has received international recognition, including PES and IAS chapter awards.
Address:South Dakota, United States
Agenda
Friday March 27, 9 am to 5 pm including breaks and lunch.
See the Effective Electrical Grounds in Poor Soils Flyer.
The Hotel can be booked through the 2026 R5 Congress website.