A Ufer ground, often called a concrete-encased electrode, is an electrode created by encasing a conductive element, typically a length of bare copper wire or rebar, within concrete. The concrete is in direct contact with the earth. This construction provides a large surface area for effective grounding.
This grounding method provides a superior connection to the earth compared to traditional ground rods, offering lower impedance and greater stability. Its inherent presence in many building foundations, acting as a natural grounding point, makes it a cost-effective and reliable solution. Historically, its use has increased with the understanding of its capacity to improve safety and performance of electrical systems.
