It MUST be bonded. If the steel rebar is not bonded, you would need to install a copper grounding grid under the workers feet in order to keep them safe. Watch out a lot more about it. Can rebar be used as a ground rod? Use the proper type of grounding rod . In most cases, pipe or rebar can be used .
You could be asking “Can I use rebar as a ground electrode?”
If you use the rebar as the grounding electrode it must be connected to the ground wire (unbroken to the panel) with a listed connector. The whole thing must also be inspected before you pour your footing.
What are the NEC requirements for grounding and bonding rebar?
The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires that all normally non-current-carrying metallic objects in a given structure be bonded together to form a single common system that is at the same potential. This includes the steel rebar in the concrete foundations.
Reinforcing bars shall be permitted to be bonded together by the usual steel tie wires or other effective means,” If you use the rebar as the grounding electrode it must be connected to the ground wire (unbroken to the panel) with a listed connector.
Does rebar need to be bonded to concrete?
The steel rebar in the concrete IS THE SAFETY MAT for eliminating hazardous step and touch voltages. It MUST be bonded. If the steel rebar is not bonded, you would need to install a copper grounding grid under the workers feet in order to keep them safe.
Rebar is made from steel because steel is very strong, and because steel expands and shrinks at nearly the same rate as concrete in hot and cold weather.
The foundations I use do not have much rebar, much of the structural support is with carbon fiber reinforced concrete. I’ve had many electricians comment that with the new 2011 NEC I am required to bond to the rebar in the concrete and drive an appropriate sized rod in the ground next to the foundation.