NIGP 28540: Grounding Rods and Fittings

NIGP 28540 Grounding Rods and Fittings is an Item code that covers copper and steel grounding infrastructure, lightning protection components, and related electrical dissipation hardware used in utility, municipal, infrastructure, and facility protection applications. State and local governments purchase grounding rods, anchor rods, down conductors, air terminals, and grounding system materials primarily for lightning protection system installation, electrical facility upgrades, and utility infrastructure projects. The code also encompasses the installation and integration of these components into larger electrical and lightning protection systems at critical facilities including wastewater treatment plants, waste-to-energy facilities, courthouses, airports, and utility substations. Issuing bodies include municipal utilities, county governments, regional airport authorities, and facility departments within cities and counties, with school districts and transit authorities also appearing in related electrical equipment procurement.

Recent activity shows geographic concentration in Florida and Texas, with representative opportunities spanning utility, municipal infrastructure, and court facility protection. Lubbock Power & Light issued a quote request due July 15, 2026 for anchor rods with specified tensile strength and corrosion protection alongside 350 KCM copper cable for utility distribution. The City of Tampa Solid Waste & Environmental Program Management Department issued an ITB (26P00192) due April 24, 2026 for lightning protection system installation at the McKay Bay Waste to Energy Facility, including 126 air terminals, tinned copper conductors, and grounding infrastructure requiring NFPA 780 and UL 96A compliance with a project budget of approximately $190,700 to $200,000 and a 5 percent small local business enterprise bid discount available. Brevard County procured lightning protection systems for two courthouses (Bid B-2-26-09) with bids due January 27, 2026, requiring UL or Lightning Protection Institute certification and compliance with Florida Building Code 2023 and NFPA 780 standards. Orange County, Florida issued an IFB (Y26-604) for electrical and mechanical upgrades at the Eastern Water Reclamation Facility due April 30, 2026, which included grounding resistor replacement and switchgear modifications requiring firm pricing with no escalator clauses and a five-year equipment warranty.