If a metal elbow is installed in a run of PVC conduit and encased in 2' of concrete, is grounding required for the metal component?

In the scenario presented, grounding is not required for the metal elbow installed in a run of PVC conduit that is encased in concrete. This is because the metal elbow is considered to be part of a non-metallic raceway system when it is effectively isolated by the PVC conduit, which itself does not conduct electricity. The primary purpose of grounding metal components is to ensure safety by providing a path to ground for electrical faults.

When a metal component, such as an elbow, is fully encased in concrete, it does not present a path for potential fault currents to return to ground, as there is no direct connectivity to a grounding system through the concrete. Therefore, within the context of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and grounding principles, if a metal component is not accessible and does not serve as an electrical pathway, grounding is not mandated.

In summary, the absence of necessary connections or exposure to conductive materials negates the need for grounding in this specific installation.