Is a bare ground wire required to be bonded where it passes through the main disconnect? NEC 2020 250.64(E)(1)

[Punkin]

One of my inspectors is requiring a bonding hub on the ground wire where it passes through the main disconnect he is indicating it is required as per NEC 2020 250.64(E)(1).
That code section does not reference a bare conductor only "ferrous metal raceways, enclosures and cable armor".
Who would require the bare conductor to be bonded?

 

[CoolWill]

He fears that the 3/32" of metal the wire passes through is going to create a curren-tlimiting choke. Was the inspector's name Chicken Steve by any chance?

 

[roger]

It's bonded by default. I take it there is a MBJ in Main so when the GEC is landed it's bonded, just not where it enters the enclosure. IOW's, the inspector doesn't understand the nature of the beast.

 

[infinity]

One of my inspectors is requiring a bonding hub on the ground wire where it passes through the main disconnect he is indicating it is required as per NEC 2020 250.64(E)(1).
That code section does not reference a bare conductor only "ferrous metal raceways, enclosures and cable armor".
Who would require the bare conductor to be bonded?

Are you asking about a GEC? If so why is it passing through the main disconnect?

 

[SAL568]

Please verify earthing connections for solar systems.

 

[Eddie702]

The GEC must be attached to the panel, you can't just run it through a hole or a KO

 

[herding_cats]

Nothing requires it to be "bare". Inspector clearly does not know what's going on. Bond it with a bushing or mechanical lug. Do not use self tapping screws.

 

[CoolWill]

The GEC must be attached to the panel, you can't just run it through a hole or a KO

Then what is that little 1/4" knock out for on electrical panels?

 

[herding_cats]

Bare electrode from ground rod usually. Or meter base.

 

[letgomywago]

Then what is that little 1/4" knock out for on electrical panels?

This was discussed like 8 years ago and found to be part of the manufacture's instructions

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This language was proposed for 250.64(B) for the 2026 code

Exception: A grounding electrode conductor is not required to be secured to an enclosure that provides the 1/4 in. entry for the grounding electrode conductor.

And rejected with the following panel statement

Sufficient information or substantiation has not been provided to conclude that this proposed revision is needed or will provide for a safer installation. It has been a common practice to route grounding electrode conductors into enclosures without securing them.

 

[Eddie702]

I assume that if the GEC come into a panel in a metal raceway it must still be bonded to the enclosure to prevent a choke? Really don't understand that if Romex, Bx, MC,FNC etc etc have to be secured to a panel that a GEC is exempt.

 

[SAL568]

Please coment on this earthing wire connections

 

[roger]

Just for information, this is from a SQ D meter socket.

 

[CoolWill]

I assume that if the GEC come into a panel in a metal raceway it must still be bonded to the enclosure to prevent a choke? Really don't understand that if Romex, Bx, MC,FNC etc etc have to be secured to a panel that a GEC is exempt.

It is bonded to the enclosure. It is connected to the neutral that is bonded to the enclosure. I guess since it is not an energized normally current carrying conductor it wasn't deemed necessary to mechanically attach it at the point of entry. How many problems have you seen due to the lack of a clamp at that point? What is the worst that could happen?

 

[Eddie702]

@CoolWill
I guess your right I have just never seen that done. Always seen them run through a Romex connector

 

[LarryFine]

I use the little holes or through the service-cable clamp, it has never been mentioned.