#4 bare wire

[Electroman214]

I have a question is #4 solid bare wire require to be covered by a metal conduit or plastic conduit for it to be compliant to Code? I had an inspector call me out and said I needed to get the bare wire covered.

 

[infinity]

What was this #4 conductor for a GEC?

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[rc/retired]

If used as a GEC, look at 250.64.
Unfortunately, an inspector may have his/her own interpretation of "Physical Damage"
Good luck!

Ron

 

[Speedskater]

If a bare or insulated wire GEC is in a metal conduit. The conduit needs to be bonded to the GEC at both ends.

 

[infinity]

If a bare or insulated wire GEC is in a metal conduit. The conduit needs to be bonded to the GEC at both ends.

You omitted the word ferrous. Aluminum raceways would not require bonding.

 

[NEC Inspector]

Unfortunately, an inspector may have his/her own interpretation of "Physical Damage"

Very true. I don't call this out unless it is likely to get hit repeatedly with a weed eater, or some other very obvious hazard, but some inspectors require protection from physical damage if they can see or reach the wire.

 

[infinity]

Very true. I don't call this out unless it is likely to get hit repeatedly with a weed eater, or some other very obvious hazard, but some inspectors require protection from physical damage if they can see or reach the wire.

I agree it would need to be a really obvious and a likely chance that the conductor would be damaged. I don't think that even a weed wacker would damage a copper #4 conductor. The #6 going to the rods on the side of my house has been weed wacked for almost 30 years and is still intact.