400a 3ph 4w 480v UG service grounding electrode conductor(s) termination connection question

2

2l84me1

Member
Location
Florida
Occupation
Electrical
Hello all, I have a 400a 3ph 4w 480v UG service - my service conductors are terminating in a self contained meter & then fed from there to the adjacent service disconnect switch.
The AHJ wants a grounding electrode conductor termination in the meter can.
My question would be can I terminate the grounding electrode conductor from my ground rods to the neutral bar in meter can (factory bonded to can) & then terminate the grounding electrode conductor coming from the main ground bar in the building (ufer, fire sprinkler, step down transformers etc) to the service disconnect neutral bar (bonded to can).

Thanks.
 
Yes you can make a GEC connection at multiple points between the end of the service lateral and the service equipment.
Note that some utilities will not permit a GEC connection in the meter can.
 
Our ahjs do not allow a Connection in meter can, and I have not seen a meter can with lug for GEC (WA)
But as pointed out it’s a regional thing, NEC allows from load end of service drop to service equiment
 
electrofelon said:
Please ask the AHJ for a code reference and not just do it because he said so. As has been mentioned, Note that it could be a utility requirement - or may be prohibited
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For me the AHJ said to "do this" isn't good enough if it isn't backed up by a code requirement. In this case it is not required.
 
I've only ever seen inspectors tell me to put it in the meter when it was a utility requirement. Surely he wouldn't tell you to do it in an area where it was prohibited....?
 
I agree with the others that it is not a requirement but bringing the GEC to the Meter is pretty much the norm in FL and is my preferred way.
 
tom baker said:
Our ahjs do not allow a Connection in meter can, and I have not seen a meter can with lug for GEC (WA)
But as pointed out it’s a regional thing, NEC allows from load end of service drop to service equiment
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Under what authority? The code does not require that the connection be readily accessible, only accessible. It is still accessible even if you cut or have the utility cut the meter box seal.
 
Around here one of our POCO's prohibits any connection within the meter enclosure but that isn't up to the AHJ to decide unless he's just doing you a favor by telling you that the POCO will not allow it if you do it.

Grounding
The following requirements apply to grounding:

4. The customer's grounding conductor shall not be connected in, or pass through, the meter enclosure or metering transformer enclosure.
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infinity said:
Around here one of our POCO's prohibits any connection within the meter enclosure but that isn't up to the AHJ to decide unless he's just doing you a favor by telling you that the POCO will not allow it if you do it.
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I would think that is actually what's happening. I had a discussion with an inspector about this once and he said something like, "I would prefer it in the meter, but the utility doesn't allow it."
 
CoolWill said:
I would think that is actually what's happening. I had a discussion with an inspector about this once and he said something like, "I would prefer it in the meter, but the utility doesn't allow it."
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If that's the case I would say thanks for the heads up.
 
Just looked up the latest Georgia Power blue book requirements, and they have changed their position on GEC’s, but still do their own bonding as far as ct cans and such.
 

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hillbilly1 said:
Just looked up the latest Georgia Power blue book requirements, and they have changed their position on GEC’s, but still do their own bonding as far as ct cans and such.
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(A)(1)(C) and (A)(3)(B) both have a typo that amounts to a double negative that would actually allow additional binding jumpers and wires to pass through. It would be funny to hold them to it.
 
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