I am not an electrician but I know just enough to be dangerous. I built my house in 2005. I live in the sticks so no inspector. I built the house myself and wired it myself. Site already had a pedastal with meter and disconnect so my 200 amp breaker box inside the house is a subpanel. I ran PVC conduit from the pedastal disconnect to breaker box with 3 service wires and mixed neutral and grounds in the subpanel. Have had no problems in 16 years. I just realized that I left a 4th wire in the raceway for a pull if needed. The 4th wire is stranded #4. My question is should I use the #4 as a ground and remove the bond screw and clip and separate the neutrals from the grounds and bring it up to post 2008 code or should I just leave all as is? How much safer will it be? Also, I have no ground rod currently in the system. I have buried copper for water lines and have those bonded which I suppose doubles as an earth ground. If I do change to a 4 wire subpanel should I put in a ground rod next to the pedastel and ground the disconnect. I know you guys like as much info as possible so the disconnect is physically attached to the meter box with a steel nipple and grounded bushing.
Another subpanel question
- Thread starter pookie
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- Chapel Hill, NC
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- Retired Electrical Contractor
I am closing this thread, in accordance with the Forum rules. This Forum is intended to assist professional electricians, inspectors, engineers, and other members of the electrical industry in the performance of their job-related tasks. However, if you are not an electrician or an electrical contractor, then we are not permitted to help you perform your own electrical installation work.
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If I have misjudged the situation, if for example this project is related to your work, then send me a Private Message. If you can show me that I am wrong, and that you are a licensed electrician (or at least a licensed apprentice), then I will reopen your post, and offer an apology for the delay and inconvenience.
A reminder to all members, if you see a questionable post, feel free to report it by clicking the button at the bottom left corner of the post.
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