Bare or Insulated #6 from main to subpanel

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ifeguy

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Sure this has been answered many times but having difficulty finding a concise answer.

1) Simple 100A feeder from a residential main to subpanel installed in the same structure (actually I believe the main is probably classified as a sub based on the meter/disconnect configuration however this is probably irrelevant)

2) Running 4 wire feeder (#2's for HOT, HOT, Neutral and #6 for Ground) in PVC conduit
3) Understand the proper grounding and bonding procedures at the main and subpanel

Question: Can my #6 ground between the main and subpanel be a "bare" or must it be colored green insulation?

I've always understood that a bare was fine in conduit, however I'm hearing things that confuse me and can't quite determine from the code the exact answer. I'm in the USA, but maybe I'm hearing local codes or Canadian variations?

Thanks,
Steve..
 
Welcome to the forum.:)

Take a look at 250.118(1).

250.118 Types of Equipment Grounding Conductors.
The equipment grounding conductor run with or enclosing the circuit conductors shall be one or more or a combination of the following:

(1) A copper, aluminum, or copper-clad aluminum conductor. This conductor shall be solid or stranded; insulated, covered, or bare; and in the form of a wire or a busbar of any shape.
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Chris
 
Only thing to watch for is other places in the code where an insulated EGC in a feeder is required. If you plan to feed a pool or hot tub from the subpanel, then you need an insulated EGC. There are probably a few other insulated EGC land mines in the code, but I don't know all of them.
 
suemarkp said:
Only thing to watch for is other places in the code where an insulated EGC in a feeder is required. If you plan to feed a pool or hot tub from the subpanel, then you need an insulated EGC. There are probably a few other insulated EGC land mines in the code, but I don't know all of them.
Click to expand...

Very good point, I forgot to ask what the feeder was supplying.

Chris
 
Just a subpanel located a few feet away in the same structure as the main panel and meter.

So I don't think there are any problems...
 
You may be fortunate enough not to deal with Mobile Homes, but feeders for those is another situation where the equip. grounding conductor must be insulated (550.33). That requirement has snagged it's share of E/Cs.
 
augie47 said:
You may be fortunate enough not to deal with Mobile Homes, but feeders for those is another situation where the equip. grounding conductor must be insulated (550.33). That requirement has snagged it's share of E/Cs.
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Good point Gus-- you always seem to bring up the mobile homes. You must work on them or inspect them often. I have not work on one in over 15 years-- last trailer service I did was probably 25 years ago. :)
 
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