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Best Method to install grounds

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wirestu

Member
Location
New York
We are connecting 7 remote single phase motors 240 volt motors and would like the forums opinion on the best way to route/connect the equipment ground conductor. The seven motors are 1/3 hp 230 volt single phase. They are powered by individual motor starters in a main control panel. Each motor starter has an individual circuit breaker no larger than 20 amps. We are running 2 #10 THHN for each pump to allow for voltage drop. These cables run through all the manholes and are unbroken. We have one main two inch PVC conduit that connects to seven hand holes. The 2" conduit loops in and out from each manhole. The area is coastal and when the tide rises, the hand holes fill with ground water. We are planning and running 14 motor feeders and 1 equipment ground conductor. From each hand hole to each pump motor there is a branch 1" conduit that connects to a motor disconnecting means at each pump in a well pump pit. We are planning on running one #10 ground wire for all the pumps and splicing/t-tapping for each motor in the hand hole or in the well vault. What would be the best way to route the ground conductor and what would be the best method to complete the ground wire with a minimum amount of splices/broken connections.

Thanks in advance,

Stu
 
tonyi

tonyi

Senior Member
Re: Best Method to install grounds

Perhaps a seperate gnd wire for each motor? No wet splices at all that way...
 
C

charlie tuna

Senior Member
Location
Florida
Re: Best Method to install grounds

you said "you intend on running 14 - #10 awg for the motor feeds (2 - #10 for each motor) and one #10 ground" - i see no problem tee tapping the #10 ground wire in each handhole to ground each motor. use u.l rated waterproof splices and insulators.
 
tom baker

tom baker

First Chief Moderator & NEC Expert
Staff member
Location
Bremerton, Washington
Occupation
Master Electrician
Re: Best Method to install grounds

Recommend using XHHW-2 or USE conductors for power and equip ground. Make sure the equipment ground is insulated.
I've used the direct bury King wire nuts with good success.
Another very good, but permanent menthod is a 3M scotchcast kit such as an 82-A1. Its a two part mold with an epoxy resin that is poured in.
 
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