Conduit & Conductor Tag

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Rock86

Senior Member
Location
new york
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Electrical Engineer / Electrician
Hello all,

I've been trying to determine what is the more favorable way to call out equipment grounding conductors on plans. We used to write " (3)#500mcm THHN, #3 GROUND, 4"EMT", but I don't like using the term "ground" any more as it is not a proper term. I have been using "#3 EGC" or on occasions "#3-G". Does anyone have a preference of how they read it? if I am calling for the grounding electrode conductor I would use "#3 GEC" which the more I think about it, the more I think it may be confusing.
 
I prefer the proper terms: EGC, GEC, SSBJ, SBJ, MBJ. If you just use W/x G the installer will probably know what you mean but IMO we've evolved beyond that which is just lazy terminology. Also the proper terminology makes it easier for the installer check the proper table in the codebook.
 
Here's a detail from our current project. The engineer didn't even bother to use the letter G, used MCM and the size is incorrect. :rolleyes:

IMG_20230413_102809488~2.jpg
 
I usually don't spell out the term EGC on my plans...if the contractor cannot understand what the small conductor is for, he has no business working on the project. It would typically be something like (1) 4"C, 4-500KCMIL, 1-3AWG or (4)4"C, 4-600KCMIL, 1-4/0
 
As others have noted, I prefer EGC, GEC, etc. However, the abbreviations should be documented at least once in the projects General Notes or specifications.
 
On almost all my jobs, the only "grounds" on the single line are EGC's, so there's no need to distinguish them from an SSBJ, GEC etc. I can't shake the old manual drafting urge to write as few letters as possible. A typical feeder would look like this:
(4) #2, #8(G), 1-1/4"C
For the SSBJ, BJ, and GEC's I always paste on my standard grounding detail and adjust the project-specific wire sizes. The abbreviations are all defined on the legend sheet.
 
I use EG on my plans for branch circuits. I also like to put the voltage and phase inside the panel to make it easier on the EC to price out. I am sure that was just a Cadd error for the MCM on the #3.
 
infinity said:
For a feeder or branch I agree that just G or Don's method is sufficient.
Click to expand...
Yeah, I feel like G makes it easy and is acceptable shorthand, but we were using "Ground" and meh... that doesn't sit right haha. Maybe i'll throw a G here and there and see how it feels on my plans.

Thanks all.
 
So EGC and GEC is not the same thing? A GEC would be a ground rod or the wiring going to the ground rods as an example?
EGC is the wire run within the conduits/cable. EMT/RGS etc. could be used a EGC!?
 
Alwayslearningelec said:
So EGC and GEC is not the same thing? A GEC would be a ground rod or the wiring going to the ground rods as an example?
EGC is the wire run within the conduits/cable. EMT/RGS etc. could be used a EGC!?
Click to expand...
Yes they are completely different. An EGC is run with a branch çircuit or feeder. A GEC connects a grounding electrode to the system neutral.
 
Alwayslearningelec said:
So EGC and GEC is not the same thing? A GEC would be a ground rod or the wiring going to the ground rods as an example?
EGC is the wire run within the conduits/cable. EMT/RGS etc. could be used a EGC!?
Click to expand...
Almost correct. The GEC is the electrode conductor, not the electrode itself.

EGC = Equipment Grounding conductor. GEC = Grounding Electrode Conductor.
 
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