connection of pool bonding grid to panel?

[TheKCtermite]

New to this forum!

I'm an inspector dealing with a pool designer that specifies a #6 copper bonding grid on a commercial pool project. I'm certainly on board with bonding the rebar of the pool, deck reinforcing, pumps, metallic pieces, lights, and other required pieces.

However, they're specifying that the #6 wire terminate at the panel's ground bar. :-?

My 2002 NEC specifically states "This section (680.26) does not require that the 8 AWG or larger solid copper bonding conductor be extended or attached to any remote panelboard, service equipment, or any electrode."

I see no reason to run the wire to the panel, as we're not grounding...We're bonding. The intent is not to try to clear a fault, it is simply to eliminate gradient differences between potentially energized parts and pieces. Seems to me that the designer is missing the point.

My question is this:
Should I allow it or prohibit it? Although I see no specific hazard in connecting to the panel, I see less hazard (or potential for hazard) in not doing it at all.

I appreciate everyones' opinion.

 

[jamesoftn]

Correct it is not required to be extended to the panel board. However it is not required to install # 6 either, per 2008 680.26 (B). It appears they are going beyond the code which is permitted. When the motors and other electrical equipment have been bonded to the grid and grounded to the system they are connected together already.

 

[nakulak]

The code does not prohibit connecting the equipotential grid to the panel, so why would you put it upon yourself to prohibit it ? If I am in error please indicate which section of the code prohibits the connection (?)

 

[TheKCtermite]

Agreed, they're going beyond the code requirement, albeit an unusual method that serves no purpose. I don't see any hazard in doing so, but was concerned about mixing a system that is designed to bond pool equipment together with a system that is designed to clear a fault. The pump motor has an ECG, and is of course grounded.

Just because code doesn't prohibit it doesn't mean that it might not be a good idea.

I'm just picturing the pool acting as a big giant ufer ground with a bunch of little kids swimming in it. Maybe that's off base?

 

[George Stolz]

No, your thinking isn't off base. However, the equipotential bonding grid does inevitably wind up connected to the EGS of the electrical system, since the pool pump is required to be connected to both.

Neutral current (primary or secondary) does frequently find it's way home by means of the pool, which has been the focus of many proposals to change the setup, which for the most part have failed. It's considered the less of two evils by many.