Does a ground conductor need protection?

[patricknola]

Hey guys, I've got a job at Rally's Hamburgers where I am to run a #8 ground from the main electrical panel to the data cabinet for a ground bar/surge suppression device they're installing. The only conductor I'm running is the ground wire from the top of the panel, above ceiling grid, to the data cabinet. Does the conductor need to be in conduit? TIA

 

[infinity]

Unless this so somehow a GEC (which it isn't) I would say no protection required.

 

[Rick 0920]

It would look better if it were concealed in conduit where exposed. Use PVC though. If you use metal conduit, you would need a bonding bushing for the conduit.

 

[charlie b]

Doesn't this run afoul of NEC 300.3(B) - all conductors of the same circuit are to be run together in the same cable or raceway?

 

[rc/retired]

Doesn't this run afoul of NEC 300.3(B) - all conductors of the same circuit are to be run together in the same cable or raceway?

No as this is a bonding conductor. My question would be, should the conductor be a #6 copper based on 250.94(A)?

Ron

 

[letgomywago]

Doesn't this run afoul of NEC 300.3(B) - all conductors of the same circuit are to be run together in the same cable or raceway?

Bonding wires aren't part of any circuit same as a GEC.

 

[ron]

If there area above the ceiling is used per 300.22(C) (environmental air), and you were running a green insulated conductor, then it would need to be in conduit. Regular building wire insulation is not plenum rated. Or you can run bare.