EGC vs. GEC

[sparky723]

Whats the difference?

I think an egc is the wire from neutral to cabinet or enclosure

and gec is the wire from panel to ground rod or tranx to water pipe.

Why do I keep getting these mixed up?

Is there a 3rd grade way to remember them apart for the test?

 

[raider1]

I would recommend reading the definition of both conductors in Article 100.

Chris

 

[charlie b]

Is there a 3rd grade way to remember them apart for the test?

Yes there is. Spell out the words. It helps slightly that the "C" word is the same in both cases.

• GEC - Grounding Electrode Conductor. The phrase "grounding electrode" is the ground rod (or other thing that is stuck into the dirt). So the GEC is the wire that goes from the service point to the dirt.
• EGC - Equipment Grounding Conductor. This has to do with equipment. This is the green wire you attach to the external metal parts of equipment, and the one that provides a path for fault current to flow back to the source. I have heard it called the "safety ground."

 

[sparky723]

thanks guys. I know im asking alot of questions , but I need to feel good about going in there to take this test.

 

[LarryFine]

Simply . . .

• GEC - Grounding Electrode
• EGC - Equipment Grounding
  

The wire/screw/jumper/etc. that connects the neutral to the EGC/GEC systems is the MBJ (main bonding jumper).