Failed Inspection

[dsarvis000]

I failed an inspection today bc I landed my wire for the water bonding in a lug that I installed into my main panel (bonded) and not into the actual neutral/ground bars installed on the panel.

The reason I was given was bc the water system was coming from underground and was metallic turning into an electrode and not a simple bond

My question is one is this correct, two if so where in the code does it say this, and three what’s the difference if the panel is bonded ?

 

[infinity]

If the main bonding jumper is a wire or a busbar the GEC can terminate on the EGC bus. If you used a green screw as the MBJ the inspector is correct. I don't have the code reference handy.

Welcome to the Forum.

 

[Joe Villani]

250.24(A)(1) (2017)

 

[dsarvis000]

If the main bonding jumper is a wire or a busbar the GEC can terminate on the EGC bus. If you used a green screw as the MBJ the inspector is correct. I don't have the code reference handy.

Welcome to the Forum.

Thank you for the insight, I do have a question about the green screw you mentioned. Is it not sufficient enough as a MBJ to be able to do what I explained in my post above?

 

[infinity]

Thank you for the insight, I do have a question about the green screw you mentioned. Is it not sufficient enough as a MBJ to be able to do what I explained in my post above?

The NEC does not think that a green screw or a bonding strap is sufficient to the point where they will not permit the GEC to land on the EGC bus instead of the neutral bus. It is sufficient as the MBJ for the purpose of bonding the neutral.

 

[dsarvis000]

The NEC does not think that a green screw or a bonding strap is sufficient to the point where they will not permit the GEC to land on the EGC bus instead of the neutral bus. It is sufficient as the MBJ for the purpose of bonding the neutral.

I see. Thank you again. That actually makes sense bc I’ve tested from a phase to the cabinet for 120v and sometimes it won’t read 120v, specifically residential panels

 

[dsarvis000]

The NEC does not think that a green screw or a bonding strap is sufficient to the point where they will not permit the GEC to land on the EGC bus instead of the neutral bus. It is sufficient as the MBJ for the purpose of bonding the neutral.

On top of that though, you would think the manufactures would correct that to make things more efficient, NEC compliant, etc etc but that’s neither here nor there.

 

[kwired]

I failed an inspection today bc I landed my wire for the water bonding in a lug that I installed into my main panel (bonded) and not into the actual neutral/ground bars installed on the panel.

The reason I was given was bc the water system was coming from underground and was metallic turning into an electrode and not a simple bond

My question is one is this correct, two if so where in the code does it say this, and three what’s the difference if the panel is bonded ?

Why didn't inspector tell you what code section you were in violation of? Especially if he actually failed you and filled out any paperwork. If he made you correct it while still there then passed it - different situation.

 

[infinity]

On top of that though, you would think the manufactures would correct that to make things more efficient, NEC compliant, etc etc but that’s neither here nor there.

If you think in terms of residential service panels only the best practice is to always land the GEC on the neutral bus. For things like large service switchboards (which will likely have bus bar MBJ) then you have the option to land the GEC's on the EGC bus.

 

[LarryFine]

Is it not sufficient enough as a MBJ to be able to do what I explained in my post above?

For EGCs, it is; for GECs, it is not. It follows neutral rules, not EGC rules.

This is about re-establishing the neutral as the service's zero-volts point.