GEC and Ground Connection

[k947]

Questions and guidance please.

1) 250.24(A)(1) states that one of the places the GEC shall be connected can be the neutral bar in panel/disconnect where the service neutral attaches. I understand that.
2) 250.24(A)(4) allows GEC to be on seperate ground bar if there is a jumper between the equipment ground bar and the service neutral bar. I understad that
3) Some disconnects only have enough lugs for the service neutral, the load neutral and the GEC. They have a lug for the Equipment Ground at a remote part of the disconnect
4) 110.3(B) says to follow manufactureres installation instructions.
5) I can see and understand all of the above, But,

So now my question and request for guidance. I have an inspector that requires a jumper from the equipemnt ground bar to the servce neutral bar (in the main or first disconnect panel and not referring to a sub panel). The equipment ground bar is attached according to the manufacturer with screws in ground bar, and main bonding screw/bar, etc all installed. The inspector says it is required to bond these two bars together even when the GEC is attached to the bar with the service neutral. I cannot find anywhere that specifaccly states or describes that. I can see a POSSIBLE instance with a 200 amp disconnect, but the manufacturer doesn't state that when I read the directions. So is a jumper required between these two bars (equipment ground bar and service neutral bar) in the main panel or not, and if it is, please let me know the section number.

Thanks as always,

Kermit

 

[Buck Parrish]

It sounds like what the inspector is requesting is a redundant bond. In my opinion that green screw or strap is the jumper.
Could you get a pic of the set up and post it ?

I can't find it, but there was something in the book about adding a jumper. I'm thinking it was if you add a ground bar that you are using a neutral on.
Sorry I have nothing definitive.

Mike Holt once wrote "The number one NEC question that I am asked is: “When are neutral-to-ground (I prefer neutral-to-case) connections required, where are they prohibited, and why?”

 

[LarryFine]

"No, the defense is wrong!" Ask the inspector when such a jumper would not be required.

The enclosure and the bonding screw-strap are adequate for EGC bonding to the neutral bus.

If a jumper was always required, it would be part of the manufactured assembly.

 

[infinity]

Is the GEC connected to the ground bar? If so the inspector is correct.

 

[mtnelect]

Is the GEC connected to the ground bar? If so the inspector is correct.

I think it is because of the little "green" screw doesn't make sufficient contact (3 to 4 threads) with the enclosure ?

 

[Little Bill]

Is the GEC connected to the ground bar? If so the inspector is correct.

OP said the GEC was connected to the neutral bar.
Also, if there is a bar/bracket that connects bars that are on each side, no jumper is required as they are already linked/bonded by the bar.

 

[jap]

Since when is the green bonding screw that comes with the panel or disconnect from the manufacturer as the factory bonding jumper not sufficient enough to be a bonding jumper?

JAP>

 

[texie]

The inspector is wrong. A wire type jumper would only be required if the OP wanted to connect the GEC to the EG bar. A metallic enclosure is permitted to be part of the grounding path for equipment grounding and always has been. But because this question has come up often, language was added to the 2020 edition that makes clear that an enclosure can be part of the equipment grounding path. This would not apply to a GEC though.

 

[k947]

The GEC is attached to the same bar as the service neutral and the Main Bonding Jumper (Screw) is attached. The inspector wants a jumper from the service neutral bar to the equipment ground bar. There is an equipment grounding conductor on the ground bar going to a sub panel along with the other condcutor (hots and neutral)

 

[LarryFine]

Again, he's wrong. The enclosure itself is permitted to serve that function, just like it would in a conduit installation.

That's why the green screw is supplied with the panel, instead of a green jumper wire like Generac ATSs come with.

 

[infinity]

The GEC is attached to the same bar as the service neutral and the Main Bonding Jumper (Screw) is attached. The inspector wants a jumper from the service neutral bar to the equipment ground bar. There is an equipment grounding conductor on the ground bar going to a sub panel along with the other condcutor (hots and neutral)

I agree with Larry, the jumper is not required the inspector is incorrect.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Thanks for the pic. That clearly indicates the inspector is wrong. Tell him Buck Parrish said he was wrong.

 

[texie]

Indeed the inspector is wrong. As I mentioned in my previous post, this has been clarified in the 2020 edition but was always allowed even under previous editions. I would not roll over on this-he needs a lesson.

 

[Eddie702]

The inspector is wrong. The panels are tested by UL or someone and they have approved the bonding jumper screw

 

[k947]

Thanks for all your help, I thought I was correct.

Kermit

 

[Buck Parrish]

Thanks for all your help, I thought I was correct.

Kermit

Wait , tell the inspector MDShunk said he was wrong. He's from PA. He's probably got clout at the inspections office