Sorry but I do not see where this method (if sized correctly) was not permitted in the 2011 NEC. If you are working in 250.64 then the guess is you are working with multiple service disconnects. A daisy chain approach is acceptable as long as it is sized properly. Maybe you can be a little more detailed on what you as asking in case I am missing something here. I purely looked in 250.64 as that was where your reference was based.
Maybe I am not understanding this section of the code. Could you point me to where daisy chaining from one panels bus to another panels was is an approved method. Secondly why would you involve the hole chain of panels? Why would you not make taps from each panel to the grounding electrode conductor?
Never said it was the preferred method just not prohibited.
Look at (D)(2), just his unique approach to providing that individual grounding electrode conductor between disconnects. He stated it was unbroken to add to some additional function (not sure how practical it is) but it would serve the purpose.
250.64(D)
? Taps, from each individual disconnect
? Individual grounding electrode conductors from each service disconnect
? Common location on the supply side of the service disconnects
I the common location is on the supply side of the service disconnects
I am still not seeing where the method of daisy chaining from individual panels bus-bars is specified in this section
When I did electrical work I was always taught not to do it that way and now looking at others installations I am not sure how guys conclude that this method is specified in that section of the code
Again never said it was the preferred method. however, it is an individual grounding electrode conductor from each disconnect using a continuous unbroken GEC. Too complicated to actual do with the bending radius at the terminals but is possible.
I don't have an image for you....but their is an example in the 2011 NEC Handbook by McPartland/Hartwell/McPartland thats shows it, again i would not do it....too complicated to make it happen.
see image in post #6
Ok I see the image you posted I read the handbook.
I do not see how the actual code text supports the illustration.
The section is titled individual grounding electrode conductors. The text says to go from point A to Point B.
From the individual disconnects grounded conductor to the grounding electrode system,
I do not read that as passing through the next panels buss on way to the grounding electrode system
Again never said it was the preferred method. however, it is an individual grounding electrode conductor from each disconnect using a continuous unbroken GEC. Too complicated to actual do with the bending radius at the terminals but is possible.
I don't have an image for you....but their is an example in the 2011 NEC Handbook by McPartland/Hartwell/McPartland thats shows it, again i would not do it....too complicated to make it happen.
That's how we used to do it. We just used lay in lugs and 1/2" romex connectors to go in/out each panel. Actually, it was quite easy and no bending radius problem. Now, our inspectors won't let us do it that way anymore around here
Are each of the GEC's running unbroken through each enclosure?.
.if you take away the enclosure are they each not a single GEC being installed to the GES. Like I said, not a real practical way to install it but it would meet the intent and I do not think lightning cares either way.
I would ask them what section they are referencing that they would not let you do it, if that?s a method you happen to like doing.
In 250.64 does anyone know why they disallowed in 2011 (the reasoning) running the main GEC from water main into one panel that passes through to a second or more panel as a continuous run ??
First you haven't stated if these are all service panels like on a multi-occupancy apartment building or a strip mall? or are we talking about running through sub panels and the raceway back to the main service? both will have different requirements that may make or break this method.
The main one that jumps out at me is the requirement in 250.64(E) that would require us to bond every raceway at each cabinet, junction box that encloses the GEC, also with the fact the GEC has to be continuous it would make the above very hard to do in some cases.
From lightning stand point I myself would not want to invite lightning to flashover to circuit conductors along the way, so in no way would I use this method.
First you haven't stated if these are all service panels like on a multi-occupancy apartment building or a strip mall? or are we talking about running through sub panels and the raceway back to the main service? both will have different requirements that may make or break this method.
The main one that jumps out at me is the requirement in 250.64(E) that would require us to bond every raceway at each cabinet, junction box that encloses the GEC, also with the fact the GEC has to be continuous it would make the above very hard to do in some cases.
From lightning stand point I myself would not want to invite lightning to flashover to circuit conductors along the way, so in no way would I use this method.