GEC to External Disconnect

[ccarr7]

Hi Guys,

One of the questions that I occassionally get from electricians is in a case where the first point of disconnect is at the meter socket whether the ground electrode conductor from the water pipe can be installed in the service entrance pipe with the service entrance conductors. I don't believe that NEC disallows this, but I have concerns regarding parallel path and the grounding of the panel. Provided that each end of the service entrance pipe is bonded properly, is it acceptable to consider the panel as equipment grounded via the service entrance pipe? My interpretation of NEC is that if the first point of disconnect is at the meter socket, the neutral to ground bond is established there and the service entrance pipe could act as an equipment ground to the panel.

Thanks,
Creig

 

[Dennis Alwon]

The water pipe bond may be anywhere from the service mast to the first disconnect. If the wire is a solid wire then it cannot be run in a raceway-- 310.3. If it is in a metal raceway then the pipe must be bonded to avoid a choke.

 

[ccarr7]

GEC to External Disconnect

Dennis,

Assuming the water pipe ground conductors bonds at the meter can with disconnect, is stranded, and the service entrance pipe is properly bonded at both ends...is it OK that it is in the same pipe with the service entrance conductors. If so, is the panel equipment grounded properly via the service entrance pipe?

Thanks,
Creig

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Dennis,

Assuming the water pipe ground conductors bonds at the meter can with disconnect, is stranded, and the service entrance pipe is properly bonded at both ends...is it OK that it is in the same pipe with the service entrance conductors. If so, is the panel equipment grounded properly via the service entrance pipe?

Thanks,
Creig

I do not know of any restrictions on that. I have done it myself--:grin:

 

[augie47]

Dennis,

Assuming the water pipe ground conductors bonds at the meter can with disconnect, is stranded, and the service entrance pipe is properly bonded at both ends...is it OK that it is in the same pipe with the service entrance conductors. If so, is the panel equipment grounded properly via the service entrance pipe?

Thanks,
Creig

I think we are discussing two different things.
As far as the panel being bonded by the service entrance pipe, that is often discussed as 250.24 requires a bonding jumper to connect the grounded conductor to the enclosure so when you comply with that you are setting up a dual path. Apparently acceptable.

Most inspectors that I know will accept the GEC thru the service pipe if it is properly bonded.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I have also seen it done with a short pvc nipple to an interior box but I also got turned down for it when it had an lb in the run. I didn't have any stranded with me so the 25 mile one way trip was a bummer.