GEC without pipe through free air above ceiling

[Transportation Guy]

250.120 (c) says that EGC's smaller than #6 shall be protected from physical damage. Does this mean running a 3/0 through the ceiling in free air is permitted by code? I know its not that simple but cannot find where it says otherwise. We have to run our cold water ground roughly 80' across a layin tile ceiling to connect to the cold water pipe. Thoughts? Is above the grid considered "free from expsoure to physical damage"?


Cheers

 

[Ponchik]

250.120 (c) says that EGC's smaller than #6 shall be protected from physical damage. Does this mean running a 3/0 through the ceiling in free air is permitted by code? I know its not that simple but cannot find where it says otherwise. We have to run our cold water ground roughly 80' across a layin tile ceiling to connect to the cold water pipe. Thoughts? Is above the grid considered "free from expsoure to physical damage"?


Cheers

IMO it is protected from damage.

 

[ptonsparky]

IMO it is protected from damage.

Mine, too. I would be inclined to secure it occasionally.

 

[jaggedben]

A 3/0 to a water pipe sounds like a GEC, or perhaps a bonding jumper of some sort, but not an EGC. It's probably governed by 250.64, not 250.120. But in my opinion that type of installation would still be okay.

 

[Transportation Guy]

A 3/0 to a water pipe sounds like a GEC, or perhaps a bonding jumper of some sort, but not an EGC. It's probably governed by 250.64, not 250.120. But in my opinion that type of installation would still be okay.

Sorry.... you are correct. GEC not EGC. Thank you guys.

 

[jcleavit]

AHJ will have the final say on if it is "subject to physical damage". I would think they should be fine with it but that would be the person to ask.