Ground Continuity Test

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FaradayFF

Senior Member
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California
Greetings, Gents
When installing new panels/metal enclosures, how important is it to perform continuity test on the bonding wire to make sure it's tied to existing GES that is continuous? For example, say we are adding a panel and installing EGC from the panel to the existing system grounding conductor. If the grounding conductor in question is open circuit and not tied to the ground source of the system, then we've effectively not grounded the panel. In existing installation where the ground grid system may be suspect, specially in generating/industrial facilities, it seems prudent to test making sure the EGC is continuous all the way back to where the system bonding jumper is installed.
Am I correct in my approach?
Thanks,
EE
 
Your wanting to check continuity from one of a system to the other?
so from the service entrance to the very last panel or outlet?

Wouldn't that be difficult on an expansive building or a building with multiple stories?
 
FaradayFF said:
Greetings, Gents
When installing new panels/metal enclosures, how important is it to perform continuity test on the bonding wire to make sure it's tied to existing GES that is continuous? For example, say we are adding a panel and installing EGC from the panel to the existing system grounding conductor. If the grounding conductor in question is open circuit and not tied to the ground source of the system, then we've effectively not grounded the panel. In existing installation where the ground grid system may be suspect, specially in generating/industrial facilities, it seems prudent to test making sure the EGC is continuous all the way back to where the system bonding jumper is installed.
Am I correct in my approach?
Thanks,
EE
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You are mixing up terms a little bit. I don't think it makes all that much difference if the EGC ever gets to the GES. It does need to make it back to the SBJ or MBJ so the OCPD can open if there is a fault.
 
"Excuse me, sir. Seeing as how the V.P. is such a V.I.P., shouldn't we keep the P.C. on the Q.T.? 'Cause if it leaks to the V.C. he could end up M.I.A., and then we'd all be put on K.P."
 
Just check from the EGC to the neutral. The real fault clearing path is from the fault to the EGC, to the main bonding jumper, to the neutral, to the utility transformer.
 
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