Grounding electrode conductor through meter box

[collinkonow]

Is there a specific chapter in the NEC that states that a grounding electrode conductor can't come from the two ground rods, run up the side of the building (protected in conduit) and into the meter enclosure then through the pvc nipple located in the meter enclosure and into the panel? A local building inspector here in Connecticut says that it must not enter the meter enclosure and must pass through a separate hole in the building and then into the panel. Also, if it is allowed to be passed through the meter enclosure must it be bonded to the enclosure even though a pvc nipple is used. I should add that it runs continuous through the enclosure and is not spliced at all. it merely goes from one conduit to another. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If it is a solid conductor then technically it cannot be installed in a complete raceway.

310.106(C) Stranded Conductors. Where installed in raceways,
conductors 8 AWG and larger, not specifically permitted or
required elsewhere in this Code to be solid, shall be
stranded

.

I believe this may be an issue with the power company which does not allow the grounding electrode conductor in their meter. There is nothing in the NEC that disallows it, in fact, I make my connection from the ground rods in the meter base not the panel.

 

[roger]

Unless the inspector is citing something like Dennis mentions or there is a local amendment he is wrong, the GEC could even stop at the meter can.

Roger

 

[infinity]

If the GEC is passing through a metallic meter enclosure shouldn't it be connected to the enclosure?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the GEC is passing through a metallic meter enclosure shouldn't it be connected to the enclosure?

I am unaware of a code article that requires what you are suggesting.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I am unaware of a code article that requires what you are suggesting.

Assuming the the GEC is installed in PVC sleeves on both sides of the meter can, it would be my opinion that 250.64(E) would require the GEC to be connected to the meter can.

 

[roger]

Assuming the the GEC is installed in PVC sleeves on both sides of the meter can, it would be my opinion that 250.64(E) would require the GEC to be connected to the meter can.

Which is another good reason to terminate it in the meter can.

Roger

 

[infinity]

Assuming the the GEC is installed in PVC sleeves on both sides of the meter can, it would be my opinion that 250.64(E) would require the GEC to be connected to the meter can.

My thought as well if you're trying to mitigate the so called choke effect it cannot pass through two sides of a metallic enclosure unconnected.

 

[jumper]

I am confused as to why a POCO would allow a GEC to pass through a meter box, but then would have an issue with it landed there. Seems weird to me.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I am confused as to why a POCO would allow a GEC to pass through a meter box, but then would have an issue with it landed there. Seems weird to me.

Some inspectors wont allow it in the meter base. Their argument is that the grounding electrode conductor termination is not accessible as required by code.

 

[roger]

Some inspectors wont allow it in the meter base. Their argument is that the grounding electrode conductor termination is not accessible as required by code.

Yet the ungrounded and grounded conductors are not a concern. I must admit that I have had many customers call (usually in the middle of the night) saying "there's a problem with the GEC, get over here quick"


Roger

 

[peter d]

Is there a specific chapter in the NEC that states that a grounding electrode conductor can't come from the two ground rods, run up the side of the building (protected in conduit) and into the meter enclosure then through the pvc nipple located in the meter enclosure and into the panel? A local building inspector here in Connecticut says that it must not enter the meter enclosure and must pass through a separate hole in the building and then into the panel. Also, if it is allowed to be passed through the meter enclosure must it be bonded to the enclosure even though a pvc nipple is used. I should add that it runs continuous through the enclosure and is not spliced at all. it merely goes from one conduit to another. Thanks in advance for any help and advice.

Seeing that you're in CT, CL&P does not permit the grounding electrode conductor to be terminated in the meter socket. It does not address it simply passing through. As for the inspector saying that the GEC must pass through a separate hole in the building, that is nonsense.

 

[GoldDigger]

Seeing that you're in CT, CL&P does not permit the grounding electrode conductor to be terminated in the meter socket. It does not address it simply passing through. As for the inspector saying that the GEC must pass through a separate hole in the building, that is nonsense.

But if the only hole into the building is the one that terminates in the meter enclosure, it does seem as a practical matter that another hole must be used!

 

[tom baker]

Some inspectors wont allow it in the meter base. Their argument is that the grounding electrode conductor termination is not accessible as required by code.

That's the way it is in Washington. I have never seen a meter box with a lug for the GEC.

 

[roger]

That's the way it is in Washington. I have never seen a meter box with a lug for the GEC.

And that's funny because here all feed through meters are similar to the picture below regardless of the manufacturer. Even though the picture appears to be on a pole it would be the same if it were mounted on building.

Roger

 

[meternerd]

Well....I can only speak as a west coast utility using EUSERC as their construction requirements. EUSERC states the "customer wiring shall not pass through or terminate in any sealed compartment." The GEC is considered customer wiring. Our utility does not want any customer connections to be in a sealed compartment. It then becomes inaccessible unless seals are cut. Code allows connections that we would not. Best to check with the local POCO to see what their requirements are.

 

[roger]

EUSERC states the "customer wiring shall not pass through or terminate in any sealed compartment."

So you are saying the service conductors are supplied by you, that's interesting.

The GEC is considered customer wiring.

And if the other conductors are not supplied by you why are they not "customer wiring"?

Our utility does not want any customer connections to be in a sealed compartment.

So once again, why would other conductors installed by others not be "customer connections"?

It then becomes inaccessible unless seals are cut.

And what about the others are they accessible?

Code allows connections that we would not.

The code in this case makes more sense than your rules.

Best to check with the local POCO to see what their requirements are.

And I have to agree with your last sentence.

BTW, when I get emergency calls about GEC problems I won't hesitate to cut a seal, after all, massive doom is imminent. :roll:

Roger

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Well....I can only speak as a west coast utility using EUSERC as their construction requirements. EUSERC states the "customer wiring shall not pass through or terminate in any sealed compartment." The GEC is considered customer wiring. Our utility does not want any customer connections to be in a sealed compartment. It then becomes inaccessible unless seals are cut. Code allows connections that we would not. Best to check with the local POCO to see what their requirements are.

Yes, that is important as our utility requires a GEC to be landed in the meter can.