Grounding Electrode Conductor

[kwired]

Actually a GEC is required at a sub panel at a detached structure if it is the disconnecting means required per 225.31. Although the GES should originate at detached structure. 250.32.

True but the rules for location of the main disconnect are nearly the same as they are for a service disconnect. The GEC in such case should still land at the first disconnect in/on the structure and not at some sub panel beyond the first one.

 

[jaggedben]

If the meter main is on the building it serves and has no distribution, couldn't the OP use a label that states "emergency disconnect, not service equipment" and leave the GEC landing at the first disconnect (deamed service disconnect) down stream along with the main bonding?



Rob G - Seattle

I believe this is allowed, yes.

 

[kwired]

If the meter main is on the building it serves and has no distribution, couldn't the OP use a label that states "emergency disconnect, not service equipment" and leave the GEC landing at the first disconnect (deamed service disconnect) down stream along with the main bonding?



Rob G - Seattle

For that inside panel to be considered the service disconnect it must comply with all other rules for services, one being located "nearest the point of entry". And in that situation you wouldn't run an EGC between inside and outside disconnecting means either. If anything it simply would become a parallel conductor to the grounded service conductor and to do that legally they both need to be same size and type of conductor.

 

[kwired]

BTW this choice makes electrical inspectors look stupid. For years you could install a sub panel 1 ft away from your service panel you go there and the neutral in the secondary panel is bonded and a 3 wire feed from the service to the second panel.
No you can't do that, you have to float your neutral separate your grounds onto a grounding bussbar and change your supply to four wire.

The electrician ask why, we'll the nec says it has to be that way, you might have even said the nec says it's not safe.

Now we have to back track everything we ever said and the electrician looks at you and says really!

How far back? Guessing at least 1940's or 50's. Pretty certain ever since they eliminated the non grounding receptacles for new installs this definitely was no longer allowed.

You could use a feeder to a separate building/structure with no EGC however until like 1999 NEC? maybe up to 2008? kind of forgot exactly when that change was but about that time period.

 

[david]

No the panels where located some 40 ft into the basement

That was a.wrong post to this thread, copy and pasting mistake