Grounding requirements for remote subpanel

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Nick Toth

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Hi!

I am installing a 50A subpanel for a swimming pool installation. It is located approximately 190' (wire length) from the home's electrical entrance and main panel on its own 50A breaker in the main panel. I have had one electrician tell me that I need to install a grounding rod for the subpanel, connected by #8 bare copper to the ground bus inside the subpanel. I have had another electrician tell me that no grounding rod is necessary. Who is right??

Thanks for your help! Nick :smile:
 
Nick Toth said:
Hi!

I am installing a 50A subpanel for a swimming pool installation. It is located approximately 190' (wire length) from the home's electrical entrance and main panel on its own 50A breaker in the main panel. I have had one electrician tell me that I need to install a grounding rod for the subpanel, connected by #8 bare copper to the ground bus inside the subpanel. I have had another electrician tell me that no grounding rod is necessary. Who is right??

Thanks for your help! Nick :smile:
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Im not sure if you have it mounted on something that would fall under 2005 NEC 250.32 Buildings or Structures supplied by Feeders or Branch Circuits. Being that far away im assuming you do fall into that catagory. If you do, then the answer is yes you need one, if you dont then i see no reason for it. I think being that far away unless your 'structure (key word structure) or building' is attached to the house then I would put in the GEC.
 
Nick
I think that you should contact the electrical inspector for your answer.

We try not to give remediation to people who are not in the trade, in your case, you are looking for a path to the proper info...that would be the inspector.
 
Pierre is right in that pool wiring and bonding/grounding is a little involved and to be on the safe side you would be much better served calling your local building inspector. There is a lot more involved in this then just the grounds to and from the main panel and or a ground rod.
 
Nick don't do it. Get a qualified individual. As you can see even between the 2 electricians you get disagreement. Be careful with pools.....

shocked.gif
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Nick don't do it. Get a qualified individual. As you can see even between the 2 electricians you get disagreement. Be careful with pools.....

shocked.gif
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That must be a "pre AFCI" cartoon.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Do you think a arc fault will stop a flash on a dead short???
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What is a 'dead short'?

There are 'bolted faults' that will produce no arc and trip the OCPD quickly.

There are arcing faults that do produce an arc and may have to much impedance to open the OCPD. This is the situation that an AFCI is designed for, it should open.

And the picture shows an arc. :)
 
Stick your screwdriver across the buss of a 220 panel. I bet it flashes. I call that a dead short. Will an arc fault stop that?
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Stick your screwdriver across the buss of a 220 panel. I bet it flashes.
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I bet it does too so I will pass on that. :grin:

If it 'flashes' it is an arcing fault and if there is an AFCI supplying it then it should open.

Arcs have impedance and that impedance can slow down the standard overcurrent device.
 
iwire said:
I bet it does too so I will pass on that. :grin:

If it 'flashes' it is an arcing fault and if there is an AFCI supplying it then it should open.

Arcs have impedance and that impedance can slow down the standard overcurrent device.
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My point about the picture was that it would flash with an arc fault but of course the arc fault would then open (after the flash).
 
I am closing this thread since it appears that the installer lacks the qualifications to safely perform this installation. I would suggest that he hire a licensed electrician to assist him. Pools can create hazards beyond those that exist in everyday wiring. Forum rules prohibit us from assisting in providing information to someone who is not qualified under forum rules to perform this task.
 
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