Manhole.....GEC ever required for feeders?...

[ibew441dc]

I'll get right to the point.

As far as the NEC is concerned, do manholes/vaults ever require a GEC to be attached to the normally non current carrying conductive parts ( inside and a part of) and ultimately to a GE?(regardless of voltage)

I know why the utilities do it , I know why/how we bond ....I just dont get why on more than one occasion inspectors have pushed real hard, stating its code to ground manholes/vaults..

Nobody that I have asked has been able to support such a requirement.

IMO this would only be an auxiliary electrode, thus not required.

This question was asked to me today from a buddy that works for another shop...so I know its not just me questioning this.

Thanks

 

[don_resqcapt19]

It would not be a GEC, it would be an EGC, and it is my opinion that 250.4(A) would require the bonding and that the end of 250.4(A)(5) would prohibit the use of a GEC for this purpose.

 

[ibew441dc]

It would not be a GEC, it would be an EGC, and it is my opinion that 250.4(A) would require the bonding and that the end of 250.4(A)(5) would prohibit the use of a GEC for this purpose.

Don ,

I do mean a GEC and not an EGC. I am not suggesting that the earth is to be used to carry fault current. I am not in question of any bonding requirements in this manner.

My original question ... is whether or not a manhole/vault would ever require a GEC connection. I pretty sure that 250.32 does not apply because I am not supplying power to a vault/manhole. IMO I think this is where many apply this section incorrectly.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Dan,
If there is a load in the manhole/vault that was supplied by more than a single branch circuit, you could make a case that a grounding electrode and grounding electrode conductor would be required. Other than that, I can't think of any thing that would require a GEC.

 

[ibew441dc]

Dan,
If there is a load in the manhole/vault that was supplied by more than a single branch circuit, you could make a case that a grounding electrode and grounding electrode conductor would be required. Other than that, I can't think of any thing that would require a GEC.

I agree 100%.

Thanks

 

[RUWired]

As far as the NEC is concerned, do manholes/vaults ever require a GEC to be attached to the normally non current carrying conductive parts ( inside and a part of) and ultimately to a GE?(regardless of voltage)



Nobody that I have asked has been able to support such a requirement.
Thanks

New for 2008 the requirements for bonding metal parts of handholes are being addressed.Typically in manholes a ground wire encircles the metal racks that is tied into a ground ring on the exterior and some require the manhole lid to be grounded. This is mostly all for equal potential.

D) Covers. Handhole enclosure covers shall have an identifying mark or logo that prominently identifies the function of the enclosure, such as ?electric.? Handhole enclosure covers shall require the use of tools to open, or they shall weigh over 45 kg (100 lb). Metal covers and other exposed conductive surfaces shall be bonded in accordance with 250.92(A) if the conductors in the handhole are service conductors, or in accordance with 250.92(A) if the conductors in the handhole are feeder or branch-circuit conductors.
Rick