Multiple GEC's

[mkgrady]

It is common to upgrade a houses service from 100 to 200 amps. That of course will require the GEC to be upgraded from #6 to #4 assuming copper wire.

Would it violate the NEC to reconnect the old wire and also connect the new wire?

Is this a case where more is not better? I have never seen the old GEC connected to the new service and I'm wondering why?

 

[jap]

It is common to upgrade a houses service from 100 to 200 amps. That of course will require the GEC to be upgraded from #6 to #4 assuming copper wire.

Would it violate the NEC to reconnect the old wire and also connect the new wire?

Is this a case where more is not better? I have never seen the old GEC connected to the new service and I'm wondering why?

You wouldn't have to upgrade from 6 to 4 if the GEC is going to the ground rod only.


JAP>

 

[mkgrady]

You wouldn't have to upgrade from 6 to 4 if the GEC is going to the ground rod only.


JAP>

Agreed. Around here most 100 to 200 upgrades don't have existing ground rods. I didn't say so but I was referring to the GEC to the copper water main.

 

[Ponchik]

Here is an old thread.

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=172332&highlight=Grounding+electrode+conductor

 

[mkgrady]

Here is an old thread.

http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=172332&highlight=Grounding+electrode+conductor

Thanks. I guess the conclusion is that it doesn't matter if the original GEC to the metallic water main is left connected at the main or not. I was curious as to whether or not there is a theoretical benefit to connecting it along with the upgraded one that is required

 

[Smart $]

Thanks. I guess the conclusion is that it doesn't matter if the original GEC to the metallic water main is left connected at the main or not. I was curious as to whether or not there is a theoretical benefit to connecting it along with the upgraded one that is required

IMO benefits would outweigh disadvantages.

 

[Ponchik]

I really do not see any issue with keeping the existing one connected.