Re: need alittle help
Anytime you run a feeder or service entrance conductors to a detached building you should run a equipment grounding conductor (EGC) with it. But the NEC allows a work around if you didn't run one if there is no other metallic paths between the two buildings. (250.32(B)(1) and (2)
If there is no EGC ran then you are required to bond all the grounding conductors to the grounded circuit conductor(neutral) at the separate building to provide a path for fault current to allow the breakers to operate. you must also install a grounding electrode at this other building this must also be bonded to the grounded circuit conductor(neutral)
If you run a EGC then you must keep the grounding conductors and grounded circuit conductors(neutral) separate. And you still have to install a grounding electrode, but it now must only be bonded to the grounding conductors and not to the grounded circuit conductor(neutral)
If you have any other metallic paths. not using a EGC (equipment grounding conductor) run with your feeders can result in unbalanced neutral current on these paths. and it don't take many amps to cause cat 5 to cause a fire. or cable for that matter. and it also poses a shock hazard as the voltage drop in the neutral will be on all metal that is bonded or connected to this panels grounding bar. if someone were to grab the door handle of a freezer in the garage while bare foot on a concrete floor and this freezer was to just start up, the startup current that could be as high as 50 amps would be on the neutral then take into the voltage drop and this person could receive a shock.
And also the fact that the NEC doesn't allow it as per 250.32(B)(1) and (2)
Keep in mind that since you will have separate circuit breakers at the pedestal you will still be required to have disconnects at each structure, but the main breaker in each panel will serve for this very nicely.
[ July 30, 2004, 12:52 AM: Message edited by: hurk27 ]