I have an existing 50 amp branch circuit supplying a kitchen range. The branch circuit consists of a type SE cable with 2#6, 1# 10 bare equipment ground. The problem I have run into is that I am replacing the appliance with new and the new appliance requires a neutral conductor. Since running a new circuit with a separate neutral and ground conductor is next to impossible, would reterminating the equipment ground on the neutral bus in the panel and reidentifying the conductor as a neutral meet Exception no. 1 of NEC 250-140? My understanding of this exception seems to permit this application as long as the range frame and neutral terminal are bonded. Also, 250-140 seems written towards situations where there is no equipment ground. Whats the difference if i switch the conductors at the panel?
Neutral/grounding of kitchen cooktop/oven
- Thread starter whe4
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IMO...If the existing range has any 120V loads the bare conductor is already a neutral and should terminate on the neutral bus.
You're using the grounded (neutral) conductor for a equipment ground, not the viceversa.
If the 3 wire circuit was code compliant when it was installed, it still is and you can use it.
You're correct, if you use a 3 wire circuit to supply the range, the neutral, ground and chassis of the range should be bonded to the grounded (bare if using SE cable) circuit conductor.
Of course...the instructions and requirements of the range manufacturer may supersede this. They may require a seperate grounded (neutral) conductor. Be sure to read the instructions.
As far a marking the neutral in the panel...I would.
steve
You're using the grounded (neutral) conductor for a equipment ground, not the viceversa.
If the 3 wire circuit was code compliant when it was installed, it still is and you can use it.
You're correct, if you use a 3 wire circuit to supply the range, the neutral, ground and chassis of the range should be bonded to the grounded (bare if using SE cable) circuit conductor.
Of course...the instructions and requirements of the range manufacturer may supersede this. They may require a seperate grounded (neutral) conductor. Be sure to read the instructions.
As far a marking the neutral in the panel...I would.
steve
- Location
- Logan, Utah
To use the exception to 250.140 pay special attention to condition (3).
Since this is part of an SE cable the grounded conductor can be un-insulated but it still need to originate at the service equipment.
Chris
Since this is part of an SE cable the grounded conductor can be un-insulated but it still need to originate at the service equipment.
Chris
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