New 2014 section in 250.130

[jumper]

So I was flipping around the 2014 and found this in 250.130:

Bold is new.

(C) Nongrounding Receptacle Replacement or Branch
Circuit Extensions. The equipment grounding conductor
of a grounding-type receptacle or a branch-circuit extension
shall be permitted to be connected to any of the following:

(4) An equipment grounding conductor that is part of another
branch circuit that originates from the enclosure
where the branch circuit for the receptacle or branch
circuit originates

I always wondered why this was not allowed until now. Or if it was allowed, it was not specifically stated.

I pretty much agree with the author of the proposal:

Substantiation:
Adding the proposed, new number 4 is seen as a simple
extension of the present number 3 that allows connecting to the equipment
grounding bar in the related panel.

 

[Ponchik]

So If there is an existing single gang enclosure with non grounded 20A circuit, we extend the enclosure to double gang and install a 15A grounded circuit for lighting purpose, we can connect the receptacle that is originally on the 20A circuit to the EGC of the 15A circuit?

Is that what the new section means?

 

[kwired]

So If there is an existing single gang enclosure with non grounded 20A circuit, we extend the enclosure to double gang and install a 15A grounded circuit for lighting purpose, we can connect the receptacle that is originally on the 20A circuit to the EGC of the 15A circuit?

Is that what the new section means?

Though that is better then no EGC at all, I don't think that was the intent, if you have a 20 amp circuit you still need an EGC sized per 250.122.

I see it as meaning you have an existing 20 amp circuit with no EGC - you can catch an EGC from another 20 amp circuit or greater if it both circuits originated from same panelboard

 

[Ponchik]

Though that is better then no EGC at all, I don't think that was the intent, if you have a 20 amp circuit you still need an EGC sized per 250.122.

I see it as meaning you have an existing 20 amp circuit with no EGC -

you can catch an EGC from another 20 amp circuit or greater if it both circuits originated from same panelboard

Was that ever prohibited?

 

[kwired]

Was that ever prohibited?

300.3(B) says the EGC must be run with all the other conductors of the circuit, so as a general rule I'd say yes, were there exceptions for certain circumstances, yes again but not necessarily as a direct exception of 300.3(B). Go back about 20-25 years and it was acceptable to grab an EGC from the most convenient metal water pipe for situations where you had wiring methods that orignially didn't include an EGC.