New service rated main breaker transfer switch- sub panel grounding question

[chas1776]

We are installing a generator with a 200 amp service rated main breaker transfer switch at the electrical meter location. The existing configuration, the feeders from the meter go directly underground in a 2" PVC conduit 70' across the home an up to the 40 circuit panel with a 200 amp main breaker. Now that we have moved the main breaker outside next to the meter can we have to separate the grounds and neutrals in the existing panel.

My question is, do we have to pull out the 2/0 feeders and add the #6 THHN copper ground through the same conduit as the feeders or can we run the the #6 THHN copper ground through the attic and bring it to the panel that way separately from the feeders? Not sure how difficult it will be to remove the feeders since they been in the conduit for 20 years.

Thanks,

 

[infinity]

The EGC for the feeder must be in the raceway with the feeder conductors. At least you have a raceway to work with and not a 3 wire cable which would need to be replaced with a 4 wire. Pulling out the conductors and adding the EGC shouldn't be too difficult with a relatively short run.

 

[LarryFine]

I would attempt adding the EGC without pulling the existing conductors first.

 

[augie47]

All you need is "because infinity said so" but if you want a Code reference it's 300.3(B)