Parallel ground wires

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Barbqranch

Barbqranch

Senior Member
Location
Arcata, CA
Occupation
Plant maintenance electrician Semi-retired
We have two 15hp air compressors, both fed from the same subpanel. Each has what I believe is an appropriate sized ground wire (I can't see the printing). There is also an A-B panel to control which one has priority.

In the wiring to the A-B panel, there is also a (12 gauge) ground wire, creating a parallel path to the larger wire in the main compressor power feed. Is this OK? I wouldn't bring this up if I thought it was, but I am not sure.

Thanks.
 
The EGC (the term ground is vague and not code language ) is not a current carrying conductor so no issues with parallel path. If you have metallic raceway that creates a parallel path.
What you want is a path to the source to clear a line to case fault, based on your description an EGC sized based on 250.122 from each compressor.
I would rather see the NEC use the term equipment bonding conductor, as that is what it does.
Mostly we know what you mean when you say ground.
 
There is nothing wrong with multiple EGC paths whether they be of the wire type or metallic raceways.
 
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