Protection of Grounding Conductor With Rigid PVC Conduit

[timm333]

We have 4/O AWG direct buried bare copper conductor used as ground ring electrode. Another 4/O AWG bare copper grounding conductor (about 10 feet long) is stubbed up from this ring and is used for grounding the skid. (One end of this stub up grounding conductor is connected underground to the ring, and the other end is connected aboveground to the skid.) A piece of rigid PVC conduit is used to protect this grounding conductor at the point where it emerges from the ground.

Do NEC 300.5(D)(1) [direct buried cables/conductors emerging from grade] and 352.12(A) [PVC conduit not permitted in hazardous locations] apply to this bare copper grounding conductor? Or do NEC 300.5(D)(1) and 352.12(A) apply only to power cables? Thanks

 

[infinity]

Table 300.5 does not apply so neither does 300.5(D)(1). Is this GEC subject to physical damage? If so then look at 250.64(B).

300.5(D)(1) Emerging from Grade.
Direct-buried conductors and cables emerging from grade and specified in columns 1 and 4 of Table 300.5 shall be protected by enclosures

 

[timm333]

This is in an industrial facility. Are there guidelines that which areas are subjected to physical damage, are only those areas subjected to physical damage where equipment like snow shovel, fork lifter, etc., are present?

 

[infinity]

This is in an industrial facility. Are there guidelines that which areas are subjected to physical damage, are only those areas subjected to physical damage where equipment like snow shovel, fork lifter, etc., are present?

The bold is undefined by the NEC. IMO a #4/0 copper conductor if properly strapped should be just as robust as a piece of PVC raceway.

 

[timm333]

Ok. Also if it is in hazardous area, will a sealing fitting be required [as per 501.15(B)(2)] on the conduit just after the conduit emerges from ground?

 

[infinity]

Ok. Also if it is in hazardous area, will a sealing fitting be required [as per 501.15(B)(2)] on the conduit just after the conduit emerges from ground?

I'm as rusty as an old nail when it comes to hazardous locations but I'm thinking that a sleeve used to protect a GEC coming out ot the ground would not require anything especially a seal.

 

[Dsg319]

I havnt had time to read in depth but as far as grounding/bonding sleeves emerging from ground to structures and vessels I have never installed a seal as the conduit never was a complete raceway to the termination point. Typically just run it vertical out of the way of potential damage than go without the sleeve.

Or even if sleeved longer never is a continuous run.

That’s just what I have seen