Question via PM

[chris kennedy]

Sorry PMer, but GTG.

I have always been taught that when you do anything to an existing electrical service, you have to bring the whole system up to code. Can you verify what section of code requires this if any. I am dealing with an existing system that is grounded via rigid conduit to the successive subpanels. There are no wired grounds within the system except at the main service entrance. Can we leave this system in place or do i have to replace it all. There is a major renovation happening in this building.

 

[roger]

The PMer will have to check with the AHJ for what is required for renovations.

The RMC is recognized as an EGC in 250.118 so there should not an issue as far as that part is concerned.

Roger

 

[haskindm]

The PM'er needs to find the section of the code that requires a "wired ground".

 

[al hildenbrand]

I have always been taught that when you do anything to an existing electrical service, you have to bring the whole system up to code. Can you verify what section of code requires this if any.

Annex H of the 2008 NEC, or Annex G of the 2005 NEC, are as close to this as the NEC gets, but the Annex language is not officially part of the NEC except and unless your local jurisdiction adopts the Annex by seperate legal action.

And, even when adopted, 80.9(B) & (C) seem to let a lot of existing wiring remain as it was.

So, there is nothing in the NEC about "bringing the whole system up to code."

Your local area, as Roger points out, may have enforceable ordinance, however.

 

[al hildenbrand]

I am dealing with an existing system. . . .

And, by the way, Welcome to the Forum.

 

[LarryFine]

In our locale, a 50% (floor square footage) of renovation triggers a 100% compliance with present requirements.

From what we've read, using the conduit as EGC is compliant even now, so where's the complaint coming from?