Separate conduit for GEC?

[szrom]

On many systems I typically see the ground electrode conductor (GEC) run in a separate conduit from the phase conductors/neutral/equipment ground. Is this a code requirement? Can the GEC be run in the same conduit as the phase conductors, neutral and equipment ground?

 

[__dan]

probably OK

probably OK

probably OK

I would make sure the GEC is insulated and that any contact between the GEC and surrounding grounded equipment is intentional, ie clamped and not rubbing or laying in contact touching haphazardly.

Where the GEC leaves either a steel box or conduit to the air, it should or must be clamped or bonded to the iron at the exit point. The GEC can carry an imbalanced current and thus a net magnetic field that can induce voltage in the surrounding iron.

It may be an easy way to pass through a floor or firewall.

 

[cpal]

my experince?
I have never seen the GEC routed with any circuit conductors.

 

[szrom]

code?

code?

Thanks, but does anyone know of any code section that prohibits this?

 

[chris kennedy]

Can the GEC be run in the same conduit as the phase conductors, neutral and equipment ground?

I see nothing in the NEC that says this would be a violation. However, two areas of concern would be if you have parallel set of conductors and/or a ferrous raceway.

 

[raider1]

Can the GEC be run in the same conduit as the phase conductors, neutral and equipment ground?

Yes, the NEC permits the GEC to be run in a raceway with the phase conductors, but a Chris pointed out take care to follow 250.64(E).

Chris

 

[220/221]

Yeah....kind of cumbersome to bond both ends.