So I know this is bad... how bad is it? Sharing neutral and ground in multiple spots?

[DownRiverGUy]

Was doing field work in a building yesterday and we were trying to figure out a 240V 3Phase Panel. One conduit had the three hot legs but not the neutral...

They had a neutral line coming in from a different conduit. The three hot lines were #3/0 lines and the neutral from the other conduit was only #6....

Other thing we noticed was that they bonded the ground and neutral in multiple panels throughout the building (including the one in question).

Now I know this is a NEC violation (we found a few other violations along the way), my question is:

What are some problems that could occur with the ground and neutral basically being used as the same line? (if this is what is happening)

If the load is not balanced could the panel board and the conduit (they used the conduit as ground for certain areas) be energized?

 

[ptonsparky]

Yes, the conduit and enclosures will become current carrying, basically a paralleled conductor with the neutral.

 

[cschmid]

Just think and the people who installed that called themselves electricians..

 

[Sierrasparky]

not to mention the multiple nuetral return paths, This could result in high net currents and higher levels of EMF