Hello,
First time poster here. This is a common question but answers differ. I am not looking for the "right" answer, but any and all acceptable answers. I have a decent understanding of terms (as might be found in the NEC) and DIY experience. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and need to make a decision. The new double oven, of course, will come standard with 4 wires. The wire coming into our 1966 house is, of course, a 3 wire SEC cable (two hots and one bare stranded aluminum, pictured below). I understand this wiring configuration utilizes a "bootleg" ground that is no longer code compliant and potentially risky (one might say potentially lethal), but still allowed under an exception. As a matter of fact, the new oven we are purchasing includes wiring instructions for a 3-wire system like mine.
In principle, I would prefer to replace the existing SEC cable for an appropriate 4-wire conductor, but DIY remodeling has its limitations. Here's what I know:
First time poster here. This is a common question but answers differ. I am not looking for the "right" answer, but any and all acceptable answers. I have a decent understanding of terms (as might be found in the NEC) and DIY experience. I am in the middle of a kitchen remodel and need to make a decision. The new double oven, of course, will come standard with 4 wires. The wire coming into our 1966 house is, of course, a 3 wire SEC cable (two hots and one bare stranded aluminum, pictured below). I understand this wiring configuration utilizes a "bootleg" ground that is no longer code compliant and potentially risky (one might say potentially lethal), but still allowed under an exception. As a matter of fact, the new oven we are purchasing includes wiring instructions for a 3-wire system like mine.
In principle, I would prefer to replace the existing SEC cable for an appropriate 4-wire conductor, but DIY remodeling has its limitations. Here's what I know:
- The sheathing of the existing SEC cable is in very good condition under the crawl space.
- The run itself is no more than 25 feet and terminates at the main electrical panel and a 40 amp breaker. I opened the panel this morning and verified that the wiring appears to come in from the attic, which I don't quite understand because it first enters from the crawl space, but there you have it.
- I'm unsure if I have an actual grounding rod, but I do have bare copper bonded to the galvanized pipes in the crawler. (NOTE: I have already replaced 75% of the galvanized pipe with PEX).
- If I am not able to replace the existing SEC cable, could I simply run a bare copper EGC from the junction box to the electrical panel and call it good?
- If solution #1 is not advisable, could I run the bare copper EGC to the same location where the galvanized pipes are grounded (as previously suggested in this thread), since presumably the existing copper EGC travels back to the electrical panel?
- If neither solution will work, what do you all suggest?
