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Grounding Vs Bonding Part (1-12) of 12
Grounding Vs Bonding Part (1-12) of 12
Fig. 2. Without an effective ground fault current path, you risk incurring
serious system damage.
Coming to terms with Art. 250. To correctly apply Art. 250, you must
understand how the NEC defines specific terms. This 12-part Code Basics
series will take that a step further and provide clarification of those terms that
can be especially confusing. Where the NEC uses the term “grounding” to
mean “connecting to the earth,” “earthing” will follow in parentheses. Where
the NEC uses the term “grounding” to mean “connecting to a conductive body
for the purpose of providing a low-impedance path to the source winding,” the
term “bonding” will follow in parentheses. A variation of this convention will be
used for “ground” and “grounded.”
Bonding (bonded). The permanent joining of metallic parts together to form an
electrically conductive path. This path must have the capacity to safely
conduct any fault current likely to be imposed on it (Fig. 1).
Bonding jumper. A reliable conductor sized per Art. 250 to ensure electrical
conductivity between metal parts of the electrical installation.
Fig. 3. This is one of three definitions found in 250.2.
Effective ground-fault current path. An intentionally constructed, permanent,
low-impedance conductive path designed to carry fault current from the point
of a ground fault on a wiring system to the electrical supply source winding
(Fig. 2).
Equipment grounding (bonding) conductor. The low-impedance fault-current
path used to connect the noncurrent-carrying metal parts of equipment,
raceways, and other enclosures to the grounded (neutral) conductor and
equipment grounding (bonding) conductor at service equipment or at the
source of a separately derived system.
Ground fault. An unintentional connection between an ungrounded conductor
and earth or metallic parts of enclosures, raceways, or equipment (Fig. 3).
Ground-fault current path. An electrically conductive path from a ground fault
to the source winding. The NEC uses the phrase “ground-fault current path,”
but fault current isn't traveling to the earth — it's traveling to the source
winding of the power supply.
Grounded (earthed). Connected to earth.
A person could receive a lethal shock as little as one foot away from an
energized object.
The Table lists the percentage of total resistance and the touch voltage for
the light pole in Fig. 4 above, based on a 120V fault. As the Table shows, the
voltage gradient of the earth drops off so rapidly that a person in contact with
an energized object can receive a lethal shock one foot away from an
energized object if the metal parts aren't bonded to an effective ground-fault
current path to remove the voltage by clearing the fault.
Because the resistance of the earth is so high, very little current will return to
the power-supply winding if the earth is the only ground-fault return path. If a
metal lighting pole is only grounded (earthed) to a ground rod, then the earth
is the sole ground-fault current path, which is a violation of 250.4(A)(5).
Consequently, the circuit overcurrent protection device won't open and metal
parts will remain energized at a lethal level until someone makes contact with
them and the earth. Therefore, a ground rod doesn't lower touch voltage to a
safe value for metal parts that aren't bonded to an effective ground-fault
current path.
If the people involved in street lighting and traffic signaling in these locations
where the Code is misapplied understood the terminology of Art. 250, the
situation would be very different — and much safer. Sadly, this is only one
example of terminology-based misapplication; dozens of others exist.
So you can see the importance of understanding the terminology. But that
means taking time to learn definitions. The good news is that task isn't as
onerous as it might seem if you can remember the concepts of “earthing” and
“bonding.” In the first case, you're connecting to the earth. In the second,
you're connecting to a conductive body for the purpose of providing a low-
impedance path to the source winding. Many times when the NEC says
“grounding,” it's referring to bonding.
As this series progresses, you'll see these terms many times. More
importantly, you'll encounter them in your work — where a solid
understanding of grounding- and bonding-related terms will allow you to avoid
mistakes, such as those in the street lighting example. An old adage says,
“Words cannot hurt you,” but when it comes to grounding and bonding, not
understanding certain words can hurt everyone.
Stay tuned to Code Basics throughout the year for the rest of this series.
Grounding vs Bonding Part 2 of 12
Feb 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
General requirements for grounding and bonding differ
All Code references are based on the 2005 National Electrical Code. The
grounding and bonding requirements in this column apply to solidly grounded
systems that operate at not more than 600V, such as 120/240V, 120/208V,
and 277/480V.
Art. 250's requirements for grounding and bonding, which begin in 250.4, can
be broken down into two groups:
It may seem odd that the NEC has grounding and bonding requirements for
ungrounded systems, but 250.4's first requirement is for grounding in
grounded systems, so that's where we'll start.
Fig. 3. Very little fault current returns to the source if the earth is the only fault-
current return path.
The earth's resistance is too great for it to be an effective bonding jumper.
Very little fault current returns to the power source winding if the earth is the
only fault-current return path. But let's suppose the earth is your only fault-
current return path option. What would the consequences be? For one thing,
the circuit overcurrent protection device wouldn't open and clear the ground
fault. Consequently, metal parts like metal piping and structural building steel
would become — and remain — energized to circuit voltage (Fig. 3). The
system then poses a high risk of shock, arc flash, and fire.
You can calculate, for example, the voltage on a metal enclosure due to an
open service grounded conductor. Forensic engineers often crank out these
kinds of numbers when investigating a fatality case or damage to a facility. It's
easier just to comply with NEC requirements and eliminate such a voltage in
the first place.
So it's obvious you need a grounded conductor, but how big should it be?
Remember, this grounded service conductor serves as the effective ground-
fault current path. Thus, you must size it so it can safely carry the maximum
fault current likely to be imposed on it [110.10 and 250.4(A)(5)]. Size the
grounded conductor per Table 250.66 — based on the total area of the largest
ungrounded conductor. The grounded conductor must also have the capacity
to carry the maximum unbalanced current, per 220.61.
To test your understanding of the concept, consider the following scenario:
What's the minimum size grounded service conductor required for a 480V, 3-
phase service, where the ungrounded service conductors are 500 kcmil and
the maximum unbalanced load is 100A?
The unbalanced load requires a 3 AWG grounded service conductor — rated
for 100A at 75°C per Table 310.16 [220.61]. However, the grounded service
conductor can't be smaller than 1/0 AWG (Table 250.66). This minimum size
requirement ensures the conductor will accommodate the maximum fault
current likely to be imposed on it. Thus, the real answer is 1/0 AWG.
If you parallel your service conductors, do you use just the one conductor or
do you parallel your grounded conductor the way you parallel the current-
carrying conductors? The answer is neither.
First, you must install a grounded conductor in each raceway whenever you
parallel your service conductors.
Second, you can't simply divide your grounded conductor into two smaller
equal conductors. You would satisfy the requirement that the grounded
conductor must have the capacity to carry the maximum unbalanced current
per 220.61, but it could also result in a grounded conductor that's too small for
a given raceway.
To eliminate such a problem, size each grounded conductor per Table 250.66
— based on the total area of the largest ungrounded conductor in the
raceway. Note that regardless of the number you come up with, the grounded
conductor in each parallel service raceway can never be less than 1/0 AWG
(310.4).
Let's review with another quick quiz:
What's the minimum size grounded service conductor required for a 480V, 3-
phase service installed in two raceways, where the ungrounded service
conductors in each raceway are 350 kcmil and the maximum unbalanced load
is 100A?
The unbalanced load requires only a 3 AWG grounded service conductor, per
Table 310.16 (220.61). However, the grounded service conductor in each
raceway can't be smaller than 2 AWG (Table 250.66) [250.24(C)(2)]. This
ensures it will accommodate the maximum fault current likely to be imposed
on it. But ungrounded service conductors run in parallel can't be smaller than
1/0 AWG (310.4), so the answer is 1/0 AWG per raceway.
Properly grounding and bonding service equipment improves safety while
eliminating a common cause of power quality problems. You just have to
make the right connections in the right places. If you think in terms of
providing a low-impedance ground-fault path back to the source, you'll have
no problem.
Grounding vs Bonding — Part 4 of 12
Apr 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
Grounding vs Bonding — Part 4 of 12
All Code references are based on the 2005 NEC. The grounding and bonding
requirements in this column apply to solidly grounded systems that operate at
not more than 600V, such as 120/240V, 120/208V, and 277/480V.
If you don't work with generators, you may think the requirements for
separately derived systems (SDSs) aren't relevant to you. However, that
thought may conflict with the reality of your situation.
People often forget that all transformers, except autotransformers, are
separately derived. This is because the primary circuit conductors have no
direct electrical connection to the secondary circuit conductors.
Fig. 4. Where the system bonding jumper is a wire or bus bar, you can
terminate the grounding electrode conductor to the equipment grounding
terminal of the derived system.
If you run the GEC in metal enclosures, make them electrically continuous
from the point of attachment to cabinets (or equipment) to the GEC
[250.64(E)]. Bond building structural steel and all metal piping to an effective
ground-fault current path, per 250.104(D).
If you have multiple SDSs, you can ground the grounded neutral terminal (X0)
of each SDS to a common GEC. But the GEC and grounding (earthing)
electrode tap must comply with 250.30(A)(4)(a) through (c) (Fig. 5). Those
requirements can be summarized as follows:
(a) Common GEC size. The common GEC must not be smaller than 3/0
AWG copper or 250 kcmil aluminum.
(b) Tap conductor size. Size each grounding (earthing) electrode tap per
250.66 based on the largest separately derived ungrounded conductor of
the SDS.
(c) Connections. Make grounding (earthing) electrode tap connections at an
accessible location with a listed connector or an exothermic weld. You can
also use listed connections to busbars not less than ¼ inch × 2 inch. If using
aluminum busbars, comply with 250.64(A).
Grounding (earthing) electrode. Terminate the GEC to a grounding
(earthing) electrode as close as possible to — and preferably in the same
area as — the system bonding jumper. The grounding (earthing) electrode
must be the nearest:
Metal water pipe electrode, as specified in 250.52(A)(1), or
Structural metal electrode, as specified in 250.52(A)(2).
If neither of these electrodes is available, use one of the following:
A concrete-encased electrode encased in not less than 2 inches of
concrete, located within (and near the bottom of) a concrete foundation (or
footing) in direct contact with earth. This foundation must contain not less
than 20 feet of electrically conductive steel reinforcing bars (or rods) not
less than ½ inches in diameter [250.52(A)(3)].
A ground ring encircling the building or structure, buried not less than 30
inches below grade. It must contain not less than 20 feet of bare copper
conductor not smaller than 2 AWG [250.52(A)(4) and 250.53(F)].
A ground rod with not less than 8 feet of contact with the soil [250.52(A)(5)
and 250.53(G)].
Other metal underground systems, piping systems, or underground tanks
[250.52(A)(7)].
Fig. 2. Proper bonding prevents shocks and reduces the likelihood of fires.
To quickly clear a ground fault and remove dangerous voltage from metal
parts, the building or structure disconnecting means must be bonded to an
effective ground-fault current path [250.4(A)(3)]. To establish this path when
your disconnecting means is supplied by the service of another building, your
installation must comply with either 250.32(B)(1) or 250.32(B)(2) (Fig. 2).
Equipment grounding (bonding) conductor. You can bond the building or
structure disconnecting means to an equipment-grounding (bonding)
conductor (as described in 250.118) that's installed with the circuit conductors.
Size this equipment-grounding (bonding) conductor per 250.122, based on
the rating of the feeder protection device [250.32(B)(1)].
Fig. 3. To prevent objectionable neutral current from flowing on metal parts, a
remote building disconnect must not be bonded to the grounded neutral
conductor.
Grounded conductor neutral. Be sure not to bond the grounded conductor
(neutral) to the disconnecting means or to the building because doing this
violates 250.6(A), and the resulting ground loop (parallel neutral current
paths) will allow dangerous objectionable current to flow onto metal parts of
the electrical installation (and onto metal piping and structural steel) (Fig. 3
and Fig. 4).
What if an equipment grounding (bonding) conductor isn't run to the building
or structure disconnecting means? In such a case, you can bond the
disconnecting means to the circuit grounded conductor (neutral). But this is
only permitted where there's no continuous metallic path between buildings
and structures and ground-fault protection of equipment isn't installed.
Fig. 4. It’s too dangerous to use metal underground piping of gas systems as
a grounding electrode. However, you must follow the bonding requirements of
250.104(B).
Ground plate. You can use a buried iron (or steel) plate at least ¼ inch thick
— or a nonferrous (copper) metal plate at least 0.06 inch thick — with an
exposed surface area at least 2 square feet. It must be at least 30 inches
below grade [250.52(A)(6)].
Metal underground systems. You can use such things as piping systems,
underground tanks, or underground metal well casings that aren't effectively
bonded to a metal water pipe.
All electrodes. Where practical, embed electrodes below permanent moisture
level. Make sure they're free from nonconductive coatings (e.g., paint or
enamel) [250.12 and 250.53(G)]. If more than one grounding electrode exists
at a structure, separate them by at least 6 feet. [250.53(B)]. Use fittings listed
for direct soil burial or concrete encasement if the grounding electrode
attachment fitting is underground or directly buried in concrete [250.68(A) Ex.
1 and 250.70].
Electrodes unsuitable for grounding. You can't use either of the following as
electrodes:
Underground metal gas piping, which present a risk of explosion (Fig. 4 on
page 60).
Aluminum electrodes, which are at risk of electrically-induced corrosion of
dissimilar metals [250.52(B)].
The jumpers that bond. If your grounding electrode system is within 18
inches of earth, use copper to bond the grounding electrodes together
[250.64(A)]. Size it per 250.66. Securely fasten the bonding jumper to the
surface on which it's carried, and protect it from physical damage [250.64(B)].
Fig. 5. The connection to metal water pipe must not depend on equipment
that may be removed.
Terminate grounding electrode bonding jumpers to the grounding electrode by
exothermic welding, listed lugs, listed pressure connectors, listed clamps, or
other listed means. When the termination is encased in concrete or buried,
use termination fittings that are listed and identified for this purpose (250.70).
The bonding connection to the interior metal water piping system (required by
250.104), must not depend on water meters, filtering devices, or similar
equipment that might be removed. Install a bonding jumper around removable
equipment to assist in clearing and removing dangerous voltage from a
ground fault to the metal water pipe [250.53(D)(1), 250.68(B) and 250.104]
(Fig. 5 above). You must supplement the underground metal water pipe
grounding electrode (if present) with one of the acceptable electrodes
discussed earlier.
Supplementary vs. supplemental. Don't confuse the requirements for
supplementary electrodes (250.54) with those for supplemental electrodes,
such as the underground metal water pipe [250.53(D)(2)].
A supplementary electrode establishes an additional electrical connection to
the earth but isn't part of the main electrical connection to the earth. An
example of a supplementary electrode is a ground rod installed next to a
machine tool. Technically, it serves no purpose, but some equipment
manufacturers who are unaware of grounding theory require them anyway.
You can't use a supplementary electrode as an effective ground-fault current
path for electrical equipment as required by 250.4(A)(5) and 250.4(B)(4). You
don't have to ground the supplementary electrode to the grounding electrode
system of the structure, and you don't have to size the grounding (earthing)
conductor for it per 250.66.
If the supplementary electrode is a ground rod, it doesn't have to comply with
the 25 ohm requirement of 250.56.
Lightning protection. If you use a grounding electrode for a lightning
protection system, you can't use it as a grounding electrode for the structure
grounding electrode (earthing) system required by 250.50.
The purpose of a lightning protection system installed per NFPA 780 is to
protect the structure from lightning damage. The concern that bonding the
lightning protection system to the building grounding system may create a
path for lightning into the electrical wiring or equipment within the structure
doesn't justify keeping the two systems separate; separation creates a
dangerous potential between them. You must bond your lightning protection
electrode system to the structure grounding electrode (earthing) system
(250.106).
Now you understand the types of grounding electrodes you can use — or in
some cases, must use — and some specific requirements that apply. You've
learned important requirements about the bonding jumpers used with these
electrodes. And you won't inadvertently confuse supplemental electrodes with
supplementary electrodes — you know an example of the former is a water
pipe and an example of the latter is a machine electrode and these have
different requirements.
With this newfound knowledge you can keep your grounding systems “on
track.”
Grounding vs Bonding — Part 7 of 12
Jul 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
Errors in sizing and installing grounding electrode conductors can
cause your entire grounding system to fail
All Code references are based on the 2005 NEC. The grounding and bonding
requirements in this column apply to solidly grounded systems that operate at
not more than 600V, such as 120/240V, 120/208V, and 277/480V.
Part 6 of this series on grounding and bonding discussed grounding electrode
systems and compared them to the tires on race cars. This month's subject is
the grounding electrode conductor (GEC), which you can think of as the
suspension in a car. A properly tuned suspension allows the tires to do their
job and keep the car on the track. Similarly, the GEC connects the equipment
grounding conductor and the grounded (neutral) conductor to the grounding
electrode system.
The GEC performs this function at the service, at each building or structure
(where supplied by a feeder), or at the source of a separately derived system
(Art. 100). The GEC can be solid or stranded, insulated or bare. In most
cases, it must be copper, but you can use aluminum if the GEC isn't subjected
to corrosive conditions and isn't within 18 inches of the earth [250.64(A)].
The NEC doesn't require you to identify the GEC, but the generally accepted
practice is to apply green marking tape, strip off a few extra inches of
insulation (if used), or not identify the GEC at all.
Size matters. Using Table 250.66, size the GEC for the largest service-
entrance conductor (or equivalent area for parallel conductors), unless the
GEC connects to one of the three following electrode types:
Ground rod — That portion of the GEC that's the sole connection to the
ground rod doesn't need to be larger than 6 AWG copper. Follow the
ground rod installation requirements contained in 250.52(A)(5).
Concrete-encased grounding electrode (Ufer ground) — That portion of the
GEC that's the sole connection to the concrete-encased electrode doesn't
need to be larger than 4 AWG copper. Follow the concrete-encased
electrode installation requirements contained in 250.52(A)(3).
Ground ring [250.52(A)(4)] — That portion of the GEC that's the sole
connection to the ground ring doesn't need to be larger than the conductor
used for the ground ring. A ground ring that encircles the building or
structure in direct contact with the earth must consist of no less than 20 feet
of bare copper conductor not smaller than 2 AWG.
So as you can see, sizing the GEC is simpler than it might seem. Prove this to
yourself by answering this question.
Fig. 1. The grounding electrode conductor is sized using Table 250.66, which
is based on the largest service-entrance conductor or equivalent area for
parallel conductors.
Q. What size GEC do you need for a 1,200A service supplied by three parallel
sets of 600 kcmil copper conductors per phase (Fig. 1)?
A. The equivalent area of three parallel 600 kcmil conductors is 1,800 kcmil.
So look in the far left column of Table 250.66 for the row that pertains to an
1,800 kcmil conductor. You can see that the last row, “Over 1100,” is the one
you want. The GEC size denoted by that row is 3/0 AWG.
Note that where a water pipe is used as the grounding electrode as shown in
Fig. 1, a supplemental electrode is required [250.53(D)(2)]. In this example,
the concrete-encased electrode is the supplemental electrode and 4 AWG is
the minimum bonding jumper required [250.66(B)].
Installing the GEC. If your GEC runs across a surface (or behind panels that
allow access), the NEC considers it “exposed” (Art. 100), and 250.64(B)
requires you to provide protection against physical damage. The first step in
providing protection is to securely fasten the GEC to the surface on which it
runs. Any additional steps will depend on its size. If the GEC is:
4 AWG or larger, you must protect it from physical damage [250.64(B)].
6 AWG and free from exposure to physical damage, you can run it along
the surface of the building construction without metal covering. If a 6 AWG
GEC is exposed to physical damage, you must run it in rigid metal conduit
(RMC), intermediate metal conduit (IMC), rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC),
electrical metallic tubing (EMT), or cable armor.
Smaller than 6 AWG, you must run it in RMC, IMC, RNC, EMT, or cable
armor.
Fig. 2. When terminating the grounding electrode conductor (GEC) to a
busbar, make connections exothermically or with listed connectors.
If you install the GEC in a ferrous metal raceway, you must make that
raceway electrically continuous by bonding each end of the raceway to the
GEC [250.64(E)].
Splices. You can run the GEC to any convenient grounding electrode
[250.64(F)]. But what if your GEC isn't long enough to reach? Can you splice
it? Yes, but only if you use one of the methods provided in 250.64(C):
Use compression-type connectors listed for grounding, or exothermically
weld the splice.
If needed, connect sections of busbars together to form a GEC.
Terminate the GEC to a busbar sized not smaller than ¼ inch by 2 inches.
Fasten the GEC securely in place at an accessible location. Make
connections exothermically or with listed connectors (Fig. 2).
Taps. When a service consists of multiple disconnecting means as permitted
in 230.71(A), you can use a grounding electrode tap from each disconnect to
a common GEC [250.64(D)]. You must size the grounding electrode tap from
each disconnect to the largest ungrounded conductor serving that disconnect
per 250.66.
Fig. 3. Sizing the grounding electrode conductor for multiple connections can
be a little tricky. Just remember to size it based on the service conductors
feeding all disconnects.
Size the common GEC for the grounding electrode taps per 250.66. However,
take note that you must base its size on the service conductors that feed all
the service disconnects (Fig. 3).
Each grounding electrode tap must terminate to the common GEC in such a
manner that the common GEC will be free of splices and joints. In addition,
the grounding electrode tap can't be made within the service-disconnect
enclosure.
Enclosures. Each end of ferrous (iron/steel) raceways, boxes, and
enclosures that contain the GECs must be bonded to the GEC [250.92(A)(3)].
On the other hand, nonferrous metal raceways, such as aluminum RMC that
enclose the GEC, don't need to be bonded to the GEC.
Fig. 1. You must size the metal water piping system bonding jumper in
accordance with Table 250.66.
Although you don't need to ground piping systems and structural steel, you do
need to bond them. And you need to bond them in a manner that establishes
an effective ground-fault current path [250.4(A)(4)].
Metal water piping systems. You don't need to bond isolated sections of
metal water piping connected to a nonmetallic water piping system. But where
you have metal water piping systems (rather than just isolated sections that
are metal), you must accomplish the bonding via one of three sets of
requirements. Which set you conform to depends on whether your installation
is a building supplied by a service, a building supplied by a feeder, or a
multiple occupancy building.
Building supplied by a service. You must bond the metal water piping system
to one of the following [250.104(A)(1)] (Fig. 1 above):
Service equipment enclosure
Grounded neutral service conductor
Grounding electrode conductor, if sized per Table 250.66
One of the electrodes of the grounding electrode system
Fig. 2. You must size the water piping system bonding jumper in accordance
with Table 250.66.
Size the metal water pipe bonding jumper per Table 250.66, based on the
largest ungrounded service conductor.
Here's an easy pop quiz for you. What size bonding jumper must you use for
the metal water piping system, if the service conductors are 4/0 AWG (Fig.
2)?
The correct answer is 2 AWG, as per Table 250.66.
Where hot and cold water pipes are electrically connected, you need only one
bonding jumper — to either the cold- or hot-water pipe. Otherwise, use a
single bonding jumper sized per 250.104(A)(1) to bond the hot- and cold-
water piping together.
Building or structure supplied by a feeder. You must bond the metal water
piping system of a building or structure supplied by a feeder to one of the
following:
The equipment grounding terminal of the building disconnect enclosure
The feeder equipment grounding (bonding) conductor
One of the electrodes of the grounding electrode system
Size the metal water piping system-bonding jumper per Table 250.66, based
on the feeder circuit conductors that supply the building or structure. You don't
need to make this bonding jumper larger than the ungrounded feeder
conductors.
Multiple occupancy building. If the metal water piping systems in individual
occupancies do not mechanically connect to each other, you can bond the
metal water piping system (for each occupancy) to the equipment-grounding
terminal of the panelboard [250.104(A)(2)]. Size this bonding jumper per
Table 250.122, based on the ampere rating of the occupancy feeder
overcurrent protection device.
Other metal piping systems. You must bond metal piping systems (such as
gas or air) to an effective ground-fault current path, if they're likely to become
energized [250.104(B)]. According to the NFPA's National Fuel Gas Code, the
equipment-grounding (bonding) conductor for the circuit that may energize the
piping can serve as the bonding means.
Because the equipment-grounding (bonding) conductor for the circuit that may
energize the piping can serve as the bonding means, the NEC doesn't require
further bonding on the part of the electrical installer. Bonding of all metal
piping and metal ducts within the building provides an additional degree of
safety, but it isn't an NEC requirement [250.104(B) FPN].
Fig. 3. You must size the structural metal bonding jumper in accordance with
Table 250.66.
Structural metal. If exposed structural metal that forms a metal building
frame is likely to become energized, you must bond it to (Fig. 3) one of these
[250.104(C)]:
Service equipment enclosure
Grounded neutral service conductor
Grounding electrode conductor, if sized per Table 250.66
One or more of the electrodes of the grounding electrode system
This rule doesn't require you to bond sheet metal framing members (studs) or
the metal skin of a wood frame building, but doing so is a good practice. Size
the bonding jumper for the structural metal per Table 250.66, based on the
feeder or service conductors that supply the building (or structure). This
bonding jumper must be:
Copper where within 18 inches of earth [250.64(A)].
Securely fastened and adequately protected, if exposed to physical damage
[250.64(B)].
Installed without a splice or joint, unless spliced by irreversible compression
connectors listed for the purpose or by the exothermic welding process
[250.64(C)].
Fig. 4. Pay careful attention to the bonding rules when working with a SDS.
Separately derived systems. In the area served by a separately derived
system (SDS), you must bond the nearest available point of the metal water
piping system to the grounded neutral terminal of the SDS. At the SDS end,
you must make this bond at the same location where the grounding electrode
conductor and system-bonding jumper terminate [250.104(D)(1)].
Size this metal water piping-bonding jumper per Table 250.66, based on the
largest ungrounded conductor of the SDS. You don't need a water pipe
bonding jumper, if you:
Use the water pipe as the grounding electrode for the SDS, or
Bond the metal water pipe to the structural metal building frame being used
as the grounding electrode for the SDS [250.104(D)(1) Ex 2] (Fig. 4).
Where exposed structural metal forms the building frame, you must bond it to
the grounded neutral conductor of each SDS. At the SDS end, you must make
this bond at the same location where the grounding electrode conductor and
system-bonding jumper terminate [250.32(A)]. Size each bonding jumper per
250.66, based on the largest ungrounded conductor of the SDS. You don't
need a structural metal bonding jumper, if you:
Use the metal structural frame as the grounding electrode for the SDS, or
Bond the structural metal frame to metal water piping being used as the
grounding electrode for the SDS.
Common grounding electrode conductor. Where you have installed a
common grounding electrode conductor for multiple SDSs — as permitted by
250.30(A)(4) — you must bond exposed structural metal and interior metal
piping (in the area served by the SDS) to the common grounding electrode
conductor [250.104(D)(3)]. But you don't have to install a separate bonding
jumper from each derived system to metal water piping (and to structural
metal members), if you have bonded the metal water piping and the structural
metal members (in the area served by the SDS) to the common grounding
electrode conductor.
Lightning protection system. Does the facility have a lightning protection
system? If yes, bond this system to the building (or structure) grounding
electrode system [250.106]. Do not use the grounding electrode for a lightning
protection system as the building (or structure) grounding electrode (250.60).
See NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems,
for additional details on grounding and bonding requirements for lightning
protection.
Metal raceways, enclosures, frames, and other metal parts of electrical
equipment may require bonding or spacing from the lightning protection
conductors (per NFPA 780). Separation from lightning protection conductors
is typically 6 feet through air, or 3 feet through dense materials, such as
concrete, brick, or wood.
People often talk about grounding metal piping systems and structural steel.
The danger with such talk is it can mislead you into thinking you have met the
requirements of Art. 250 and several other standards, when you haven't.
Bonding deficiencies are notorious for permitting power-quality problems to
exist. But the worst part is they leave you with an unsafe facility. For safety
and performance, bond.
Grounding vs Bonding — Part 11 of 12
Nov 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
Don’t let the bonding and grounding requirements of pools make you
feel like you’re in over your head
All Code references are based on the 2005 NEC. The grounding and bonding
requirements in this column apply to solidly grounded systems that operate at
not more than 600V, including 120/240V, 120/208V, and 277/480V.
What comes to mind when you think of pools, spas, hot tubs, and similar
installations? Most people would say fun and relaxation. But the person trying
to properly ground and bond these installations is more likely to say confusion
and frustration. Why? Because of a phrase known as equipotential bonding,
which is a term some installers aren't familiar with.
To help us clear up the confusion, let's recap three basic concepts:
1. When you ground, you connect something to the earth. Think of this as
earthing.
2. When you bond, you create a conductive path between metallic objects.
3. Bonding is the method by which you create a low-impedance path for fault
current to flow.
The purpose of equipotential bonding is to bring metallic objects to the same
potential, thus reducing the shock hazard. This is obviously an important
consideration for people immersed in a container of water.
Fig. 1. Size the insulated copper equipment grounding conductor per Table
250.122.
The intention of equipotential bonding is to reduce earth voltage gradients in
the area around a permanently installed pool or similar installation by the use
of a common bonding grid per 680.26(B) and (C).
Equipotential bonding is not intended to provide a low-impedance ground-fault
current path to the source (which would assist in clearing a ground fault) as
required by 250.4(A)(3). It also has nothing to do with creating a path for fault
current. Therefore, the 8 AWG or larger solid copper equipotential bonding
conductor required by 680.26(C) isn't required to extend to (or attach to) any
panelboard, service equipment, or electrode.
Fig. 2. The junction box serving the luminaire must be listed as a swimming
pool junction box.
In addition to equipotential bonding, the Code requires any wiring method
used for equipment associated with a pool, spa, or hot tub to include an
insulated copper equipment grounding (bonding) conductor. You must size
this conductor per 250.122, but it can't be smaller than 12 AWG copper.
Various other requirements apply, depending on the type of raceway you use.
These requirements all work toward providing an effective ground-fault current
path.
Pool lights. When wiring luminaires in a pool, the goal is to light up the pool,
not its occupants. This is why branch-circuit conductors for an underwater
luminaire must contain an insulated copper equipment grounding (bonding)
conductor sized per Table 250.122. In no case can this conductor be smaller
than 12 AWG (Fig. 1).
You must not splice the equipment grounding (bonding) conductor for the
underwater luminaire [680.23(F)(2)], unless one of two conditions exists (Fig.
2 on page 46):
1. More than one underwater luminaire is supplied by the same branch circuit.
If so, the equipment grounding (bonding) conductor can terminate at a listed
pool junction box that meets the requirements of 680.24(A).
2. The equipment grounding (bonding) conductor terminates at the grounding
terminal of a listed pool transformer, GFCI, clock switch, or manual snap
switch that is located between the panelboard and a junction box connected
to the conduit that extends directly to the underwater luminaire.
The branch-circuit conductors for the underwater luminaire must not occupy
raceways, boxes, or enclosures containing other conductors on the load side
of a GFCI or transformer — unless one of the following conditions exists:
1. The other conductors are GFCI protected.
2. The other conductors are grounding (bonding) conductors.
3. The other conductors supply a feed-through type GFCI.
4. The other conductors are in a panelboard.
Junction boxes. The junction box (deck box) that connects directly to an
underwater permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub
luminaire forming shell must be listed as a swimming pool junction box and
equipped with threaded entries or a nonmetallic hub [680.24]. It also must be
constructed of copper, brass, or corrosion-resistant material approved by the
authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). You must provide electrical continuity
between all metal conduit and the grounding (bonding) terminals within the
junction box.
Fig. 3. The steel tie-wires securing the rebar are suitable for bonding the
reinforcing steel.
You also must ensure the junction box has at least one more grounding
(bonding) terminal than the number of conduit entries [680.24(D)]. Typically,
there are four grounding (bonding) terminals in the junction box and three
conduit entries. Finally, you must provide a strain relief at the enclosure where
you terminate the flexible cord of an underwater luminaire [680.24(E)].
Bonding metal parts to the equipotential bonding grid. Ensure the
following five parts of a permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor
hot tub are bonded together and to the equipotential bonding grid.
1. All metallic parts of reinforcing metal not encapsulated with a nonconductive
compound. The usual steel tie-wires that secure rebar together are
considered suitable for bonding the reinforcing steel together (Fig. 3 on
page 46). Where conductive reinforcing steel of the permanently installed
pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub shell and deck is not available, you
must provide an alternative means in accordance with 680.26(C) to
eliminate voltage gradients that would otherwise be provided by
unencapsulated, bonded reinforcing steel.
2. All metal forming shells for underwater wet-niche luminaires.
3. Metal fittings within or attached to the permanently installed pool, outdoor
spa, or outdoor hot tub structure, such as ladders and handrails.
4. Metal parts of electrical equipment associated with the circulating system
(water heaters and pump motors) and metal parts of equipment associated
with pool covers.
5. Metal cables, metal raceways, metal piping, and all fixed metal parts of
electrical equipment — except those separated from the pool by a
permanent barrier located within:
5 feet horizontally of the inside walls of the permanently installed pool,
outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub.
12 feet above the maximum water level of the permanently installed pool,
outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub; or any observation stands, towers,
platforms, or diving structures.
The equipotential bonding grid. All metal parts specified in 680.26(B) must
be bonded to an equipotential bonding grid with a solid copper conductor not
smaller than 8 AWG. The termination of the bonding conductor must be made
by exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors, or listed clamps that are
labeled as suitable for the purpose. An equipotential bonding grid must extend
under paved walking surfaces for 3 feet horizontally from the water
[680.26(C)].
The equipotential bonding grid must be formed from either or both of:
1. The structural reinforcing steel of a concrete permanently installed pool,
outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub, tied together by the usual steel tie wires.
2. The metal walls of a permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot
tub.
What if neither of these is available? Where structural reinforcing steel or the
walls of bolted or welded metal permanently installed pool, outdoor spa, or
outdoor hot tub structures are not available, you must construct an
equipotential bonding grid as follows:
(a) The equipotential grid can be constructed with 8 AWG bare solid copper
conductors that are bonded to each other at all points of crossing by
exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors of the set screw or
compression type, listed clamps, or other listed fittings [250.8].
(b) The equipotential bonding grid must cover the contour of the permanently
installed pool, outdoor spa, or outdoor hot tub, and deck extending 3 feet
horizontally from the water. The equipotential bonding grid must be arranged
in a 1-foot by 1-foot network of 8 AWG conductors, with a tolerance of 4
inches.
All equipotential bonding terminations must be by exothermic welding, listed
pressure connectors of the set screw or compression type, listed clamps, or
other listed fittings [250.8].
Dispelling common myths. Let's go back for a moment to a frequently
misapplied term: grounding. One of the myths about grounding (earthing) is
that it reduces shock hazards by bringing everything to ground potential.
Because the earth is not of uniform conductivity, that can hardly be the case.
Another myth is that grounding (earthing) provides a common reference point.
This also defies logic.
What about that common reference? If ground (earth) is not it, what is? You
can establish a common reference by constructing a bonding grid, not an
earthing connection. Connect your bonding path to the grounding grid, and all
of the objects are at an equal potential.
When you have equal potential, then by definition you do not have a voltage
difference. Without a voltage difference, there can be no current flow. Thus,
you use an equipotential bonding system — not a grounding system — to
reduce shock hazards.
Grounding vs Bonding — Part 12 of 12
Dec 1, 2005 12:00 PM, By Mike Holt, NEC Consultant
How do you make communications systems safe?
All Code references are based on the 2005 NEC. The grounding and bonding
requirements in this column apply to solidly grounded systems that operate at
not more than 600V, including 120/240V, 120/208V, and 277/480V.
It's late Friday afternoon, and you're looking forward to the weekend,
imagining what you'll be doing in just about an hour. Then suddenly the
ringing of your cell phone jars you back to reality. After a brief conversation,
you know you can forget about your weekend. If smoke pouring out of the
server room wasn't bad enough, the news that Frank is on his way to the
hospital after simply touching a communication cable has your stomach in
knots.
Although no one wants to be stuck in this kind of situation, many facilities,
including office, home, and residential, contain NEC Chapter 8 violations that
could result in this exact scenario — or worse.
NEC Chapter 8. Some years ago, Sprint changed installation requirements to
mandate bonding its ground rod to the main bonding jumper. (Randy
Schmisny, former chair of the IEEE Kansas City Section, helped bring this
change about.) Sprint's previous stance was that its ground rod should be
“separate from” the power ground rod.
This new policy made its installations comply with Art. 250 and Chapter 8. The
impetus wasn't pressure to comply with the NEC, but rather the need to
prevent equipment failures and reduce service calls. Bonding its electrode to
the rest of the system provided cost savings through increased reliability,
performance, and safety. Comply with NEC Chapter 8, and you can enjoy
those same benefits.
NEC Chapter 8 contains the requirements for communications circuits (Art.
800), Radio and Television Equipment (Art. 810), Community Antenna
Television (CATV) and Radio Distribution Systems (Art. 820), and Network-
Powered Broadband (Art. 830). From a grounding and bonding standpoint,
these Articles have the same goals — the primary one being to eliminate
differences in potential. The grounding and bonding rules in these Articles
often differ in the details. For example, you'll find differences in the minimum
conductor size and whether or not you need an insulated grounding
conductor.
Fig. 1. Art. 800 covers the installation requirements for communications wiring
and equipment on voice, audio, video, data, and interactive services and
computer networks.
Where we get twisted. The telco typically provides the twisted-pair cable to a
terminal board at the structure. This terminal board is the network interface
device (NID). Art. 800 addresses twisted-pair wiring from the NID to the
premises (Fig. 1). We find this kind of wiring in such central station systems
as fire and burglar alarm, telephone, and telegraph.
A primary protector is a device that protects installers and occupants from
electric shock. You need a listed primary protector for each incoming
communications circuit [800.90(A)]. The point of entrance is where the cable
enters the structure or grounded raceway. Install the primary protector as
close as practicable to the point of entrance [800.90(B)] to reduce differences
in potential between communications circuits and other metallic systems and
objects. Those differences create personnel hazards and can lead to
catastrophic failures — especially when lightning is present.
If you're installing phone cable, ground the metallic sheath (or interrupt it by
an insulating joint) as close as practicable to the point of entrance [800.100].
This rule applies to other types of cable covered by Arts. 810, 820, and 830.
Four other rules also apply universally:
Keep grounding wires as short as practicable, and run them in a straight
line. Why does this matter? Lightning tends not to travel through sharp
bends, corners, and loops. Instead, it tends to jump across them or flash
over to something nearby.
As common sense suggests, you must protect the grounding conductor
where it is subject to physical damage — and that typically means you run it
in a raceway. If you use a metal raceway, bond each end of the raceway to
the grounding conductor.
Ground cables and metallic raceways as close as practicable to the
entrance point.
Use only grounding conductors, connectors, and fittings listed as suitable
for the purpose.
Grounding conductor. Art. 800 requirements for grounding the phone cable
and the primary protector are nearly identical to those of the other Chapter 8
Articles. The grounding conductor [800.100(A)] must be:
Insulated and listed as suitable for the purpose (Art. 810 does not require
insulation).
Copper or other corrosion-resistant conductive material (Art. 810 has more
stringent requirements).
Not smaller than 14 AWG (this differs in the other Articles).
As short as practicable. In 100(A), Arts. 800, 820, and 830 contain a length
limit of 20 feet for dwelling units. Art. 810 does not contain a length limit.
Sometimes, it isn't practicable to limit the grounding conductor to 20 feet Note
the exception in 100(A)(4) of the appropriate Article. The details differ slightly,
but essentially you can drive a separate ground rod that you must bond back
to the grounding conductor.
Fig. 2. The NEC requirement to bond all external systems to a single point
helps minimize the possibility of equipment damage and electric shock.
Though the details differ among the Articles, the requirement to bond all
external (entering a structure) systems (e.g., communications and power) to a
single point remains. This practice minimizes the possibility of equipment
damage — and electric shock — due to differences of potential between the
systems (Fig. 2). If you don't make this bond, your system will be at risk for
flashover, ground loops, power quality problems, and circulating currents. This
is why someone can die from shock by merely touching the shield of the
network cable on the back of a printer — even though all systems are properly
“grounded.” Maybe size doesn't matter, but bonding does.
Communications electrodes. If the structure has a grounding means, you
have several grounding conductor termination options. Terminate to the
nearest accessible point of the following locations:
Grounding electrode system [250.50].
Interior metal water piping system, within 5 feet from point of entrance
[250.52(A)(1)].
Service bonding means [250.94].
Metallic service raceway.
Service equipment enclosure, or
Grounding electrode conductor (or GEC metal enclosure).
In the rare case that the structure lacks a grounding means, install a ground
rod not less than 5 feet long and ½ in. in diameter [800.100(B)(2)(2),
830.100(B)(2)(2)]. For 810 and 820 installations, use a 10-foot rod per 250.52,
or bond to the grounded structure. Bond this to the grounding electrode
system with a minimum 6 AWG conductor.
Article 810. This Article differs markedly from the other Chapter 8 Articles;
however, it still requires you to reduce differences in potential. The difference
is in the details of how you do that.
For example, you must provide a listed antenna discharge unit for each lead-
in conductor from an outdoor antenna [810.20]. It doesn't matter if you locate
the discharge unit inside or outside, but you must locate it nearest the point of
entrance — and away from combustible material. If the antenna is indoors
(e.g., in an attic), you can skip the discharge unit.
Fig. 3. Grounding the antenna mast and discharge unit per 810.21 helps
prevent voltage surges caused by static discharge or nearby lightning strikes.
Ground the antenna mast and discharge unit per 810.21 (A) through (K) (Fig.
3). This grounding helps prevent voltage surges caused by static discharge or
nearby lightning strikes from reaching the center conductor of the lead-in
coaxial cable.
Satellite dishes provide additional challenges. Because the dish sits outdoors,
wind creates a static charge on the antenna and attached cable. This charge
can build up until it jumps across an air space — often passing through the
electronics inside the low noise block down converter feed horn (LNBF) or
receiver.
Manufacturers often mold copper-clad steel or bronze wire (17 AWG) into the
jacket of the coaxial cable to eliminate the need for a separate ground wire —
which simplifies grounding the satellite dish [810.21(F)(1)].
Avoiding confusion. To avoid Chapter 8 confusion, remember:
Grounding and bonding requirements are in the same place in each Article
(except for Art. 810, which has its own structure).
Make your grounding run short and straight.
Focus on eliminating differences in potential.
Use the Article for your specific installation.
Any time you work on a communications system, turn to Chapter 8. Bond to
equalize potential, but ground to protect from lightning.
This is the final article in this series. If you've read them all, you now
understand the difference between grounding and bonding — and the
purpose of one vs. the other. By not confusing the two, you can eliminate
some common causes of unsafe installations.