You're right, bonding to the handhole enclosure itself is less common than ensuring continuity between the cover and the surrounding metallic components, especially if the handhole is metallic. Here's a breakdown: Handhole Enclosure Material

The key lies in whether the handhole enclosure is metallic or non-metallic (e.g., polymer concrete, fiberglass).

Metallic Handhole

If the enclosure is metallic and electrically continuous with other metallic components (like the raceway entering/exiting), it's typically implicitly grounded through the raceway system if the raceway is metallic and properly grounded. The cover is usually bonded to the handhole frame via direct metal-to-metal contact via the fasteners.

Non-Metallic Handhole

This is the most common scenario with modern handholes. In this case, the handhole enclosure itself cannot be bonded. The cover may or may not be metallic.

Metallic Cover



Metallic Handhole

The enclosure is implicitly grounded through the raceway system and metal-to-metal contact via the fasteners ensures the cover is grounded.

Non-Metallic Handhole

If the metallic cover is likely to become energized, it does need to be bonded via an EGC.

NEC Considerations & Reasoning

The NEC (National Electrical Code) focuses on ensuring that exposed metal parts that are likely to become energized are properly grounded to prevent shock hazards. Here's the relevant logic: 250.4(A)(5) Bonding of Electrically Conductive Materials and Other Equipment. Electrically conductive materials that are likely to become energized shall be connected together and to the supply source in a manner that establishes an effective ground-fault current path. 250.8(A) Bonding Methods. Bonding jumpers and connection devices shall be identified for the use. 250.134(B) Non-Electrical Equipment. If a nonelectrical metallic handhole enclosure is installed on a circuit that is required to have an equipment grounding conductor, then the metallic handhole enclosure must be grounded.

So, to answer your specific questions


Bonding to Handhole Enclosure

Bonding to the body of a handhole (other than the cover), if the enclosure is metallic, is usually indirectly handled through the metallic raceway system providing implicit grounding.2.

EGC to Cover? An EGC is typically only required if the cover is metallic and the handhole enclosure is non-metallic.

Practical Considerations Direct Metal-to-Metal Contact

As you observed, direct metal-to-metal contact between the cover and the handhole frame is common, especially with bolted covers. This is often considered sufficient for bonding if the handhole is metallic and inherently grounded through the raceway system. The fasteners ensure the contact is maintained.

Supplementary Bonding

In some situations (e.g., high fault current areas, corrosive environments), supplementary bonding (e.g., a bonding jumper) between the cover and a grounding point within the handhole might be added for extra assurance, even if not strictly required by code.

Plastic Covers

Many modern handholes have non-conductive (plastic) covers. These do not require any bonding.

In Summary: If the handhole is metallic and the raceway system is metallic and grounded, the handhole is typically implicitly grounded, and the cover is bonded to the frame through metal-to-metal contact. If the handhole is non-metallic, an EGC is usually required to bond any metallic cover to the grounding system.* Always consult the specific requirements of your local electrical code and the equipment manufacturer's instructions. If there's any doubt, err on the side of caution and provide supplemental bonding.Therefore, the necessity of an EGC to the cover depends on the handhole enclosure's material and the likelihood of the cover becoming energized. Flag for review