Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: Tom Drake, Location: West Palm Beach, FL
Asked on: Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 12:15 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 6:12 am EDT
Question: We are repairing some conduits at a marina. The power pedestals are grounded to a ground rod in Brooks box on shore. There is no equipment ground. The pedestals are tapped off a main feeder. Which is two 500s and one 250 in a. 2-1/2" PVC conduit. The main breaker is over 700 feet away. 300 feet of goes through ten brooks boxes for other docks. 400 feet is one pull. This is all under the concrete walkway. Can't get final inspection till we install an equipment ground. Article 301.1 say it is permitted to install Separate conduit for equipment ground next to feeder conduit. Can anyone shed some light on this.
NEC Requirements for Equipment Grounding
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), all electrical installations must have an equipment grounding system that connects all exposed metal parts of the electrical system to a grounding electrode system. This grounding system provides a safe path for fault current to return to ground, protecting personnel and equipment from electrical shock.
NEC 301.1 and Separate Conduit for Equipment Ground
NEC 301.1 permits the installation of a separate conduit for the equipment grounding conductor. This option is typically used when it is impractical to run the equipment grounding conductor with the feeder conductors in the same conduit.
Application to Your Situation
In your situation, you are required to install an equipment ground. You are considering running the equipment grounding conductor in a separate conduit next to the feeder conduit. This is a permitted option under NEC 301.1.
Considerations for Installing a Separate Equipment Ground Conduit Size of the conduit
The conduit must be large enough to accommodate the equipment grounding conductor and any other necessary conductors.
Conduit material
The conduit must be made of a conductive material, such as metal or metal-clad plastic.
Routing of the conduit
The conduit must be routed close to the feeder conduit to ensure electrical continuity.
Grounding electrode system
The equipment grounding conductor must be connected to a grounding electrode system, such as a ground rod or buried pipe.
Alternative Option: Running Equipment Ground Conductor with Feeder Conductors
If you determine that running a separate equipment ground conduit is not feasible, you can also consider running the equipment grounding conductor with the feeder conductors in the same conduit. However, you must ensure that the conduit is of an appropriate size and that the equipment grounding conductor is properly bonded to the neutral conductor at the service entrance.
Conclusion
Installing an equipment ground is a requirement for electrical safety. NEC 301.1 permits the installation of a separate conduit for the equipment grounding conductor. You can explore this option or consider running the equipment grounding conductor with the feeder conductors, depending on the practicality of your situation. Flag for review