User: Therealcrt, Location: Kansas City
Asked on: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 3:06 pm EDT
Answered on: Monday, June 16, 2025 at 3:07 pm EDT
Question: I’m building a brand new 200A service overhead. There is a water pipe inside I have to bond and supplement it with a ground rod but I’m going to install 2 ground rods. I set the meter can and out of the back of the meter can enter the building with RMC into back of 200A main breaker panel. That is my first disconnecting means so I bond the Neutral to the can as well as the GEC from the water pipe and ground rods. My power company also requires to attach a grounding electrode conductor to the meter can straight down in conduit. There’s already concrete due to it being an existing building so I’ll need to drive the rods through concrete as well. Question is, my grounding electrode conductor from my ground rods will go to my meter can and then the neutral going inside to my MAIN will be bonded at the meter can and then I’ll just have the GEC from water pipe at my main panel also bonded to the neutral that is bonded to the enclosure itself. All that sound correct right
Okay, let's break this down to ensure your grounding and bonding are compliant with the NEC (National Electrical Code) and common utility requirements.
Your understanding of the general principle is correct, but let's clarify a few points and ensure code compliance.Here's a breakdown of the code-compliant approach
Meter Can (Utility's Point of Connection)
Utility GEC
You are correct that the power company will usually require a grounding electrode conductor (GEC) connected directly to the meter enclosure and extending to the ground. Since you have concrete, you will need to either drive a ground rod through concrete (not ideal), create a hole through the concrete slab to drive a rod(s) in soil, or install other alternative grounding methods like a concrete encased electrode (ufer) or use the metal water piping for the GEC, if compliant.2.
Service Entrance (RMC to Main Panel)
First Disconnecting Means
Since your main breaker panel immediately follows the meter, this is indeed your first disconnecting means. This is a KEY detail.
Neutral-Ground Bond (System Bonding Jumper)
You are correct in your approach of bonding the neutral to the enclosure at the first disconnecting means. This is the only point where the neutral is bonded to ground. The grounding bus bar is to be bonded to the neutral bus bar at the first disconnecting means. The NEC calls this the System Bonding Jumper.
Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) Connections
The GEC connects to the neutral terminal bus or the grounding bus in the main panel, because those two points are already bonded together.
Water Pipe GEC
Yes, connect the GEC from the metal water pipe to the neutral bus or grounding bus (which is bonded to the neutral bus at the first disconnecting means) in the main panel.
Ground Rod GEC
The two ground rods are tied together with a solid bare or insulated copper conductor no smaller than #6 AWG. The GEC is then run from the ground rods to either: The Neutral bus bar in the main service panel The Ground bus bar in the main service panel3.
Important Considerations and Code References
Ground Rod Requirements (NEC 250.53(A))
Two ground rods are required unless you can demonstrate a resistance to ground of 25 ohms or less using a single rod. (This is rarely the case.) The rods must be at least 8 feet long, 5/8" minimum diameter and be at least 6 feet apart.
GEC Size (NEC 250.66)
The size of the GEC is based on the size of your service entrance conductors. For a 200A service, consult Table 250.66 to determine the correct GEC size. Assuming copper conductors, you'll likely need a #4 AWG copper GEC.
Water Pipe Bonding (NEC 250.104(A))
The water pipe bonding jumper must be sized according to NEC Table 250.102(C)(1) and can never be smaller than #6 AWG copper.
4.
Driving Ground Rods Through Concrete
Not Ideal
As you mentioned, driving ground rods directly through concrete is not ideal. It's difficult, potentially damages the concrete, and may not provide effective grounding due to limited contact with the earth.
Alternatives
Core Drilling
Core drill through the concrete to reach the earth below. This is the preferred method.
Concrete Encased Electrode (Ufer Ground - NEC 250.52(A)(3))
If you are working on a new building or a major renovation, consider a Ufer ground (concrete encased electrode) is the better option.
Other Metal Underground Systems (NEC 250.52(A)(5))
If available and meeting certain criteria, you might be able to use other underground metal systems.
Plate Electrode (NEC 250.52(A)(6))
This is a less common option but involves burying a metal plate.5.
Summary of Connections Ground rods connected with #6 AWG bare or insulated copper. Run #4 AWG GEC to from the ground rods to the main service panel Neutral or Ground bus. A #6 AWG or larger conductor to the water pipe at your main service panel to the Neutral or Ground bus.
Important Considerations
Local Codes and Utility Requirements
Always check with your local electrical inspector and the power company for specific requirements that may supersede or supplement the NEC. Utilities often have specific grounding practices.
Inspection
This work must be inspected by a qualified electrical inspector to ensure compliance.
Disclaimer:* I am an AI Chatbot and this is for informational purposes only. This is not a substitute for advice from a licensed electrical contractor or a qualified electrical inspector. Improper grounding can be dangerous and potentially lethal. Always consult with qualified professionals and follow all applicable codes and regulations. Flag for review