Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: gld, Location: Logan, Utah
Asked on: Wednesday, March 23, 2011 at 12:09 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:10 am EDT
Question: I am reviewing a set of plans for a church. The designer has chosen to install a second service for a fire pump. The main service meter is located a great distance away from fire pump service meter. The fire pump room has a main fire pump distribution panel and also a sub-distribution panel that is fed from the main service. What are the requirements for bonding the two separate service GEC?s together?Thanks
Requirements for Bonding Two Separate Service Grounding Electrode Conductors (GECs) for a Fire PumpNational Electrical Code (NEC) Requirements
Section 250.24(B)
The GECs from two separate services shall be bonded together within the premises.
Section 250.46(C)
The bond shall be a minimum of the size of the largest GEC or 250 kcmil, whichever is smaller.
Additional Considerations
Location
The bond should be located at the point of common grounding, such as the fire pump room where the services are connected to the fire pump distribution panel.
Method
The bond should be made using a copper bonding jumper or other approved method.
Accessibility
The bond should be easily accessible for inspection and maintenance.
Coordination with the Fire Marshal
Consult with the local Fire Marshal to ensure compliance with local fire safety codes and regulations.
Purpose of Bonding
Bonding the two GECs together ensures that all equipment and systems within the building, including the fire pump, are properly grounded and protected from electrical faults. It also prevents electrical shock hazards and potential damage to equipment.
Example:
If the main service meter is rated at 2000 amps and the fire pump service meter is rated at 500 amps, the GECs should be bonded together with a copper bonding jumper rated for 250 kcmil. This would ensure that the GEC system provides a low-resistance path to ground for both services. Flag for review