Safety-Guy

It has recently been interpreted by an AHJ in FL that pulling bare copper ground wire in metal conduit is a code violation. We have asked for a code reference, but I suspect it will be 342.14 , 344.14, or 358.12(6).
If anyone knows of any code reference that would contradict this ruling, please let me know your input.

raider1

So how would running a bare copper ground wire in a steel conduit be any different than attaching a copper EGC at a steel box?

There is no prohibition in the NEC to installing a bare copper EGC in a steel conduit.

Take a look at 250.118(1) this section specifically permits a bare copper conductor to be used as an EGC.

Chris

nakulak

so you can use a bond bushing to make sure that the conduit is bonded, but the bare copper isn't allowed ? wtf ?

Tiger

What is the conduit/circuit being used for?

Dave

Roger123

I believe that the above stated sections have to do with dissimilar metals as related to aluminum and copper connected together which will cause a galvanic action not a copper ground wire coming in contact with metal conduit.

A bare EGC in conduit is a bit uncommon trade practice though.

Thomp

This is true, we have to wrap our conduits if they come into to close of contact with copper plumbing pipes.

leland

we have them wrap the copper.

is it al conduit?

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Greg

Which county did this, Orange or Seminole?

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Safety-Guy

Palm Beach County is where the site is.

Thomp

Yeah, you can wrap either the copper or conduit as long as they don't touch.

Bkessler

I use bare copper in conduits all the time. Mostly to run to the ground rod when there is a house on a slab and I am doing a service change.

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Thomp

I was taught not to do this because the conduit would act as a choke and inhibit the path to ground.

raider1

If you bond both ends of the conduit to the GEC then you are OK. (See 250.64(E))

It is better to use a non-ferrous raceway to enclose the GEC such as schedule 80 PVC.

Chris

Thomp

It is better to use a non-ferrous raceway to enclose the GEC such as schedule 80 PVC
This seems like a better game plan to me.

Bkessler

maybe this is the way I will do it from now on with pvc.

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raider1

I always use PVC to run my GEC, it eliminates all of the problems with electromagnetic fields and the chock effect around the GEC.

Chris

RIVETER

I have gotten my butt ripped about power factor, so I am not afraid of this one. Someone in Florida is thinking that if you run a bare "Equipment grounding conductor" in EMT you are definitely creating a parallel path of fault current, if a fault current exists. The problem is when the (parallel path of fault current is interrupted by a BREAK, as a loose, or non existent tight coupling. Theoretically, at the point of the (LOST) connection in the conduit, an Inductive choke could be developed and an IMPEDENCE is set up as to restrict the FAULT CURRENT, and slowing the tripping of the overload device which would be measured in cycles per second. That is my story and I'm sticking to it.

RIVETER

Speedskater

RIVETER does the fault current cause this BREAK? Or was this BREAK a pre-existing condition?

RIVETER

You are correct, the break is a pre- existing condition.
NOT THE FAULT.

brian john

So what happens when one the hack electricians leaves the copper connection loose? The argument some use of loose connections can be applied to any thing we do. I say if that is the quality of work you do or are use to sub it all out to professionals.


I can argue that all wiring should be in rigid for the same reason. A hack electrician improperly installs NM and nicks the insulation, better use rigid.

So the point is when properly installed there is no issue, if you cannot properly install it hang drywall.

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