Philippine Electrical Code Part 1 - Chapter 2. Wiring and Protection - Ground

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Article2.50GroundingAndBonding
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Contents
Article2.50GroundingAndBonding
2.50.1General
2.50.1.1Scope.
2.50.1.2Definitions.
2.50.1.3ApplicationofOtherArticles.
2.50.1.4GeneralRequirementsforGroundingandBonding.
2.50.1.6ObjectionableCurrentoverGroundingConductors.
2.50.1.8ConnectionofGroundingandBondingEquipment.
2.50.1.10ProtectionofGroundClampsandFittings.=
2.50.2SystemGrounding
2.50.2.1AlternatingCurrentSystemstoBeGrounded.
2.50.2.2AlternatingCurrentSystemsof50Voltsto1000VoltsNotRequiredtoBeGrounded.
2.50.2.5GroundingServiceSuppliedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
2.50.2.7ConductortoBeGroundedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
2.50.2.9MainBondingJumperandSystemBondingJumper.
2.50.2.11GroundingSeparatelyDerivedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
2.50.2.13BuildingsorStructuresSuppliedbyFeeder(s)orBranchCircuit(s).
2.50.2.15PortableandVehicleMountedGenerators.
2.50.2.17HighImpedanceGroundedNeutralSystems.
2.50.3GroundingElectrodeSystemandGroundingElectrodeConductor
2.50.3.1GroundingElectrodeSystem.
2.50.3.3GroundingElectrodes.
2.50.3.4GroundingElectrodeSystemInstallation.
2.50.3.5SupplementaryGroundingElectrodes.
2.50.3.7ResistanceofRod,Pipe,andPlateElectrodes.
2.50.3.9CommonGroundingElectrode.
2.50.3.11UseofAirTerminals.
2.50.3.15GroundingElectrodeConductorInstallation.
2.50.3.17SizeofAlternatingCurrentGroundingElectrodeConductor.
2.50.3.19GroundingElectrodeConductorandBondingJumperConnectiontoGroundingElectrodes.
2.50.3.21MethodsofGroundingandBondingConductorConnectiontoElectrodes.
2.50.4Enclosure,Raceway,andServiceCableGrounding
2.50.4.1ServiceRacewaysandEnclosures.
2.50.4.5UndergroundServiceCableorRaceway.
2.50.4.7OtherConductorEnclosuresandRaceways.
2.50.5Bonding
2.50.5.1General.
2.50.5.3Services.
2.50.5.5BondingforOtherSystems.
2.50.5.7BondingOtherEnclosures.
2.50.5.8BondingforOver250Volts.
2.50.5.9BondingLooselyJointedMetalRaceways.
2.50.5.11BondinginHazardous(Classified)Locations.
2.50.5.13EquipmentBondingJumpers.
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2.50.5.15BondingofPipingSystemsandExposedStructuralSteel.
2.50.5.17LightningProtectionSystems.
2.50.6EquipmentGroundingandEquipmentGroundingConductors
2.50.6.1EquipmentFastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed).
2.50.6.3FastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed)Specific.
2.50.6.5EquipmentConnectedbyCordandPlug.
2.50.6.7NonelectricEquipment.
2.50.6.9TypesofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
2.50.6.10IdentificationofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
2.50.6.11EquipmentGroundingConductorInstallation.
2.50.6.13SizeofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
2.50.6.15EquipmentGroundingConductorContinuity.
2.50.6.17IdentificationofWiringDeviceTerminals.
2.50.7MethodsofEquipmentGrounding
2.50.7.1EquipmentGroundingConductorConnections.
2.50.7.3ShortSectionsofRaceway.
2.50.7.5EquipmentFastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed)Grounding.
2.50.7.9CordandPlugConnectedEquipment.
2.50.7.11FramesofRangesandClothesDryers.
2.50.7.13UseofGroundedCircuitConductorforGroundingEquipment.
2.50.7.15MultipleCircuitConnections.
2.50.7.17ConnectingReceptacleGroundingTerminaltoBox.
2.50.7.19ContinuityandAttachmentofEquipmentGroundingConductorstoBoxes.
2.50.8DirectCurrentSystems
2.50.8.1General.
2.50.8.3DirectCurrentCircuitsandSystemstoBeGrounded.
2.50.8.5PointofConnectionforDirectCurrentSystems.
2.50.8.9DirectCurrentBondingJumper.
2.50.8.10UngroundedDirectCurrentSeparatelyDerivedSystems.
2.50.9Instruments,Meters,andRelays
2.50.9.1InstrumentTransformerCircuits.
2.50.9.3InstrumentTransformerCases.
2.50.9.5CasesofInstruments,Meters,andRelaysOperatingatLessThan1000Volts.
2.50.9.7CasesofInstruments,Meters,andRelaysOperatingVoltage1kVandOver.
2.50.9.9InstrumentGroundingConductor.
2.50.10GroundingofSystemsandCircuitsof1kVandOver(HighVoltage)
2.50.10.1General.
2.50.10.3DerivedNeutralSystems.
2.50.10.5SolidlyGroundedNeutralSystems.
2.50.10.7ImpedanceGroundedNeutralSystems.
2.50.10.9GroundingofSystemsSupplyingPortableorMobileEquipment.
2.50.10.11GroundingofEquipment.
OtherPagesinthisCategory:Chapter2.WiringandProtection
References
2.50.1General
2.50.1.1Scope.
Thisarticlecoversgeneralrequirementsforgroundingandbondingofelectricalinstallations,andspecificrequirementsin(1)through(6).(1)Systems,circuits,
andequipmentrequired,permitted,ornotpermittedtobegrounded
(2)Circuitconductortobegroundedongroundedsystems
(3)Locationofgroundingconnections
(4)Typesandsizesofgroundingandbondingconductorsandelectrodes
(5)Methodsofgroundingandbonding
(6)Conditionsunderwhichguards,isolation,orinsulationmaybesubstitutedforgrounding
2.50.1.2Definitions.
EffectiveGroundFaultCurrentPath.Anintentionallyconstructed,permanent,lowimpedanceelectricallyconductivepathdesignedandintendedtocarry
currentundergroundfaultconditionsfromthepointofagroundfaultonawiringsystemtotheelectricalsupplysourceandthatfacilitatestheoperationofthe
overcurrentprotectivedeviceorgroundfaultdetectorsonhighimpedancegroundedsystems.
GroundFault.Anunintentional,electricallyconductingconnectionbetweenanungroundedconductorofanelectricalcircuitandthenormallynoncurrent
carryingconductors,metallicenclosures,metallicraceways,metallicequipment,orearth.
GroundFaultCurrentPath.Anelectricallyconductivepathfromthepointofagroundfaultonawiringsystemthroughnormallynoncurrentcarrying
conductors,equipment,ortheearthtotheelectricalsupplysource.
FPN:Examplesofgroundfaultcurrentpathscouldconsistofanycombinationofequipmentgroundingconductors,metallicraceways,metalliccable
sheaths,electricalequipment,andanyotherelectricallyconductivematerialsuchasmetalwaterandgaspiping,steelframingmembers,stuccomesh,
metalducting,reinforcingsteel,shieldsofcommunicationscables,andtheearthitself.
2.50.1.3ApplicationofOtherArticles.
Inotherarticlesapplyingtoparticularcasesofinstallationofconductorsandequipment,requirementsareidentifiedinTable2.50.1.3thatareinadditionto,or
modificationsof,thoseofthisarticle.
2.50.1.4GeneralRequirementsforGroundingandBonding.
Thefollowinggeneralrequirementsidentifywhatgroundingandbondingofelectricalsystemsarerequiredtoaccomplish.Theprescriptivemethodscontainedin
Article2.50shallbefollowedtocomplywiththeperformancerequirementsofthissection.
(a)GroundedSystems.
(1)ElectricalSystemGrounding.Electricalsystemsthataregroundedshallbeconnectedtoearthinamannerthatwilllimitthevoltageimposedbylightning,
linesurges,orunintentionalcontactwithhighervoltagelinesandthatwillstabilizethevoltagetoearthduringnormaloperation.
(2)GroundingofElectricalEquipment.Noncurrentcarryingconductivematerialsenclosingelectricalconductorsorequipment,orformingpartofsuch
equipment,shallbeconnectedtoearthsoastolimitthevoltagetogroundonthesematerials.
(3)BondingofElectricalEquipment.Noncurrentcarryingconductivematerialsenclosingelectricalconductorsorequipment,orformingpartofsuch
equipment,shallbeconnectedtogetherandtotheelectricalsupplysourceinamannerthatestablishesaneffectivegroundfaultcurrentpath.
Table2.50.1.3AdditionalGroundingRequirements
Conductor/Equipment Article Section

Agriculturalbuildings 5.47.1.9and
5.47.1.10
Audiosignalprocessing, 6.40.1.7
amplification,andreproduction
equipment
Branchcircuits 2.10.1.5,2.10.1.6,
4.6.1.3
Cablebus 3.70.1.9
Cabletrays 3.92 3.92.1.3(c),3.92.1.7
Capacitors 4.60.1.10,4.60.2.4
Circuitsandequipmentoperatingat 7.20
lessthan50volts
Closedloopandprogrammedpower 7.80.1.3
distribution
Communicationscircuits 8.0
Communityantennatelevisionand 8.20.3.1,8.20.4.1,
radiodistributionsystems 8.20.4.4
Conductorsforgeneralwiring 3.10
Cranesandhoists 6.10
Electricallydrivenorcontrolled 6.75.1.11(c),
irrigationmachines 6.75.1.12,6.75.1.13,
6.75.1.14,6.75.1.15
Electricsignsandoutlinelighting 6.0
Electrolyticcells 6.68
Elevators,dumbwaiters,escalators, 6.20
movingwalks,wheelchairlifts,and
stairwaychairlifts
Firealarmsystems 7.60.1.9
Fixedelectricheatingequipmentfor 4.27.4.5,4.27.6.4
pipelinesandvessels
Fixedoutdoorelectricdeicingand 4.26.3.8
snowmeltingequipment
Flexiblecordsandcables 4.0.2.3,4.0.2.4
Floatingbuildings 5.53.3.1,5.53.3.3,
5.53.3.4
Groundingtypereceptacles, 4.6.1.9
adapters,cordconnectors,and
attachmentplugs
Hazardous(classified)locations 5.05.17
Healthcarefacilities 5.17
Inductionanddielectricheating 6.65
equipment
Industrialmachinery 6.70
Informationtechnologyequipment 6.45.1.15
Intrinsicallysafesystems 5.4.1.50
Luminaires(lightingfixtures)and 4.10.5.1,4.10.5.2,
lightingequipment 4.10.5.4,
4.10.5.5,4.10.15.6(b)
Luminaires(fixtures),lampholders, 4.10
andlamps
Marinasandboatyards 5.55.1.15
Mobilehomesandmobilehome 5.50
park
Motionpictureandtelevisionstudios 4.30 5.30.2.10,
andsimilarlocations 5.30.6.4(b)
Motors,motorcircuits,and 6.50
controllers
Outlet,device,pull,andjunction 8.10 3.14.1.4,3.14.2.11
boxesconduitbodiesandfittings
Over600volts,nominal, 5.51 3.0.2.20(b)
undergroundwiringmethods
Panelboards 2.30 4.8.3.11
Pipeorgans 6.80
Radioandtelevisionequipment
Receptaclesandcordconnectors 4.6.1.3
Recreationalvehiclesand
recreationalvehicleparks
Services
Solarphotovoltaicsystems 6.90.5.1,6.90.5.2,
6.90.5.3,6.90.5.5,
6.90.5.7
Swimmingpools,fountains,and
similarinstallations
Switchboardsandpanelboards 4.8.1.3(d)
Switches 4.4.1.12
Theaters,audienceareasofmotion 5.20.7.1
pictureandtelevisionstudios,and
similarlocations
Transformersandtransformervaults 4.50.1.10
Useandidentificationofgrounded 2.0
conductors
Xrayequipment 6.60 5.17.5.8
(4)BondingofElectricallyConductiveMaterialsandOtherEquipment.Electricallyconductivematerialsthatarelikelytobecomeenergizedshallbe
connectedtogetherandtotheelectricalsupplysourceinamannerthatestablishesaneffectivegroundfaultcurrentpath.
(5)EffectiveGroundFaultCurrentPath.Electricalequipmentandwiringandotherelectricallyconductivemateriallikelytobecomeenergizedshallbeinstalled
inamannerthatcreatesapermanent,lowimpedancecircuitfacilitatingtheoperationoftheovercurrentdeviceorgrounddetectorforhighimpedancegrounded
systems.Itshallbecapableofsafelycarryingthemaximumgroundfaultcurrentlikelytobeimposedonitfromanypointonthewiringsystemwhereaground
faultmayoccurtotheelectricalsupplysource.Theearthshallnotbeconsideredasaneffectivegroundfaultcurrentpath.
(b)UngroundedSystems.
(1)GroundingElectricalEquipment.Noncurrentcarryingconductivematerialsenclosingelectricalconductorsorequipment,orformingpartofsuch
equipment,shallbeconnectedtoearthinamannerthatwilllimitthevoltageimposedbylightningorunintentionalcontactwithhighervoltagelinesandlimitthe
voltagetogroundonthesematerials.
(2)BondingofElectricalEquipment.Noncurrentcarryingconductivematerialsenclosingelectricalconductorsorequipment,orformingpartofsuch
equipment,shallbeconnectedtogetherandtothesupplysystemgroundedequipmentinamannerthatcreatesapermanent,lowimpedancepathforground
faultcurrentthatiscapableofcarryingthemaximumfaultcurrentlikelytobeimposedonit.
(3)BondingofElectricallyConductiveMaterialsandOtherEquipment.Electricallyconductivematerialsthatarelikelytobecomeenergizedshallbe
connectedtogetherandtothesupplysystemgroundedequipmentinamannerthatcreatesapermanent,lowimpedancepathforgroundfaultcurrentthatis
capableofcarryingthemaximumfaultcurrentlikelytobeimposedonit.
(4)PathforFaultCurrent.Electricalequipment,wiring,andotherelectricallyconductivemateriallikelytobecomeenergizedshallbeinstalledinamannerthat
createsapermanent,lowimpedancecircuitfromanypointonthewiringsystemtotheelectricalsupplysourcetofacilitatetheoperationofovercurrentdevices
shouldasecondfaultoccuronthewiringsystem.Theearthshallnotbeconsideredasaneffectivefaultcurrentpath.
FPNNo.1:Asecondfaultthatoccursthroughtheequipmentenclosuresandbondingisconsideredagroundfault.
FPNNo.2:SeeFigure2.50.1.4forinformationontheorganizationofArticle2.50.
(/wiki/File:Figure2.50.1.4Grounding.png)
2.50.1.6ObjectionableCurrentoverGroundingConductors.
(a)ArrangementtoPreventObjectionableCurrent.Thegroundingofelectricalsystems,circuitconductors,surgearresters,andconductivenoncurrent
carryingmaterialsandequipmentshallbeinstalledandarrangedinamannerthatwillpreventobjectionablecurrentoverthegroundingconductorsorgrounding
paths.
(b)AlterationstoStopObjectionableCurrent.Iftheuseofmultiplegroundingconnectionsresultsinobjectionablecurrent,oneormoreofthefollowing
alterationsshallbepermittedtobemade,providedthattherequirementsof2.50.1.4(a)(5)or(b)(4)aremet:
(1)Discontinueoneormorebutnotallofsuchgroundingconnections.
(2)Changethelocationsofthegroundingconnections.
(3)Interruptthecontinuityoftheconductororconductivepathinterconnectingthegroundingconnections.
(4)Takeothersuitableremedialandapprovedaction.
(c)TemporaryCurrentsNotClassifiedasObjectionableCurrents.Temporarycurrentsresultingfromaccidentalconditions,suchasgroundfaultcurrents,
thatoccuronlywhilethegroundingconductorsareperformingtheirintendedprotectivefunctionsshallnotbeclassifiedasobjectionablecurrentforthepurposes
specifiedin2.50.1.6(a)and(b).
(d)LimitationstoPermissibleAlterations.Theprovisionsofthissectionshallnotbeconsideredaspermittingelectronicequipmentfrombeingoperatedonac
systemsorbranchcircuitsthatarenotgroundedasrequiredbythisarticle.Currentsthatintroducenoiseordataerrorsinelectronicequipmentshallnotbe
consideredtheobjectionablecurrentsaddressedinthissection.
(e)IsolationofObjectionableDirectCurrentGroundCurrents.Whereisolationofobjectionabledcgroundcurrentsfromcathodicprotectionsystemsis
required,alistedaccoupling/dcisolatingdeviceshallbepermittedintheequipmentgroundingpathtoprovideaneffectivereturnpathforacgroundfaultcurrent
whileblockingdccurrent.
2.50.1.8ConnectionofGroundingandBondingEquipment.
Groundingconductorsandbondingjumpersshallbeconnectedbyexothermicwelding,listedpressureconnectors,listedclamps,orotherlistedmeans.
Connectiondevicesorfittingsthatdependsolelyonsoldershallnotbeused.Sheetmetalscrewsshallnotbeusedtoconnectgroundingconductorsor
connectiondevicestoenclosures.
2.50.1.10ProtectionofGroundClampsandFittings.=
Groundclampsorotherfittingsshallbeapprovedforgeneralusewithoutprotectionorshallbeprotectedfromphysicaldamageasindicatedin(1)or(2)as
follows:
(1)Ininstallationswheretheyarenotlikelytobedamaged
(2)Whereenclosedinmetal,wood,orequivalentprotectivecovering2.50.1.12CleanSurfaces.Nonconductivecoatings(suchaspaint,lacquer,andenamel)
onequipmenttobegroundedshallberemovedfromthreadsandothercontactsurfacestoensuregoodelectricalcontinuityorbeconnectedbymeansof
fittingsdesignedsoastomakesuchremovalunnecessary.
2.50.2SystemGrounding
2.50.2.1AlternatingCurrentSystemstoBeGrounded.
Alternatingcurrentsystemsshallbegroundedasprovidedforin2.50.2.1(a),(b),(c),or(d).Othersystemsshallbepermittedtobegrounded.Ifsuchsystems
aregrounded,theyshallcomplywiththeapplicableprovisionsofthisarticle.
FPN:Anexampleofasystempermittedtobegroundedisacornergroundeddeltatransformerconnection.See2.50.2.7(4)forconductortobegrounded.
(a)AlternatingCurrentSystemsofLessThan50Volts.Alternatingcurrentsystemsoflessthan50voltsshallbegroundedunderanyofthefollowing
conditions:
(1)Wheresuppliedbytransformers,ifthetransformersupplysystemexceeds150voltstoground
(2)Wheresuppliedbytransformers,ifthetransformersupplysystemisungrounded
(3)Whereinstalledasoverheadconductorsoutsideofbuildings
(b)AlternatingCurrentSystemsof50Voltsto1000Volts.
Alternatingcurrentsystemsof50voltsto1000voltsthatsupplypremiseswiringandpremiseswiringsystemsshallbegroundedunderanyofthefollowing
conditions:
(1)Wherethesystemis1phaseandcanbegroundedsothatthemaximumvoltagetogroundontheungroundedconductorsdoesnotexceed250volts
(2)Wherethesystemis3phase,4wire,wyeconnectedinwhichtheneutralisusedasacircuitconductor
(3)Wherethesystemis3phase,4wire,deltaconnectedinwhichthemidpointofonephasewindingisusedasacircuitconductor
(c)AlternatingCurrentSystemsof1kVandOver.Alternatingcurrentsystemssupplyingmobileorportableequipmentshallbegroundedasspecifiedin
2.50.10.9.Wheresupplyingotherthanmobileorportableequipment,suchsystemsshallbepermittedtobegrounded.
(d)SeparatelyDerivedSystems.Separatelyderivedsystems,ascoveredin2.50.2.1(a)or(b),shallbegroundedasspecifiedin2.50.2.11.
FPNNo.1:Analternateacpowersourcesuchasanonsitegeneratorisnotaseparatelyderivedsystemiftheneutralissolidlyinterconnectedtoaservice
suppliedsystemneutral.
FPNNo.2:Forsystemsthatarenotseparatelyderivedandarenotrequiredtobegroundedasspecifiedin2.50.2.11,see4.45.1.13forminimumsizeof
conductorsthatmustcarryfaultcurrent.
(e)ImpedanceGroundedNeutralSystems.Impedancegroundedneutralsystemsshallbegroundedinaccordancewith2.50.2.17or2.50.10.7.
2.50.2.2AlternatingCurrentSystemsof50Voltsto1000VoltsNotRequiredtoBeGrounded.
Thefollowingacsystemsof50voltsto1000voltsshallbepermittedtobegroundedbutshallnotberequiredtobegrounded:
(1)Electricsystemsusedexclusivelytosupplyindustrialelectricfurnacesformelting,refining,tempering,andthelike
(2)Separatelyderivedsystemsusedexclusivelyforrectifiersthatsupplyonlyadjustablespeedindustrialdrives
(3)Separatelyderivedsystemssuppliedbytransformersthathaveaprimaryvoltageratinglessthan1000volts,providedthatallthefollowingconditionsaremet:
a.Thesystemisusedexclusivelyforcontrolcircuits.
b.Theconditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervision
ofalicensedelectricalpractitionerservicetheinstallation.
c.Continuityofcontrolpowerisrequired.
d.Grounddetectorsareinstalledonthecontrolsystem.
(4)Othersystemsthatarenotrequiredtobegroundedinaccordancewiththerequirementsof2.50.2.1(b).Whereanalternatingcurrentsystemisnotgrounded
aspermittedin2.50.2.2(1)through(4),grounddetectorsshallbeinstalledonthesystem.
Exception:Systemsoflessthan120voltstogroundaspermittedbythisCodeshallnotberequiredtohavegrounddetectors.2.50.2.3CircuitsNottoBe
Grounded.Thefollowingcircuitsshallnotbegrounded:
(1)CircuitsforelectriccranesoperatingovercombustiblefibersinClassIIIlocations,asprovidedin5.3.3.56.
(2)Circuitsinhealthcarefacilitiesasprovidedin5.17.4.2and5.17.7.1
(3)CircuitsforequipmentwithinelectrolyticcellworkingzoneasprovidedinArticle6.68
(4)Secondarycircuitsoflightingsystemsasprovidedin4.11.1.5(a)
2.50.2.5GroundingServiceSuppliedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
(a)SystemGroundingConnections.Apremiseswiringsystemsuppliedbyagroundedacserviceshallhaveagroundingelectrodeconductorconnectedtothe
groundedserviceconductor,ateachservice,inaccordancewith2.50.2.5(a)(1)through(a)(5).
(1)General.Theconnectionshallbemadeatanyaccessiblepointfromtheloadendoftheservicedroporservicelateraltoandincludingtheterminalorbusto
whichthegroundedserviceconductorisconnectedattheservicedisconnectingmeans.
FPN:SeedefinitionsofServiceDropandServiceLateralinArticle1.0.
(2)OutdoorTransformer.Wherethetransformersupplyingtheserviceislocatedoutsidethebuilding,atleastoneadditionalgroundingconnectionshallbe
madefromthegroundedserviceconductortoagroundingelectrode,eitheratthetransformerorelsewhereoutsidethebuilding.
Exception:Theadditionalgroundingconnectionshallnotbemadeonhighimpedancegroundedneutralsystems.Thesystemshallmeettherequirements
of2.50.2.17.
(3)DualFedServices.Forservicesthataredualfed(doubleended)inacommonenclosureorgroupedtogetherinseparateenclosuresandemployinga
secondarytie,asinglegroundingelectrodeconnectiontothetiepointofthegroundedconductor(s)fromeachpowersourceshallbepermitted.
(4)MainBondingJumperasWireorBusbar.Wherethemainbondingjumperspecifiedin2.50.2.9isawireorbusbarandisinstalledfromthegrounded
conductorterminalbarorbustotheequipmentgroundingterminalbarorbusintheserviceequipment,thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallbepermittedto
beconnectedtotheequipmentgroundingterminal,bar,orbustowhichthemainbondingjumperisconnected.
(5)LoadSideGroundingConnections.Agroundingconnectionshallnotbemadetoanygroundedconductorontheloadsideoftheservicedisconnecting
meansexceptasotherwisepermittedinthisarticle.
FPN:See2.50.2.11(a)forseparatelyderivedsystems,2.50.2.13forconnectionsatseparatebuildingsorstructures,and2.50.7.13foruseofthegrounded
circuitconductorforgroundingequipment.
(b)MainBondingJumper.Foragroundedsystem,anunsplicedmainbondingjumpershallbeusedtoconnecttheequipmentgroundingconductor(s)andthe
servicedisconnectenclosuretothegroundedconductorwithintheenclosureforeachservicedisconnectinaccordancewith2.50.2.9.
ExceptionNo.1:Wheremorethanoneservicedisconnectingmeansislocatedinanassemblylistedforuseasserviceequipment,anunsplicedmain
bondingjumpershallbondthegroundedconductor(s)totheassemblyenclosure.
ExceptionNo.2:Impedancegroundedneutralsystemsshallbepermittedtobeconnectedasprovidedin2.50.2.17and2.50.10.7.
(c)GroundedConductorBroughttoServiceEquipment.Whereanacsystemoperatingatlessthan1000voltsisgroundedatanypoint,thegrounded
conductor(s)shallberuntoeachservicedisconnectingmeansandshallbebondedtoeachdisconnectingmeansenclosure.Thegroundedconductor(s)shallbe
installedinaccordancewith2.50.2.5(c)(1)through(c)(3).
Exception:Wheremorethanoneservicedisconnectingmeansarelocatedinanassemblylistedforuseasserviceequipment,itshallbepermittedtorun
thegroundedconductor(s)totheassembly,andtheconductor(s)shallbebondedtotheassemblyenclosure.
(1)RoutingandSizing.Thisconductorshallberoutedwiththephaseconductorsandshallnotbesmallerthantherequiredgroundingelectrodeconductor
specifiedinTable2.50.3.17butshallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthelargestungroundedserviceentrancephaseconductor.Inaddition,forservice
entrancephaseconductorslargerthan1100kcmilcopperor850mm2aluminum,thegroundedconductorshallnotbesmallerthan12percentofthearea
ofthelargestserviceentrancephaseconductor.Thegroundedconductorofa3phase,3wiredeltaserviceshallhaveanampacitynotlessthanthatofthe
ungroundedconductors.
(2)ParallelConductors.Wheretheserviceentrancephaseconductorsareinstalledinparallel,thesizeofthegroundedconductorshallbebasedonthe
totalcircularmilareaoftheparallelconductorsasindicatedinthissection.Whereinstalledintwoormoreraceways,thesizeofthegroundedconductorin
eachracewayshallbebasedonthesizeoftheungroundedserviceentranceconductorintheracewaybutnotsmallerthan50mm2.
FPN:See3.10.1.4forgroundedconductorsconnectedinparallel.
(3)HighImpedance.Thegroundedconductoronahighimpedancegroundedneutralsystemshallbegroundedinaccordancewith2.50.2.17.
(d)GroundingElectrodeConductor.Agroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeusedtoconnecttheequipmentgroundingconductors,theserviceequipment
enclosures,and,wherethesystemisgrounded,thegroundedserviceconductortothegroundingelectrode(s)requiredbyPart2.50.3.Highimpedance
groundedneutralsystemconnectionsshallbemadeascoveredin2.50.2.17.
FPN:See2.50.2.5(a)foracsystemgroundingconnections.
(e)UngroundedSystemGroundingConnections.Apremiseswiringsystemthatissuppliedbyanacservicethatisungroundedshallhave,ateachservice,a
groundingelectrodeconductorconnectedtothegroundingelectrode(s)requiredbyPart2.50.3.Thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeconnectedtoa
metalenclosureoftheserviceconductorsatanyaccessiblepointfromtheloadendoftheservicedroporservicelateraltotheservicedisconnectingmeans.
2.50.2.7ConductortoBeGroundedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
Foracpremiseswiringsystems,theconductortobegroundedshallbeasspecifiedinthefollowing:
(1)Singlephase,2wireoneconductor
(2)Singlephase,3wiretheneutralconductor
(3)Multiphasesystemshavingonewirecommontoallphasesthecommonconductor
(4)Multiphasesystemswhereonephaseisgroundedonephaseconductor
(5)Multiphasesystemsinwhichonephaseisusedasin(2)theneutralconductor
2.50.2.9MainBondingJumperandSystemBondingJumper.
Foragroundedsystem,mainbondingjumpersandsystembondingjumpersshallbeinstalledasfollows:
(a)Material.Mainbondingjumpersandsystembondingjumpersshallbeofcopperorothercorrosionresistantmaterial.Amainbondingjumperandasystem
bondingjumpershallbeawire,bus,screw,orsimilarsuitableconductor.
(b)Construction.Whereamainbondingjumperorasystembondingjumperisascrewonly,thescrewshallbeidentifiedwithagreenfinishthatshallbevisible
withthescrewinstalled.
(c)Attachment.Mainbondingjumpersandsystembondingjumpersshallbeattachedinthemannerspecifiedbytheapplicableprovisionsof2.50.1.8.
(d)Size.MainbondingjumpersandsystembondingjumpersshallnotbesmallerthanthesizesshowninTable2.50.3.17.Wherethesupplyconductorsare
largerthan1100kcmilcopperor850mm2aluminum,thebondingjumpershallhaveanareathatisnotlessthan12percentoftheareaofthelargestphase
conductorexceptthat,wherethephaseconductorsandthebondingjumperareofdifferentmaterials(copperoraluminum),theminimumsizeofthebonding
jumpershallbebasedontheassumeduseofphaseconductorsofthesamematerialasthebondingjumperandwithanampacityequivalenttothatofthe
installedphaseconductors.
2.50.2.11GroundingSeparatelyDerivedAlternatingCurrentSystems.
(a)GroundedSystems.Aseparatelyderivedacsystemthatisgroundedshallcomplywith2.50.2.11(a)(1)through(a)(8).Agroundingconnectionshallnotbe
madetoanygroundedcircuitconductorontheloadsideofthepointofgroundingoftheseparatelyderivedsystemexceptasotherwisepermittedinthisarticle.
FPN:See2.50.2.13forconnectionsatseparatebuildingsorstructures,and2.50.7.13foruseofthegroundedcircuitconductorforgroundingequipment.
Exception:Impedancegroundedneutralsystemgroundingconnectionsshallbemadeasspecifiedin2.50.2.17or2.50.10.7.
(1)SystemBondingJumper.Anunsplicedsystembondingjumperincompliancewith2.50.2.9(a)through(d)thatissizedbasedonthederivedphase
conductorsshallbeusedtoconnecttheequipmentgroundingconductorsoftheseparatelyderivedsystemtothegroundedconductor.Thisconnectionshallbe
madeatanysinglepointontheseparatelyderivedsystemfromthesourcetothefirstsystemdisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevice,oritshallbemadeat
thesourceofaseparatelyderivedsystemthathasnodisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevices.
ExceptionNo.1:Forseparatelyderivedsystemsthataredualfed(doubleended)inacommonenclosureorgroupedtogetherinseparateenclosuresand
employingasecondarytie,asinglesystembondingjumperconnectiontothetiepointofthegroundedcircuitconductorsfromeachpowersourceshallbe
permitted.
ExceptionNo.2:Asystembondingjumperatboththesourceandthefirstdisconnectingmeansshallbepermittedwheredoingsodoesnotestablisha
parallelpathforthegroundedconductor.Whereagroundedconductorisusedinthismanner,itshallnotbesmallerthanthesizespecifiedforthesystem
bondingjumperbutshallnotberequiredtobelargerthantheungroundedconductor(s).Forthepurposesofthisexception,connectionthroughtheearth
shallnotbeconsideredasprovidingaparallelpath.
ExceptionNo.3:ThesizeofthesystembondingjumperforasystemthatsuppliesaClass1,Class2,orClass3circuit,andisderivedfromatransformer
ratednotmorethan1000voltamperes,shallnotbesmallerthanthederivedphaseconductorsandshallnotbesmallerthan2.0mm2(1.6mmdia.)copper
or3.5mm2(2.0mmdia.)aluminum.
(2)EquipmentBondingJumperSize.Whereabondingjumperofthewiretypeisrunwiththederivedphaseconductorsfromthesourceofaseparately
derivedsystemtothefirstdisconnectingmeans,itshallbesizedinaccordancewith2.50.5.13(c),basedonthesizeofthederivedphaseconductors.
(3)GroundingElectrodeConductor,SingleSeparatelyDerivedSystem.Agroundingelectrodeconductorforasingleseparatelyderivedsystemshallbe
sizedinaccordancewith2.50.3.17forthederivedphaseconductorsandshallbeusedtoconnectthegroundedconductorofthederivedsystemtothegrounding
electrodeasspecifiedin2.50.2.11(a)(7).Thisconnectionshallbemadeatthesamepointontheseparatelyderivedsystemwherethesystembondingjumperis
installed.
ExceptionNo.1:Wherethesystembondingjumperspecifiedin2.50.2.11(a)(1)isawireorbusbar,itshallbepermittedtoconnectthegroundingelectrode
conductortotheequipmentgroundingterminal,bar,orbus,providedtheequipmentgroundingterminal,bar,orbusisofsufficientsizefortheseparately
derivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.2:Whereaseparatelyderivedsystemoriginatesinlistedequipmentsuitableasserviceequipment,thegroundingelectrodeconductorfrom
theserviceorfeederequipmenttothegroundingelectrodeshallbepermittedasthegroundingelectrodeconductorfortheseparatelyderivedsystem,
providedthegroundingelectrodeconductorisofsufficientsizefortheseparatelyderivedsystem.Wheretheequipmentgroundbusinternaltothe
equipmentisnotsmallerthantherequiredgroundingelectrodeconductorfortheseparatelyderivedsystem,thegroundingelectrodeconnectionforthe
separatelyderivedsystemshallbepermittedtobemadetothebus.
ExceptionNo.3:AgroundingelectrodeconductorshallnotberequiredforasystemthatsuppliesaClass1,Class2,orClass3circuitandisderivedfrom
atransformerratednotmorethan1000voltamperes,providedthegroundedconductorisbondedtothetransformerframeorenclosurebyajumpersized
inaccordancewith2.50.2.11(a)(1),ExceptionNo.3,andthetransformerframeorenclosureisgroundedbyoneofthemeansspecifiedin2.50.7.5.
(4)GroundingElectrodeConductor,MultipleSeparatelyDerivedSystems.Wheremorethanoneseparatelyderivedsystemisinstalled,itshallbe
permissibletoconnectatapfromeachseparatelyderivedsystemtoacommongroundingelectrodeconductor.Eachtapconductorshallconnectthegrounded
conductoroftheseparatelyderivedsystemtothecommongroundingelectrodeconductor.Thegroundingelectrodeconductorsandtapsshallcomplywith
2.50.2.11(a)(4)athrough(a)(4)c.
ExceptionNo.1:Wherethesystembondingjumperspecifiedin2.50.2.11(a)(1)isawireorbusbar,itshallbepermittedtoconnectthegroundingelectrode
conductortotheequipmentgroundingterminal,bar,orbus,providedtheequipmentgroundingterminal,bar,orbusisofsufficientsizefortheseparately
derivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.2:AgroundingelectrodeconductorshallnotberequiredforasystemthatsuppliesaClass1,Class2,orClass3circuitandisderivedfrom
atransformerratednotmorethan1000voltamperes,providedthesystemgroundedconductorisbondedtothetransformerframeorenclosurebya
jumpersizedinaccordancewith2.50.2.11(a)(1),ExceptionNo.3andthetransformerframeorenclosureisgroundedbyoneofthemeansspecifiedin
2.50.7.5.
2 2
a.CommonGroundingElectrodeConductorSize.Thecommongroundingelectrodeconductorshallnotbesmallerthan80mm2copperor125mm2
aluminum.
b.TapConductorSize.Eachtapconductorshallbesizedinaccordancewith2.50.3.17basedonthederivedphaseconductorsoftheseparatelyderived
systemitserves.
Exception:Whereaseparatelyderivedsystemoriginatesinlistedequipmentsuitableasserviceequipment,thegroundingelectrodeconductorfromthe
serviceorfeederequipmenttothegroundingelectrodeshallbepermittedasthegroundingelectrodeconductorfortheseparatelyderivedsystem,provided
thegroundingelectrodeconductorisofsufficientsizefortheseparatelyderivedsystem.Wheretheequipmentgroundbusinternaltotheequipmentisnot
smallerthantherequiredgroundingelectrodeconductorfortheseparatelyderivedsystem,thegroundingelectrodeconnectionfortheseparatelyderived
systemshallbepermittedtobemadetothebus.
c.Connections.Alltapconnectionstothecommongroundingelectrodeconductorshallbemadeatanaccessiblelocationbyoneofthefollowingmethods:
1.Alistedconnector.
2.Listedconnectionstoaluminumorcopperbusbarsnotlessthan6mm50mm.Wherealuminumbusbarsareused,theinstallationshallcomplywith
2.50.3.15(a).
3.Bytheexothermicweldingprocess.
Tapconductorsshallbeconnectedtothecommongroundingelectrodeconductorinsuchamannerthatthecommongroundingelectrodeconductorremains
withoutaspliceorjoint.
(5)Installation.Theinstallationofallgroundingelectrodeconductorsshallcomplywith2.50.3.15(a),(b),(c),and(e).
(6)Bonding.Structuralsteelandmetalpipingshallbebondedinaccordancewith2.50.5.15(d).
(7)GroundingEletrode.Thegroundingelectrodeshallbeasnearaspracticabletoandpreferablyinthesameareaasthegroundingelectrodeconductor
connectiontothesystem.Thegroundingelectrodeshallbethenearestoneofthefollowing:
a.Metalwaterpipegroundingelectrodeasspecifiedin2.50.3.3(a)(1)
b.Structuralmetalgroundingelectrodeasspecifiedin2.50.3.3(a)(2)
ExceptionNo.1:Anyoftheotherelectrodesidentifiedin2.50.3.3(a)shallbeusedwheretheelectrodesspecifiedby2.50.2.11(a)(7)arenotavailable.
ExceptionNo.2to(1)and(2):Whereaseparatelyderivedsystemoriginatesinlistedequipmentsuitableforuseasserviceequipment,thegrounding
electrodeusedfortheserviceorfeederequipmentshallbepermittedasthegroundingelectrodefortheseparatelyderivedsystem.
FPN:See2.50.5.15(d)forbondingrequirementsofinteriormetalwaterpipingintheareaservedbyseparatelyderivedsystems.
(8)GroundedConductor.Whereagroundedconductorisinstalledandthesystembondingjumperisnotlocatedatthesourceoftheseparatelyderived
system,2.50.2.11(a)(8)a,(a)(8)b,and(a)(8)cshallapply.
a.RoutingandSizing.Thisconductorshallberoutedwiththederivedphaseconductorsandshallnotbesmallerthantherequiredgroundingelectrode
conductorspecifiedinTable2.50.3.17butshallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthelargestungroundedderivedphaseconductor.Inaddition,forphase
conductorslargerthan1100kcmilcopperor850mm2aluminum,thegroundedconductorshallnotbesmallerthan12percentoftheareaofthelargest
derivedphaseconductor.Thegroundedconductorofa3phase,3wiredeltasystemshallhaveanampacitynotlessthanthatoftheungroundedconductors.
b.ParallelConductors.Wherethederivedphaseconductorsareinstalledinparallel,thesizeofthegroundedconductorshallbebasedonthetotalcircular
milareaoftheparallelconductors,asindicatedinthissection.Whereinstalledintwoormoreraceways,thesizeofthegroundedconductorineachraceway
shallbebasedonthesizeoftheungroundedconductorsintheracewaybutnotsmallerthan50mm2.
FPN:See3.10.1.4forgroundedconductorsconnectedinparallel.
c.ImpedanceGroundedSystem.Thegroundedconductorofanimpedancegroundedneutralsystemshallbeinstalledinaccordancewith2.50.2.17or
2.50.10.7.
(b)UngroundedSystems.Theequipmentofanungroundedseparatelyderivedsystemshallbegroundedasspecifiedin2.50.2.11(b)(1)and(b)(2).
(1)GroundingElectrodeConductor.Agroundingelectrodeconductor,sizedinaccordancewith2.50.3.17forthederivedphaseconductors,shallbeused
toconnectthemetalenclosuresofthederivedsystemtothegroundingelectrodeasspecifiedin2.50.2.11(b)(2).Thisconnectionshallbemadeatanypoint
ontheseparatelyderivedsystemfromthesourcetothefirstsystemdisconnectingmeans.
(2)GroundingElectrode.Exceptaspermittedby2.50.2.15forportableandvehiclemountedgenerators,thegroundingelectrodeshallcomplywith
2.50.2.11(a)(7).
2.50.2.13BuildingsorStructuresSuppliedbyFeeder(s)orBranchCircuit(s).
(a)GroundingElectrode.Building(s)orstructure(s)suppliedbyfeeder(s)orbranchcircuit(s)shallhaveagroundingelectrodeorgroundingelectrodesystem
installedinaccordancewith2.50.3.1.Thegroundingelectrodeconductor(s)shallbeconnectedinaccordancewith2.50.2.13(b)or(c).Wherethereisnoexisting
groundingelectrode,thegroundingelectrode(s)requiredin2.50.3.1shallbeinstalled.
Exception:Agroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredwhereonlyasinglebranchcircuitsuppliesthebuildingorstructureandthebranchcircuitincludes
anequipmentgroundingconductorforgroundingtheconductivenoncurrentcarryingpartsofequipment.Forthepurposeofthissection,amultiwire
branchcircuitshallbeconsideredasasinglebranchcircuit.
(b)GroundedSystems.Foragroundedsystemattheseparatebuildingorstructure,theconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeandgroundingorbondingof
equipment,structures,orframesrequiredtobegroundedorbondedshallcomplywitheither2.50.2.13(b)(1)or(b)(2).
(1)EquipmentGroundingConductor.Anequipmentgroundingconductorasdescribedin2.50.6.9shallberunwiththesupplyconductorsandconnected
tothebuildingorstructuredisconnectingmeansandtothegroundingelectrode(s).Theequipmentgroundingconductorshallbeusedforgroundingor
bondingofequipment,structures,orframesrequiredtobegroundedorbonded.Theequipmentgroundingconductorshallbesizedinaccordancewith
2.50.6.13.Anyinstalledgroundedconductorshallnotbeconnectedtotheequipmentgroundingconductorortothegroundingelectrode(s).
(2)GroundedConductor.Where(1)anequipmentgroundingconductorisnotrunwiththesupplytothebuildingorstructure,(2)therearenocontinuous
metallicpathsbondedtothegroundingsystemineachbuildingorstructureinvolved,and(3)groundfaultprotectionofequipmenthasnotbeeninstalledon
thesupplysideofthefeeder(s),thegroundedconductorrunwiththesupplytothebuildingorstructureshallbeconnectedtothebuildingorstructure
disconnectingmeansandtothegroundingelectrode(s)andshallbeusedforgroundingorbondingofequipment,structures,orframesrequiredtobe
groundedorbonded.Thesizeofthegroundedconductorshallnotbesmallerthanthelargerofeitherofthefollowing:
a.Thatrequiredby2.20.3.22
b.Thatrequiredby2.50.6.13
(c)UngroundedSystems.Thegroundingelectrode(s)shallbeconnectedtothebuildingorstructuredisconnectingmeans.
(d)DisconnectingMeansLocatedinSeparateBuildingorStructureontheSamePremises.Whereoneormoredisconnectingmeanssupplyoneormore
additionalbuildingsorstructuresundersinglemanagement,andwherethesedisconnectingmeansarelocatedremotefromthosebuildingsorstructuresin
accordancewiththeprovisionsof2.25.2.3,ExceptionNos.1and2,allofthefollowingconditionsshallbemet:
(1)Theconnectionofthegroundedconductortothegroundingelectrodeataseparatebuildingorstructureshallnotbemade.
(2)Anequipmentgroundingconductorforgroundinganynoncurrentcarryingequipment,interiormetalpipingsystems,andbuildingorstructuralmetal
framesisrunwiththecircuitconductorstoaseparatebuildingorstructureandbondedtoexistinggroundingelectrode(s)requiredinPart2.50.3,or,where
therearenoexistingelectrodes,thegroundingelectrode(s)requiredinPart2.50.3shallbeinstalledwhereaseparatebuildingorstructureissuppliedby
morethanonebranchcircuit.
(3)Bondingtheequipmentgroundingconductortothegroundingelectrodeataseparatebuildingorstructureshallbemadeinajunctionbox,panelboard,or
similarenclosurelocatedimmediatelyinsideoroutsidetheseparatebuildingorstructure.
(e)GroundingElectrodeConductor.Thesizeofthegroundingelectrodeconductortothegroundingelectrode(s)shallnotbesmallerthangivenin2.50.3.17,
basedonthelargestungroundedsupplyconductor.TheinstallationshallcomplywithPart2.50.3.
2.50.2.15PortableandVehicleMountedGenerators.
(a)PortableGenerators.Theframeofaportablegeneratorshallnotberequiredtobeconnectedtoagroundingelectrodeasdefinedin2.50.3.3forasystem
suppliedbythegeneratorunderthefollowingconditions:
(1)Thegeneratorsuppliesonlyequipmentmountedonthegenerator,cordandplugconnectedequipmentthroughreceptaclesmountedonthegenerator,or
both,and
(2)Thenoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipmentandtheequipmentgroundingconductorterminalsofthereceptaclesarebondedtothegenerator
frame.
(b)VehicleMountedGenerators.Theframeofavehicleshallnotberequiredtobeconnectedtoagroundingelectrodeasdefinedin2.50.3.3forasystem
suppliedbyageneratorlocatedonthisvehicleunderthefollowingconditions:
(1)Theframeofthegeneratorisbondedtothevehicleframe,and
(2)Thegeneratorsuppliesonlyequipmentlocatedonthevehicleorcordandplugconnectedequipmentthroughreceptaclesmountedonthevehicle,orboth
equipmentlocatedonthevehicleandcordandplugconnectedequipmentthroughreceptaclesmountedonthevehicleoronthegenerator,and
(3)Thenoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipmentandtheequipmentgroundingconductorterminalsofthereceptaclesarebondedtothegenerator
frame.
(c)GroundedConductorBonding.Asystemconductorthatisrequiredtobegroundedby2.50.2.7shallbebondedtothegeneratorframewherethe
generatorisacomponentofaseparatelyderivedsystem.
FPN:Forgroundingportablegeneratorssupplyingfixedwiringsystems,see2.50.2.1(d).
2.50.2.17HighImpedanceGroundedNeutralSystems.
Highimpedancegroundedneutralsystemsinwhichagroundingimpedance,usuallyaresistor,limitsthegroundfaultcurrenttoalowvalueshallbepermitted
for3phaseacsystemsof250voltsto1000voltswhereallthefollowingconditionsaremet:
(1)Theconditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervisionof
alicensedelectricalpractitionerservicetheinstallation.
(2)Continuityofpowerisrequired.
(3)Grounddetectorsareinstalledonthesystem.
(4)Linetoneutralloadsarenotserved.
Highimpedancegroundedneutralsystemsshallcomplywiththeprovisionsof2.50.2.17(a)through(g).
(a)GroundingImpedanceLocation.Thegroundingimpedanceshallbeinstalledbetweenthegroundingelectrodeconductorandthesystemneutral.Wherea
neutralisnotavailable,thegroundingimpedanceshallbeinstalledbetweenthegroundingelectrodeconductorandtheneutralderivedfromagrounding
transformer.
(b)NeutralConductor.Theneutralconductorfromtheneutralpointofthetransformerorgeneratortoitsconnectionpointtothegroundingimpedanceshallbe
fullyinsulated.
Theneutralconductorshallhaveanampacityofnotlessthanthemaximumcurrentratingofthegroundingimpedance.Innocaseshalltheneutralconductorbe
smallerthan8.0mm2(3.2mmdia.)copperor14mm2aluminumorcoppercladaluminum.(c)SystemNeutralConnection.Thesystemneutralconductorshall
notbeconnectedtogroundexceptthroughthegroundingimpedance.
FPN:Theimpedanceisnormallyselectedtolimitthegroundfaultcurrenttoavalueslightlygreaterthanorequaltothecapacitivechargingcurrentofthe
system.Thisvalueofimpedancewillalsolimittransientovervoltagestosafevalues.Forguidance,refertocriteriaforlimitingtransientovervoltagesin
ANSI/IEEE1421991,RecommendedPracticeforGroundingofIndustrialandCommercialPowerSystems.
(d)NeutralConductorRouting.Theconductorconnectingtheneutralpointofthetransformerorgeneratortothegroundingimpedanceshallbepermittedto
beinstalledinaseparateraceway.Itshallnotberequiredtorunthisconductorwiththephaseconductorstothefirstsystemdisconnectingmeansorovercurrent
device.
(e)EquipmentBondingJumper.Theequipmentbondingjumper(theconnectionbetweentheequipmentgroundingconductorsandthegroundingimpedance)
shallbeanunsplicedconductorrunfromthefirstsystemdisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevicetothegroundedsideofthegroundingimpedance.
(f)GroundingElectrodeConductorLocation.Thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeattachedatanypointfromthegroundedsideofthegrounding
impedancetotheequipmentgroundingconnectionattheserviceequipmentorfirstsystemdisconnectingmeans.
(g)EquipmentBondingJumperSize.Theequipmentbondingjumpershallbesizedinaccordancewith(1)or(2)asfollows:
(1)Wherethegroundingelectrodeconductorconnectionismadeatthegroundingimpedance,theequipmentbondingjumpershallbesizedinaccordance
with2.50.3.17,basedonthesizeoftheserviceentranceconductorsforaserviceorthederivedphaseconductorsforaseparatelyderivedsystem.
(2)Wherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnectedatthefirstsystemdisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevice,theequipmentbondingjumpershall
besizedthesameastheneutralconductorin2.50.2.17(b).
2.50.3GroundingElectrodeSystemandGroundingElectrodeConductor
2.50.3.1GroundingElectrodeSystem.
Allgroundingelectrodesasdescribedin2.50.3.3(a)(1)through(a)(6)thatarepresentateachbuildingorstructureservedshallbebondedtogethertoformthe
groundingelectrodesystem.Wherenoneofthesegroundingelectrodesexist,oneormoreofthegroundingelectrodesspecifiedin2.50.3.3(a)(4)through(a)(7)
shallbeinstalledandused.
Exception:Concreteencasedelectrodesofexistingbuildingsorstructuresshallnotberequiredtobepartofthegroundingelectrodesystemwherethe
steelreinforcingbarsorrodsarenotaccessibleforusewithoutdisturbingtheconcrete.
2.50.3.3GroundingElectrodes.
(a)ElectrodesPermittedforGrounding.
(1)MetalUndergroundWaterPipe.Ametalundergroundwaterpipeindirectcontactwiththeearthfor3000mmormore(includinganymetalwellcasing
effectivelybondedtothepipe)andelectricallycontinuous(ormadeelectricallycontinuousbybondingaroundinsulatingjointsorinsulatingpipe)tothepoints
ofconnectionofthegroundingelectrodeconductorandthebondingconductors.Interiormetalwaterpipinglocatedmorethan1500mmfromthepointof
entrancetothebuildingshallnotbeusedasapartofthegroundingelectrodesystemorasaconductortointerconnectelectrodesthatarepartofthe
groundingelectrodesystem.
Exception:Inindustrialandcommercialbuildingsorstructureswhereconditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectrical
practitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervisionofalicensedelectricalpractitionerservicetheinstallation,interiormetalwaterpiping
locatedmorethan1500mmfromthepointofentrancetothebuildingshallbepermittedasapartofthegroundingelectrodesystemorasaconductorto
interconnectelectrodesthatarepartofthegroundingelectrodesystem,providedthattheentirelength,otherthanshortsectionspassingperpendicular
throughwalls,floors,orceilings,oftheinteriormetalwaterpipethatisbeingusedfortheconductorisexposed.
(2)MetalFrameoftheBuildingorStructure.Themetalframeofthebuildingorstructure,whereanyofthefollowingmethodsareusedtomakeanearth
connection:
a.3000mmormoreofasinglestructuralmetalmemberindirectcontactwiththeearthorencasedinconcretethatisindirectcontactwiththeearth
b.Thestructuralmetalframeisbondedtooneormoreofthegroundingelectrodesasdefinedin2.50.3.3(a)(1),(a)(3),or(a)(4)
c.Thestructuralmetalframeisbondedtooneormoreofthegroundingelectrodesasdefinedin2.50.3.3(a)(5)or(a)(6)thatcomplywith2.50.3.7,or
d.Otherapprovedmeansofestablishingaconnectiontoearth.
(3)ConcreteEncasedElectrode.Anelectrodeencasedbyatleast50mmofconcrete,locatedwithinandnearthebottomofaconcretefoundationor
footingthatisindirectcontactwiththeearth,consistingofatleast6000mmofoneormorebareorzincgalvanizedorotherelectricallyconductivecoated
steelreinforcingbarsorrodsofnotlessthan13mmindiameter,orconsistingofatleast6000mmofbarecopperconductornotsmallerthan22mm2.
Reinforcingbarsshallbepermittedtobebondedtogetherbytheusualsteeltiewiresorothereffectivemeans.
(4)GroundRing.Agroundringencirclingthebuildingorstructure,indirectcontactwiththeearth,consistingofatleast6000mmofbarecopperconductor
notsmallerthan30mm2.(5)RodandPipeElectrodes.Rodandpipeelectrodesshallnotbelessthan2400mminlengthandshallconsistofthefollowing
materials.
a.Electrodesofpipeorconduitshallnotbesmallerthanmetricdesignator21(tradesize)and,whereofironorsteel,shallhavetheoutersurface
galvanizedorotherwisemetalcoatedforcorrosionprotection.
b.Electrodesofrodsofironorsteelshallbeatleast16mmindiameter.Stainlesssteelrodslessthan16mmindiameter,nonferrousrods,ortheir
equivalentshallbelistedandshallnotbelessthan13mmindiameter.
(6)PlateElectrodes.Eachplateelectrodeshallexposenotlessthan0.186m2(2ft2)ofsurfacetoexteriorsoil.Electrodesofironorsteelplatesshallbeat
least6mminthickness.Electrodesofnonferrousmetalshallbeatleast1.5mminthickness.
(7)OtherLocalMetalUndergroundSystemsorStructures.Otherlocalmetalundergroundsystemsorstructuressuchaspipingsystems,underground
tanks,andundergroundmetalwellcasingsthatarenoteffectivelybondedtoametalwaterpipe.
(b)ElectrodesNotPermittedforGrounding.Thefollowingshallnotbeusedasgroundingelectrodes:
(1)Metalundergroundgaspipingsystem
(2)Aluminumelectrodes
FPN:See2.50.5.15(b)forbondingrequirementsofgaspiping.
2.50.3.4GroundingElectrodeSystemInstallation.
FPN:See5.47.1.9and5.47.1.10forspecialgroundingandbondingrequirementsforagriculturalbuildings.
(a)Rod,Pipe,andPlateElectrodes.Wherepracticable,rod,pipe,andplateelectrodesshallbeembeddedbelowpermanentmoisturelevel.Rod,pipe,and
plateelectrodesshallbefreefromnonconductivecoatingssuchaspaintorenamel.
(b)ElectrodeSpacing.Wheremorethanoneoftheelectrodesofthetypespecifiedin2.50.3.3(a)(5)or(a)(6)areused,eachelectrodeofonegrounding
system(includingthatusedforairterminals)shallnotbelessthan1800mmfromanyotherelectrodeofanothergroundingsystem.Twoormoregrounding
electrodesthatareeffectivelybondedtogethershallbeconsideredasinglegroundingelectrodesystem.
(c)BondingJumper.Thebondingjumper(s)usedtoconnectthegroundingelectrodestogethertoformthegroundingelectrodesystemshallbeinstalledin
accordancewith2.50.3.15(a),(b),and(e),shallbesizedinaccordancewith2.50.3.17,andshallbeconnectedinthemannerspecifiedin2.50.3.21.
(d)MetalUndergroundWaterPipe.Whereusedasagroundingelectrode,metalundergroundwaterpipeshallmeettherequirementsof2.50.3.4(d)(1)and(d)
(2).
(1)Continuity.Continuityofthegroundingpathorthebondingconnectiontointeriorpipingshallnotrelyonwatermetersorfilteringdevicesandsimilar
equipment.
(2)SupplementalElectrodeRequired.Ametalundergroundwaterpipeshallbesupplementedbyanadditionalelectrodeofatypespecifiedin2.50.3.3(a)
(2)through(a)(7).Wherethesupplementalelectrodeisarod,pipe,orplatetype,itshallcomplywith2.50.3.7.Thesupplementalelectrodeshallbepermitted
tobebondedtothegroundingelectrodeconductor,thegroundedserviceentranceconductor,thenonflexiblegroundedserviceraceway,oranygrounded
serviceenclosure.
Exception:Thesupplementalelectrodeshallbepermittedtobebondedtotheinteriormetalwaterpipingatanyconvenientpointascoveredin2.50.3.3(a)
(1),Exception.
(e)SupplementalElectrodeBondingConnectionSize.Wherethesupplementalelectrodeisarod,pipe,orplateelectrode,thatportionofthebondingjumper
thatisthesoleconnectiontothesupplementalgroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthan14mm2copperwireor22mm2aluminumwire.
(f)GroundRing.Thegroundringshallbeburiedatadepthbelowtheearthssurfaceofnotlessthan750mm.
(g)RodandPipeElectrodes.Theelectrodeshallbeinstalledsuchthatatleast2400mmoflengthisincontactwiththesoil.Itshallbedriventoadepthofnot
lessthan2400mmexceptthat,whererockbottomisencountered,theelectrodeshallbedrivenatanobliqueanglenottoexceed45degreesfromthevertical
or,whererockbottomisencounteredatanangleupto45degrees,theelectrodeshallbepermittedtobeburiedinatrenchthatisatleast750mmdeep.The
upperendoftheelectrodeshallbeflushwithorbelowgroundlevelunlesstheabovegroundendandthegroundingelectrodeconductorattachmentare
protectedagainstphysicaldamageasspecifiedin2.50.1.10.
(h)PlateElectrode.Plateelectrodesshallbeinstallednotlessthan750mmbelowthesurfaceoftheearth.
2.50.3.5SupplementaryGroundingElectrodes.
Supplementarygroundingelectrodesshallbepermittedtobeconnectedtotheequipmentgroundingconductorsspecifiedin2.50.6.9andshallnotberequiredto
complywiththeelectrodebondingrequirementsof2.50.3.1or2.50.3.4(c)ortheresistancerequirementsof2.50.3.7,buttheearthshallnotbeusedasan
effectivegroundfaultcurrentpathasspecifiedin2.50.1.4(a)(5)and2.50.1.4(b)(4).
2.50.3.7ResistanceofRod,Pipe,andPlateElectrodes.
Asingleelectrodeconsistingofarod,pipe,orplatethatdoesnothavearesistancetogroundof25ohmsorlessshallbeaugmentedbyoneadditionalelectrode
ofanyofthetypesspecifiedby2.50.3.3(a)(2)through(a)(7).Wheremultiplerod,pipe,orplateelectrodesareinstalledtomeettherequirementsofthissection,
theyshallnotbelessthan1800mmapart.
FPN:Theparallelingefficiencyofrodslongerthan2400mmisimprovedbyspacinggreaterthan1800mm.
2.50.3.9CommonGroundingElectrode.
Whereanacsystemisconnectedtoagroundingelectrodeinoratabuildingorstructure,thesameelectrodeshallbeusedtogroundconductorenclosuresand
equipmentinoronthatbuildingorstructure.Whereseparateservices,feeders,orbranchcircuitssupplyabuildingandarerequiredtobeconnectedtoa
groundingelectrode(s),thesamegroundingelectrode(s)shallbeused.
Twoormoregroundingelectrodesthatareeffectivelybondedtogethershallbeconsideredasasinglegroundingelectrodesysteminthissense.
2.50.3.11UseofAirTerminals.
Airterminalconductorsanddrivenpipes,rods,orplateelectrodesusedforgroundingairterminalsshallnotbeusedinlieuofthegroundingelectrodesrequired
by2.50.3.1forgroundingwiringsystemsandequipment.Thisprovisionshallnotprohibittherequiredbondingtogetherofgroundingelectrodesofdifferent
systems.
FPNNo.1:See2.50.5.17forspacingfromairterminals.See8.0.4.1(d),8.10.2.11(j),and8.20.4.1(d)forbondingofelectrodes.
FPNNo.2:Bondingtogetherofallseparategroundingelectrodeswilllimitpotentialdifferencesbetweenthemandbetweentheirassociatedwiringsystems.
2.50.3.13GroundingElectrodeConductorMaterial.Thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeofcopper,aluminum,orcoppercladaluminum.The
materialselectedshallberesistanttoanycorrosiveconditionexistingattheinstallationorshallbesuitablyprotectedagainstcorrosion.Theconductorshall
besolidorstranded,insulated,covered,orbare.
2.50.3.15GroundingElectrodeConductorInstallation.
Groundingelectrodeconductorsshallbeinstalledasspecifiedin2.50.3.15(a)through(f).
(a)AluminumorCopperCladAluminumConductors.Barealuminumorcoppercladaluminumgroundingconductorsshallnotbeusedwhereindirect
contactwithmasonryortheearthorwheresubjecttocorrosiveconditions.Whereusedoutside,aluminumorcoppercladaluminumgroundingconductorsshall
notbeterminatedwithin450mmoftheearth.
(b)SecuringandProtectionAgainstPhysicalDamage.Whereexposed,agroundingelectrodeconductororitsenclosureshallbesecurelyfastenedtothe
surfaceonwhichitiscarried.A22mm2orlargercopperoraluminumgroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeprotectedwhereexposedtophysicaldamage.A14
mm2groundingelectrodeconductorthatisfreefromexposuretophysicaldamageshallbepermittedtoberunalongthesurfaceofthebuildingconstruction
withoutmetalcoveringorprotectionwhereitissecurelyfastenedtotheconstructionotherwise,itshallbeinrigidmetalconduit,intermediatemetalconduit,rigid
nonmetallicconduit,electricalmetallictubing,orcablearmor.Groundingelectrodeconductorssmallerthan14mm2shallbeinrigidmetalconduit,intermediate
metalconduit,rigidnonmetallicconduit,electricalmetallictubing,orcablearmor.
(c)Continuous.Groundingelectrodeconductor(s)shallbeinstalledinonecontinuouslengthwithoutaspliceorjointexceptaspermittedin(1)through(4):
(1)Splicingshallbepermittedonlybyirreversiblecompressiontypeconnectorslistedasgroundingandbondingequipmentorbytheexothermicwelding
process.
(2)Sectionsofbusbarsshallbepermittedtobeconnectedtogethertoformagroundingelectrodeconductor.
(3)Bondingjumper(s)fromgroundingelectrode(s)andgroundingelectrodeconductor(s)shallbepermittedtobeconnectedtoanaluminumorcopper
busbarnotlessthan6mm50mm.Thebusbarshallbesecurelyfastenedandshallbeinstalledinanaccessiblelocation.Connectionsshallbemadebya
listedconnectororbytheexothermicweldingprocess.
(4)Wherealuminumbusbarsareused,theinstallationshallcomplywith2.50.3.15(a).
(d)GroundingElectrodeConductorTaps.Whereaserviceconsistsofmorethanasingleenclosureaspermittedin2.30.6.2(a),itshallbepermittedto
connecttapstothecommongroundingelectrodeconductor.Eachsuchtapconductorshallextendtotheinsideofeachsuchenclosure.Thecommongrounding
electrodeconductorshallbesizedinaccordancewith2.50.3.17,basedonthesumofthecircularmilareaofthelargestungroundedserviceentrance
conductors.Wheremorethanonesetofserviceentranceconductorsaspermittedby2.30.4.1,ExceptionNo.2connectdirectlytoaservicedroporlateral,the
commongroundingelectrodeconductorshallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.3.17Note1.Thetapconductorsshallbepermittedtobesizedin
accordancewiththegroundingelectrodeconductorsspecifiedin2.50.3.17forthelargestconductorservingtherespectiveenclosures.Thetapconductorsshall
beconnectedtothecommongroundingelectrodeconductorinsuchamannerthatthecommongroundingelectrodeconductorremainswithoutaspliceorjoint.
(e)EnclosuresforGroundingElectrodeConductors.Ferrousmetalenclosuresforgroundingelectrodeconductorsshallbeelectricallycontinuousfromthe
pointofattachmenttocabinetsorequipmenttothegroundingelectrodeandshallbesecurelyfastenedtothegroundclamporfitting.Nonferrousmetal
enclosuresshallnotberequiredtobeelectricallycontinuous.Ferrousmetalenclosuresthatarenotphysicallycontinuousfromcabinetsorequipmenttothe
groundingelectrodeshallbemadeelectricallycontinuousbybondingeachendoftheracewayorenclosuretothegroundingelectrodeconductor.Bondingshall
applyateachendandtoallinterveningferrousraceways,boxes,andenclosuresbetweentheserviceequipmentandthegroundingelectrode.Thebonding
jumperforagroundingelectrodeconductorracewayorcablearmorshallbethesamesizeas,orlargerthan,therequiredenclosedgroundingelectrode
conductor.Wherearacewayisusedasprotectionforagroundingelectrodeconductor,theinstallationshallcomplywiththerequirementsoftheappropriate
racewayarticle.
(f)ToElectrode(s).Agroundingelectrodeconductorshallbepermittedtoberuntoanyconvenientgroundingelectrodeavailableinthegroundingelectrode
system,ortooneormoregroundingelectrode(s)individually,ortothealuminumorcopperbusbaraspermittedin2.50.3.15(c).Thegroundingelectrode
conductorshallbesizedforthelargestgroundingelectrodeconductorrequiredamongalltheelectrodesconnectedtoit.
2.50.3.17SizeofAlternatingCurrentGroundingElectrodeConductor.
ThesizeofthegroundingelectrodeconductorofagroundedorungroundedacsystemshallnotbelessthangiveninTable2.50.3.17,exceptaspermittedin
2.50.3.17(a)through(c).
FPN:See2.50.2.5(c)forsizeofacsystemconductorbroughttoserviceequipment.
(a)ConnectionstoRod,Pipe,orPlateElectrodes.Wherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnectedtorod,pipe,orplateelectrodesaspermittedin
2.50.3.3(a)(5)or(a)(6),thatportionoftheconductorthatisthesoleconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthan14mm2copper
wireor22mm2aluminumwire.
(b)ConnectionstoConcreteEncasedElectrodes.Wherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnectedtoaconcreteencasedelectrodeaspermittedin
2.50.3.3(a)(3),thatportionoftheconductorthatisthesoleconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthan22mm2copperwire.
(c)ConnectionstoGroundRings.Wherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnectedtoagroundringaspermittedin2.50.3.3(a)(4),thatportionofthe
conductorthatisthesoleconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthantheconductorusedforthegroundring.
Table2.50.3.17GroundingElectrodeConductorforAlternatingCurrent
Systems
SizeofLargestUngrounded
ServiceEntranceConductoror
EquivalentAreaforParallel SizeofGroundingElectrode
Conductorsamm2 Conductormm2(mmdia)
Aluminumor Aluminumor
CopperClad CopperClad
Copper Aluminum Copper Aluminumb
30orsmaller 50orsmaller 8.0(3.2) 14
38or50 60or80 14 22
60or80 100or125 22 30
Over80through Over125through 30 50
175 250
600 900
1100 1750
Over1100 Over1750 80 125
Notes:
1.Wheremultiplesetsofserviceentranceconductorsareusedaspermittedin
2.30.4.1,ExceptionNo.2,theequivalentsizeofthelargestserviceentrance
conductorshallbedeterminedbythelargestsumoftheareasofthe
correspondingconductorsofeachset.
2.Wheretherearenoserviceentranceconductors,thegroundingelectrode
conductorsizeshallbedeterminedbytheequivalentsizeofthelargestservice
entranceconductorrequiredfortheloadtobeserved.
a
Thistablealsoappliestothederivedconductorsofseparatelyderivedac
systems.
b
Seeinstallationrestrictionsin2.50.3.15(a).
2.50.3.19GroundingElectrodeConductorandBondingJumperConnectiontoGroundingElectrodes.
(a)Accessibility.Theconnectionofagroundingelectrodeconductororbondingjumpertoagroundingelectrodeshallbeaccessible.
ExceptionNo.1:Anencasedorburiedconnectiontoaconcreteencased,driven,orburiedgroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobeaccessible.
ExceptionNo.2:Anexothermicorirreversiblecompressionconnectiontofireproofedstructuralmetalshallnotberequiredtobeaccessible.
(b)EffectiveGroundingPath.Theconnectionofagroundingelectrodeconductororbondingjumpertoagroundingelectrodeshallbemadeinamannerthatwill
ensureapermanentandeffectivegroundingpath.Wherenecessarytoensurethegroundingpathforametalpipingsystemusedasagroundingelectrode,
effectivebondingshallbeprovidedaroundinsulatedjointsandaroundanyequipmentlikelytobedisconnectedforrepairsorreplacement.Bondingconductors
shallbeofsufficientlengthtopermitremovalofsuchequipmentwhileretainingtheintegrityofthebond.
2.50.3.21MethodsofGroundingandBondingConductorConnectiontoElectrodes.
Thegroundingorbondingconductorshallbeconnectedtothegroundingelectrodebyexothermicwelding,listedlugs,listedpressureconnectors,listedclamps,
orotherlistedmeans.Connectionsdependingonsoldershallnotbeused.Groundclampsshallbelistedforthematerialsofthegroundingelectrodeandthe
groundingelectrodeconductorand,whereusedonpipe,rod,orotherburiedelectrodes,shallalsobelistedfordirectsoilburialorconcreteencasement.Not
morethanoneconductorshallbeconnectedtothegroundingelectrodebyasingleclamporfittingunlesstheclamporfittingislistedformultipleconductors.
Oneofthefollowingmethodsshallbeused:
(1)Apipefitting,pipeplug,orotherapproveddevicescrewedintoapipeorpipefitting
(2)Alistedboltedclampofcastbronzeorbrass,orplainormalleableiron
(3)Forindoortelecommunicationspurposesonly,alistedsheetmetalstraptypegroundclamphavingarigidmetalbasethatseatsontheelectrodeandhavinga
strapofsuchmaterialanddimensionsthatitisnotlikelytostretchduringorafterinstallation
(4)Anequallysubstantialapprovedmeans
2.50.4Enclosure,Raceway,andServiceCableGrounding
2.50.4.1ServiceRacewaysandEnclosures.
Metalenclosuresandracewaysforserviceconductorsandequipmentshallbegrounded.Exception:Ametalelbowthatisinstalledinanundergroundinstallation
ofrigidnonmetallicconduitandisisolatedfrompossiblecontactbyaminimumcoverof450mmtoanypartoftheelbowshallnotberequiredtobegrounded.
2.50.4.5UndergroundServiceCableorRaceway.
(a)UndergroundServiceCable.Thesheathorarmorofacontinuousundergroundmetalsheathedorarmoredservicecablesystemthatisbondedtothe
groundedundergroundsystemshallnotberequiredtobegroundedatthebuildingorstructure.Thesheathorarmorshallbepermittedtobeinsulatedfromthe
interiormetalracewayconduitorpiping.
(b)UndergroundServiceRacewayContainingCable.Anundergroundmetalserviceracewaythatcontainsametalsheathedorarmoredcablebondedtothe
groundedundergroundsystemshallnotberequiredtobegroundedatthebuildingorstructure.Thesheathorarmorshallbepermittedtobeinsulatedfromthe
interiormetalracewayorpiping.
2.50.4.7OtherConductorEnclosuresandRaceways.
Exceptaspermittedby2.50.6.3(i),metalenclosuresandracewaysforotherthanserviceconductorsshallbegrounded.
ExceptionNo.1:Metalenclosuresandracewaysforconductorsaddedtoexistinginstallationsofopenwire,knobandtubewiring,andnonmetallic
sheathedcableshallnotberequiredtobegroundedwheretheseenclosuresorwiringmethodscomplywith(1)through(4)asfollows:
(1)Donotprovideanequipmentground
(2)Areinrunsoflessthan7600mm
(3)Arefreefromprobablecontactwithground,groundedmetal,metallath,orotherconductivematerial
(4)Areguardedagainstcontactbypersons
ExceptionNo.2:Shortsectionsofmetalenclosuresorracewaysusedtoprovidesupportorprotectionofcableassembliesfromphysicaldamageshallnot
berequiredtobegrounded.
ExceptionNo.3:Ametalelbowshallnotberequiredtobegroundedwhereitisinstalledinanonmetallicracewayandisisolatedfrompossiblecontactbya
minimumcoverof450mmtoanypartoftheelboworisencasedinnotlessthan50mmofconcrete.
2.50.5Bonding
2.50.5.1General.
Bondingshallbeprovidedwherenecessarytoensureelectricalcontinuityandthecapacitytoconductsafelyanyfaultcurrentlikelytobeimposed.
2.50.5.3Services.
(a)BondingofServices.Thenoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipmentindicatedin2.50.5.3(a)(1),(a)(2),and(a)(3)shallbeeffectivelybondedtogether.
(1)Theserviceraceways,cabletrays,cablebusframework,auxiliarygutters,orservicecablearmororsheathexceptaspermittedin2.50.4.5.
(2)Allserviceenclosurescontainingserviceconductors,includingmeterfittings,boxes,orthelike,interposedintheserviceracewayorarmor.
(3)Anymetallicracewayorarmorenclosingagroundingelectrodeconductorasspecifiedin2.50.3.15(b).Bondingshallapplyateachendandtoall
interveningraceways,boxes,andenclosuresbetweentheserviceequipmentandthegroundingelectrode.
(b)MethodofBondingattheService.Electricalcontinuityatserviceequipment,serviceraceways,andserviceconductorenclosuresshallbeensuredbyone
ofthefollowingmethods:
(1)Bondingequipmenttothegroundedserviceconductorinamannerprovidedin2.50.1.8
(2)Connectionsutilizingthreadedcouplingsorthreadedbossesonenclosureswheremadeupwrenchtight
(3)Threadlesscouplingsandconnectorswheremadeuptightformetalracewaysandmetalcladcables
(4)Otherlisteddevices,suchasbondingtypelocknuts,bushings,orbushingswithbondingjumpers
Bondingjumpersmeetingtheotherrequirementsofthisarticleshallbeusedaroundconcentricoreccentricknockoutsthatarepunchedorotherwiseformedso
astoimpairtheelectricalconnectiontoground.Standardlocknutsorbushingsshallnotbethesolemeansforthebondingrequiredbythissection.
2.50.5.5BondingforOtherSystems.
Anaccessiblemeansexternaltoenclosuresforconnectingintersystembondingandgroundingelectrodeconductorsshallbeprovidedattheserviceequipment
andatthedisconnectingmeansforanyadditionalbuildingsorstructuresbyatleastoneofthefollowingmeans:
(1)Exposednonflexiblemetallicraceways
(2)Exposedgroundingelectrodeconductor
(3)Approvedmeansfortheexternalconnectionofacopperorothercorrosionresistantbondingorgroundingconductortothegroundedracewayorequipment
FPNNo.1:A14mm2copperconductorwithoneendbondedtothegroundednonflexiblemetallicracewayorequipmentandwith150mmormoreofthe
otherendmadeaccessibleontheoutsidewallisanexampleoftheapprovedmeanscoveredin2.50.5.5(3).
FPNNo.2:See8.0.4.1,8.10.2.11,and8.20.4.1forbondingandgroundingrequirementsforcommunicationscircuits,radioandtelevisionequipment,and
CATVcircuits.
2.50.5.7BondingOtherEnclosures.
(a)General.Metalraceways,cabletrays,cablearmor,cablesheath,enclosures,frames,fittings,andothermetalnoncurrentcarryingpartsthataretoserveas
groundingconductors,withorwithouttheuseofsupplementaryequipmentgroundingconductors,shallbeeffectivelybondedwherenecessarytoensure
electricalcontinuityandthecapacitytoconductsafelyanyfaultcurrentlikelytobeimposedonthem.Anynonconductivepaint,enamel,orsimilarcoatingshallbe
removedatthreads,contactpoints,andcontactsurfacesorbeconnectedbymeansoffittingsdesignedsoastomakesuchremovalunnecessary.
(b)IsolatedGroundingCircuits.Whererequiredforthereductionofelectricalnoise(electromagneticinterference)onthegroundingcircuit,anequipment
enclosuresuppliedbyabranchcircuitshallbepermittedtobeisolatedfromaracewaycontainingcircuitssupplyingonlythatequipmentbyoneormorelisted
nonmetallicracewayfittingslocatedatthepointofattachmentoftheracewaytotheequipmentenclosure.Themetalracewayshallcomplywithprovisionsofthis
articleandshallbesupplementedbyaninternalinsulatedequipmentgroundingconductorinstalledinaccordancewith2.50.7.17(d)togroundtheequipment
enclosure.
FPN:Useofanisolatedequipmentgroundingconductordoesnotrelievetherequirementforgroundingtheracewaysystem.
2.50.5.8BondingforOver250Volts.
Forcircuitsofover250voltstoground,theelectricalcontinuityofmetalracewaysandcableswithmetalsheathsthatcontainanyconductorotherthanservice
conductorsshallbeensuredbyoneormoreofthemethodsspecifiedforservicesin2.50.5.3(b),exceptfor(b)(1).
Exception:Whereoversized,concentric,oreccentricknockoutsarenotencountered,orwhereaboxorenclosurewithconcentricoreccentricknockouts
listedtoprovideapermanent,reliableelectricalbond,thefollowingmethodsshallbepermitted:
(1)Threadlesscouplingsandconnectorsforcableswithmetalsheaths
(2)Twolocknuts,onrigidmetalconduitorintermediatemetalconduit,oneinsideandoneoutsideofboxesandcabinets
(3)Fittingswithshouldersthatseatfirmlyagainsttheboxorcabinet,suchaselectricalmetallictubingconnectors,flexiblemetalconduitconnectors,and
cableconnectors,withonelocknutontheinsideofboxesandcabinets
(4)Listedfittings
2.50.5.9BondingLooselyJointedMetalRaceways.
Expansionfittingsandtelescopingsectionsofmetalracewaysshallbemadeelectricallycontinuousbyequipmentbondingjumpersorothermeans.
2.50.5.11BondinginHazardous(Classified)Locations.
Regardlessofthevoltageoftheelectricalsystem,theelectricalcontinuityofnoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipment,raceways,andotherenclosuresin
anyhazardous(classified)locationasdefinedinArticle500shallbeensuredbyanyofthemethodsspecifiedin2.50.5.3(b)(2)through(b)(4)thatareapproved
forthewiringmethodused.Oneormoreofthesebondingmethodsshallbeusedwhetherornotsupplementaryequipmentgroundingconductorsareinstalled.
2.50.5.13EquipmentBondingJumpers.
(a)Material.Equipmentbondingjumpersshallbeofcopperorothercorrosionresistantmaterial.Abondingjumpershallbeawire,bus,screw,orsimilarsuitable
conductor.
(b)Attachment.Equipmentbondingjumpersshallbeattachedinthemannerspecifiedbytheapplicableprovisionsof2.50.1.8forcircuitsandequipmentandby
2.50.3.21forgroundingelectrodes.
(c)SizeEquipmentBondingJumperonSupplySideofService.ThebondingjumpershallnotbesmallerthanthesizesshowninTable2.50.3.17for
groundingelectrodeconductors.Wheretheserviceentrancephaseconductorsarelargerthan1100kcmilcopperor850mm2aluminum,thebondingjumper
shallhaveanareanotlessthan12percentoftheareaofthelargestphaseconductorexceptthat,wherethephaseconductorsandthebondingjumperareof
differentmaterials(copperoraluminum),theminimumsizeofthebondingjumpershallbebasedontheassumeduseofphaseconductorsofthesamematerial
asthebondingjumperandwithanampacityequivalenttothatoftheinstalledphaseconductors.Wheretheserviceentranceconductorsareparalleledintwoor
moreracewaysorcables,theequipmentbondingjumper,whereroutedwiththeracewaysorcables,shallberuninparallel.Thesizeofthebondingjumperfor
eachracewayorcableshallbebasedonthesizeoftheserviceentranceconductorsineachracewayorcable.
(d)SizeEquipmentBondingJumperonLoadSideofService.Theequipmentbondingjumperontheloadsideoftheserviceovercurrentdevicesshallbe
sized,asaminimum,inaccordancewiththesizeslistedinTable2.50.6.13,butshallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthelargestungroundedcircuitconductors
supplyingtheequipmentandshallnotbesmallerthan2.0mm2(1.6mmdia.).Asinglecommoncontinuousequipmentbondingjumpershallbepermittedtobond
twoormoreracewaysorcableswherethebondingjumperissizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.6.13forthelargestovercurrentdevicesupplyingcircuits
therein.
(e)Installation.Theequipmentbondingjumpershallbepermittedtobeinstalledinsideoroutsideofaracewayorenclosure.Whereinstalledontheoutside,the
lengthoftheequipmentbondingjumpershallnotexceed1800mmandshallberoutedwiththeracewayorenclosure.Whereinstalledinsideofaraceway,the
equipmentbondingjumpershallcomplywiththerequirementsof2.50.6.10and2.50.7.19.
Exception:Anequipmentbondingjumperlongerthan1800mmshallbepermittedatoutsidepolelocationsforthepurposeofbondingorgrounding
isolatedsectionsofmetalracewaysorelbowsinstalledinexposedrisersofmetalconduitorothermetalraceway.
2.50.5.15BondingofPipingSystemsandExposedStructuralSteel.
(a)MetalWaterPiping.Themetalwaterpipingsystemshallbebondedasrequiredin(a)(1),(a)(2),or(a)(3)ofthissection.Thebondingjumper(s)shallbe
installedinaccordancewith2.50.3.15(a),(b),and(e).Thepointsofattachmentofthebondingjumper(s)shallbeaccessible.
(1)General.Metalwaterpipingsystem(s)installedinorattachedtoabuildingorstructureshallbebondedtotheserviceequipmentenclosure,thegrounded
conductorattheservice,thegroundingelectrodeconductorwhereofsufficientsize,ortotheoneormoregroundingelectrodesused.Thebondingjumper(s)
shallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.3.17exceptaspermittedin2.50.5.15(a)(2)and(a)(3).
(2)BuildingsofMultipleOccupancy.Inbuildingsofmultipleoccupancywherethemetalwaterpipingsystem(s)installedinorattachedtoabuildingor
structurefortheindividualoccupanciesismetallicallyisolatedfromallotheroccupanciesbyuseofnonmetallicwaterpiping,themetalwaterpipingsystem(s)
foreachoccupancyshallbepermittedtobebondedtotheequipmentgroundingterminalofthepanelboardorswitchboardenclosure(otherthanservice
equipment)supplyingthatoccupancy.ThebondingjumpershallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.6.13.
(3)MultipleBuildingsorStructuresSuppliedbyaFeeder(s)orBranchCircuit(s).Themetalwaterpipingsystem(s)installedinorattachedtoabuilding
orstructureshallbebondedtothebuildingorstructuredisconnectingmeansenclosurewherelocatedatthebuildingorstructure,totheequipmentgrounding
conductorrunwiththesupplyconductors,ortotheoneormoregroundingelectrodesused.Thebondingjumper(s)shallbesizedinaccordancewith
2.50.3.17,basedonthesizeofthefeederorbranchcircuitconductorsthatsupplythebuilding.Thebondingjumpershallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthe
largestungroundedfeederorbranchcircuitconductorsupplyingthebuilding.
(b)OtherMetalPiping.Whereinstalledinorattachedtoabuildingorstructure,metalpipingsystem(s),includinggaspiping,thatislikelytobecomeenergized
shallbebondedtotheserviceequipmentenclosure,thegroundedconductorattheservice,thegroundingelectrodeconductorwhereofsufficientsize,ortothe
oneormoregroundingelectrodesused.Thebondingjumper(s)shallbesizedinaccordancewith2.50.6.13,usingtheratingofthecircuitthatislikelytoenergize
thepipingsystem(s).Theequipmentgroundingconductorforthecircuitthatislikelytoenergizethepipingshallbepermittedtoserveasthebondingmeans.The
pointsofattachmentofthebondingjumper(s)shallbeaccessible.
FPN:Bondingallpipingandmetalairductswithinthepremiseswillprovideadditionalsafety.
(c)StructuralMetal.Exposedstructuralmetalthatisinterconnectedtoformametalbuildingframeandisnotintentionallygroundedandislikelytobecome
energizedshallbebondedtotheserviceequipmentenclosure,thegroundedconductorattheservice,thegroundingelectrodeconductorwhereofsufficientsize,
ortheoneormoregroundingelectrodesused.Thebondingjumper(s)shallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.3.17andinstalledinaccordancewith
2.50.3.15(a),(b),and(e).Thepointsofattachmentofthebondingjumper(s)shallbeaccessible.
(d)SeparatelyDerivedSystems.Metalwaterpipingsystemsandstructuralmetalthatisinterconnectedtoformabuildingframeshallbebondedtoseparately
derivedsystemsinaccordancewith(d)(1)through(d)(3).
(1)MetalWaterPipingSystem(s).Thegroundedconductorofeachseparatelyderivedsystemshallbebondedtothenearestavailablepointofthemetal
waterpipingsystem(s)intheareaservedbyeachseparatelyderivedsystem.Thisconnectionshallbemadeatthesamepointontheseparatelyderived
systemwherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnected.EachbondingjumpershallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.3.17basedonthelargest
ungroundedconductoroftheseparatelyderivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.1:Aseparatebondingjumpertothemetalwaterpipingsystemshallnotberequiredwherethemetalwaterpipingsystemisusedasthe
groundingelectrodefortheseparatelyderivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.2:Aseparatewaterpipingbondingjumpershallnotberequiredwherethemetalframeofabuildingorstructureisusedasthegrounding
electrodeforaseparatelyderivedsystemandisbondedtothemetalwaterpipingintheareaservedbytheseparatelyderivedsystem.
(2)StructuralMetal.Whereexposedstructuralmetalthatisinterconnectedtoformthebuildingframeexistsintheareaservedbytheseparatelyderived
system,itshallbebondedtothegroundedconductorofeachseparatelyderivedsystem.Thisconnectionshallbemadeatthesamepointontheseparately
derivedsystemwherethegroundingelectrodeconductorisconnected.EachbondingjumpershallbesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.3.17basedonthe
largestungroundedconductoroftheseparatelyderivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.1:Aseparatebondingjumpertothebuildingstructuralmetalshallnotberequiredwherethemetalframeofabuildingorstructureisusedas
thegroundingelectrodefortheseparatelyderivedsystem.
ExceptionNo.2:Aseparatebondingjumpertothebuildingstructuralmetalshallnotberequiredwherethewaterpipingofabuildingorstructureisused
asthegroundingelectrodeforaseparatelyderivedsystemandisbondedtothebuildingstructuralmetalintheareaservedbytheseparatelyderived
system.
(3)CommonGroundingElectrodeConductor.Whereacommongroundingelectrodeconductorisinstalledformultipleseparatelyderivedsystemsas
permittedby2.50.2.11(a)(4),andexposedstructuralmetalthatisinterconnectedtoformthebuildingframeorinteriormetalpipingexistsintheareaserved
bytheseparatelyderivedsystem,themetalpipingandthestructuralmetalmembershallbebondedtothecommongroundingelectrodeconductor.
Exception:Aseparatebondingjumperfromeachderivedsystemtometalwaterpipingandtostructuralmetalmembersshallnotberequiredwherethe
metalwaterpipingandthestructuralmetalmembersintheareaservedbytheseparatelyderivedsystemarebondedtothecommongroundingelectrode
conductor.
2.50.5.17LightningProtectionSystems.
Thelightningprotectionsystemgroundterminalsshallbebondedtothebuildingorstructuregroundingelectrodesystem.
FPNNo.1:See2.50.3.11foruseofairterminals.Forfurtherinformation,seeNFPA7802004,StandardfortheInstallationofLightningProtectionSystems,
whichcontainsdetailedinformationongrounding,bonding,andspacingfromlightningprotectionsystems.
FPNNo.2:Metalraceways,enclosures,frames,andothernoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofelectricequipmentinstalledonabuildingequippedwitha
lightningprotectionsystemmayrequirebondingorspacingfromthelightningprotectionconductorsinaccordancewithNFPA7802004,Standardforthe
InstallationofLightningProtectionSystems.Separationfromlightningprotectionconductorsistypically1800mmthroughairor900mmthroughdense
materialssuchasconcrete,brick,orwood.
2.50.6EquipmentGroundingandEquipmentGroundingConductors
2.50.6.1EquipmentFastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed).
Exposednoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsoffixedequipmentlikelytobecomeenergizedshallbegroundedunderanyofthefollowingconditions:
(1)Wherewithin2400mmverticallyor1500mmhorizontallyofgroundorgroundedmetalobjectsandsubjecttocontactbypersons
(2)Wherelocatedinawetordamplocationandnotisolated
(3)Whereinelectricalcontactwithmetal
(4)Whereinahazardous(classified)locationascoveredbyArticles5.0through5.17
(5)Wheresuppliedbyametalclad,metalsheathed,metalraceway,orotherwiringmethodthatprovidesanequipmentground,exceptaspermittedby2.50.4.7,
ExceptionNo.2,forshortsectionsofmetalenclosures
(6)Whereequipmentoperateswithanyterminalatover150voltstoground
ExceptionNo.1:Metalframesofelectricallyheatedappliances,exemptedbyspecialpermission,inwhichcasetheframesshallbepermanentlyand
effectivelyinsulatedfromground.
ExceptionNo.2:Distributionapparatus,suchastransformerandcapacitorcases,mountedonwoodenpoles,ataheightexceeding2400mmabove
groundorgradelevel.
ExceptionNo.3:Listedequipmentprotectedbyasystemofdoubleinsulation,oritsequivalent,shallnotberequiredtobegrounded.Wheresuchasystem
isemployed,theequipmentshallbedistinctivelymarked.
2.50.6.3FastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed)Specific.
Exposed,noncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofthekindsofequipmentdescribedin2.50.6.3(a)through(k),andnoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipment
andenclosuresdescribedin2.50.6.3(l)and(m),shallbegroundedregardlessofvoltage.
(a)SwitchboardFramesandStructures.Switchboardframesandstructuressupportingswitchingequipment,exceptframesof2wiredcswitchboardswhere
effectivelyinsulatedfromground.
(b)PipeOrgans.Generatorandmotorframesinanelectricallyoperatedpipeorgan,unlesseffectivelyinsulatedfromgroundandthemotordrivingit.
(c)MotorFrames.Motorframes,asprovidedby4.30.13.2.
(d)EnclosuresforMotorControllers.Enclosuresformotorcontrollersunlessattachedtoungroundedportableequipment.
(e)ElevatorsandCranes.Electricequipmentforelevatorsandcranes.
(f)Garages,Theaters,andMotionPictureStudios.Electricequipmentincommercialgarages,theaters,andmotionpicturestudios,exceptpendant
lampholderssuppliedbycircuitsnotover250voltstoground.
(g)ElectricSigns.Electricsigns,outlinelighting,andassociatedequipmentasprovidedinArticle6.0.
(h)MotionPictureProjectionEquipment.Motionpictureprojectionequipment.
(i)PowerLimitedRemoteControl,Signaling,andFireAlarmCircuits.EquipmentsuppliedbyClass1powerlimitedcircuitsandClass1,Class2,andClass3
remotecontrolandsignalingcircuits,andbyfirealarmcircuits,shallbegroundedwheresystemgroundingisrequiredbyPart2.50.2orPart2.50.8.
(j)Luminaires(LightingFixtures).Luminaires(lightingfixtures)asprovidedinPart4.10.5.
(k)SkidMountedEquipment.Permanentlymountedelectricalequipmentandskidsshallbegroundedwithanequipmentbondingjumpersizedasrequiredby
2.50.6.13.
(l)MotorOperatedWaterPumps.Motoroperatedwaterpumps,includingthesubmersibletype.
(m)MetalWellCasings.Whereasubmersiblepumpisusedinametalwellcasing,thewellcasingshallbebondedtothepumpcircuitequipmentgrounding
conductor.
2.50.6.5EquipmentConnectedbyCordandPlug.
Underanyoftheconditionsdescribedin2.50.6.5(1)through(4),exposednoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofcordandplugconnectedequipmentlikelyto
becomeenergizedshallbegrounded.
Exception:Listedtools,listedappliances,andlistedequipmentcoveredin2.50.6.5(2)through(4)shallnotberequiredtobegroundedwhereprotectedby
asystemofdoubleinsulationoritsequivalent.Doubleinsulatedequipmentshallbedistinctivelymarked.
(1)Inhazardous(classified)locations(seeArticles5.0through5.17)
(2)Whereoperatedatover150voltstoground
ExceptionNo.1:Motors,whereguarded,shallnotberequiredtobegrounded.
ExceptionNo.2:Metalframesofelectricallyheatedappliances,exemptedbyspecialpermission,shallnotberequiredtobegrounded,inwhichcasethe
framesshallbepermanentlyandeffectivelyinsulatedfromground.
(3)Inresidentialoccupancies:
a.Refrigerators,freezers,andairconditioners
b.Clotheswashing,clothesdrying,dishwashingmachineskitchenwastedisposersinformationtechnologyequipmentsumppumpsandelectricalaquarium
equipment
c.Handheldmotoroperatedtools,stationaryandfixedmotoroperatedtools,lightindustrialmotoroperatedtools
d.Motoroperatedappliancesofthefollowingtypes:hedgeclippers,lawnmowers,snowblowers,andwetscrubbers
e.Portablehandlamps
(4)Inotherthanresidentialoccupancies:
a.Refrigerators,freezers,andairconditioners
b.Clotheswashing,clothesdrying,dishwashingmachinesinformationtechnologyequipmentsumppumpsandelectricalaquariumequipment
c.Handheldmotoroperatedtools,stationaryandfixedmotoroperatedtools,lightindustrialmotoroperatedtools
d.Motoroperatedappliancesofthefollowingtypes:hedgeclippers,lawnmowers,snowblowers,andwetscrubbers
e.Portablehandlamps
f.Cordandplugconnectedappliancesusedindamporwetlocationsorbypersonsstandingonthegroundoronmetalfloorsorworkinginsideofmetal
tanksorboilers
g.Toolslikelytobeusedinwetorconductivelocations
Exception:Toolsandportablehandlampslikelytobeusedinwetorconductivelocationsshallnotberequiredtobegroundedwheresuppliedthroughan
isolatingtransformerwithanungroundedsecondaryofnotover50volts.
2.50.6.7NonelectricEquipment.
Themetalpartsofnonelectricequipmentdescribedinthissectionshallbegrounded.
(1)Framesandtracksofelectricallyoperatedcranesandhoists
(2)Framesofnonelectricallydrivenelevatorcarstowhichelectricconductorsareattached
(3)Handoperatedmetalshiftingropesorcablesofelectricelevators
FPN:Whereextensivemetalinoronbuildingsmaybecomeenergizedandissubjecttopersonalcontact,adequatebondingandgroundingwillprovide
additionalsafety.
2.50.6.9TypesofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
Theequipmentgroundingconductorrunwithorenclosingthecircuitconductorsshallbeoneormoreoracombinationofthefollowing:
(1)Acopper,aluminum,orcoppercladaluminumconductor.Thisconductorshallbesolidorstrandedinsulated,covered,orbareandintheformofawire
orabusbarofanyshape.
(2)Rigidmetalconduit.
(3)Intermediatemetalconduit.
(4)Electricalmetallictubing.
(5)Listedflexiblemetalconduitmeetingallthefollowingconditions:
a.Theconduitisterminatedinfittingslistedforgrounding.
b.Thecircuitconductorscontainedintheconduitareprotectedbyovercurrentdevicesratedat20amperesorless.
c.Thecombinedlengthofflexiblemetalconduitandflexiblemetallictubingandliquidtightflexiblemetalconduitinthesamegroundreturnpathdoesnot
exceed1800mm.
d.Whereusedtoconnectequipmentwhereflexibilityisnecessaryafterinstallation,anequipmentgroundingconductorshallbeinstalled.
(6)Listedliquidtightflexiblemetalconduitmeetingallthefollowingconditions:
a.Theconduitisterminatedinfittingslistedforgrounding.
b.Formetricdesignators12through16(tradesizesthrough),thecircuitconductorscontainedintheconduitareprotectedbyovercurrentdevicesratedat
20amperesorless.
c.Formetricdesignators21through35(tradesizesthrough1),thecircuitconductorscontainedintheconduitareprotectedbyovercurrentdevicesrated
notmorethan60amperesandthereisnoflexiblemetalconduit,flexiblemetallictubing,orliquidtightflexiblemetalconduitintradesizesmetricdesignators
12through16(tradesizesthrough)inthegroundingpath.
d.Thecombinedlengthofflexiblemetalconduitandflexiblemetallictubingandliquidtightflexiblemetalconduitinthesamegroundreturnpathdoesnot
exceed1800mm.
e.Whereusedtoconnectequipmentwhereflexibilityisnecessaryafterinstallation,anequipmentgroundingconductorshallbeinstalled.
(7)Flexiblemetallictubingwherethetubingisterminatedinfittingslistedforgroundingandmeetingthefollowingconditions:
a.Thecircuitconductorscontainedinthetubingareprotectedbyovercurrentdevicesratedat20amperesorless.
b.Thecombinedlengthofflexiblemetalconduitandflexiblemetallictubingandliquidtightflexiblemetalconduitinthesamegroundreturnpathdoesnot
exceed1800mm.
(8)ArmorofTypeACcableasprovidedin3.20.3.9.
(9)Thecoppersheathofmineralinsulated,metalsheathedcable.
(10)TypeMCcablewherelistedandidentifiedforgroundinginaccordancewiththefollowing:
a.ThecombinedmetallicsheathandgroundingconductorofinterlockedmetaltapetypeMCcable
b.ThemetallicsheathorthecombinedmetallicsheathandgroundingconductorsofthesmoothorcorrugatedtubetypeMCcable
(11)Cabletraysaspermittedin3.92.1.3(c)and3.92.1.7.
(12)Cablebusframeworkaspermittedin3.70.1.3.
(13)Otherlistedelectricallycontinuousmetalracewaysandlistedauxiliarygutters.
(14)Surfacemetalracewayslistedforgrounding.
2.50.6.10IdentificationofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
UnlessrequiredelsewhereinthisCode,equipmentgroundingconductorsshallbepermittedtobebare,covered,orinsulated.Individuallycoveredorinsulated
equipmentgroundingconductorsshallhaveacontinuousouterfinishthatiseithergreenorgreenwithoneormoreyellowstripesexceptaspermittedinthis
section.
Conductorswithinsulationorindividualcoveringthatisgreen,greenwithoneormoreyellowstripes,orotherwiseidentifiedaspermittedbythissectionshallnot
beusedforungroundedorgroundedcircuitconductors.
(a)ConductorsLargerThan14mm2.Equipmentgroundingconductorslargerthan14mm2shallcomplywith2.50.6.10(a)(1)and(a)(2).
(1)Aninsulatedorcoveredconductorlargerthan14mm2shallbepermitted,atthetimeofinstallation,tobepermanentlyidentifiedasanequipment
groundingconductorateachendandateverypointwheretheconductorisaccessible.
Exception:Conductorslargerthan14mm2shallnotberequiredtobemarkedinconduitbodiesthatcontainnosplicesorunusedhubs.
(2)Identificationshallencircletheconductorandshallbeaccomplishedbyoneofthefollowing:
a.Strippingtheinsulationorcoveringfromtheentireexposedlength
b.Coloringtheexposedinsulationorcoveringgreen
c.Markingtheexposedinsulationorcoveringwithgreentapeorgreenadhesivelabels
(b)MulticonductorCable.Wheretheconditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectrical
practitionerunderthesupervisionofalicensedelectricalpractitionerservicetheinstallation,oneormoreinsulatedconductorsinamulticonductorcable,atthe
timeofinstallation,shallbepermittedtobepermanentlyidentifiedasequipmentgroundingconductorsateachendandateverypointwheretheconductorsare
accessiblebyoneofthefollowingmeans:
(1)Strippingtheinsulationfromtheentireexposedlength
(2)Coloringtheexposedinsulationgreen
(3)Markingtheexposedinsulationwithgreentapeorgreenadhesivelabels
(c)FlexibleCord.Anuninsulatedequipmentgroundingconductorshallbepermitted,but,ifindividuallycovered,thecoveringshallhaveacontinuousouterfinish
thatiseithergreenorgreenwithoneormoreyellowstripes.
2.50.6.11EquipmentGroundingConductorInstallation.
Anequipmentgroundingconductorshallbeinstalledinaccordancewith2.50.6.11(a),(b),and(c).
(a)Raceway,CableTrays,CableArmor,Cablebus,orCableSheaths.Whereitconsistsofaraceway,cabletray,cablearmor,cablebusframework,orcable
sheathorwhereitisawirewithinaracewayorcable,itshallbeinstalledinaccordancewiththeapplicableprovisionsinthisCodeusingfittingsforjointsand
terminationsapprovedforusewiththetyperacewayorcableused.Allconnections,joints,andfittingsshallbemadetightusingsuitabletools.
(b)AluminumandCopperCladAluminumConductors.Equipmentgroundingconductorsofbareorinsulatedaluminumorcoppercladaluminumshallbe
permitted.Bareconductorsshallnotcomeindirectcontactwithmasonryortheearthorwheresubjecttocorrosiveconditions.Aluminumorcopperclad
aluminumconductorsshallnotbeterminatedwithin450mmoftheearth.
(c)EquipmentGroundingConductorsSmallerThan14mm2.Equipmentgroundingconductorssmallerthan14mm2shallbeprotectedfromphysicaldamage
byaracewayorcablearmorexceptwhereruninhollowspacesofwallsorpartitions,wherenotsubjecttophysicaldamage,orwhereprotectedfromphysical
damage.
2.50.6.13SizeofEquipmentGroundingConductors.
(a)General.Copper,aluminum,orcoppercladaluminumequipmentgroundingconductorsofthewiretypeshallnotbesmallerthanshowninTable2.50.6.13
butshallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthecircuitconductorssupplyingtheequipment.Wherearacewayoracablearmororsheathisusedastheequipment
groundingconductor,asprovidedin2.50.6.9and2.50.7.5(a),itshallcomplywith2.50.1.4(a)(5)or(b)(4).
(b)IncreasedinSize.Whereungroundedconductorsareincreasedinsize,equipmentgroundingconductors,whereinstalled,shallbeincreasedinsize
proportionatelyaccordingtocircularmilareaoftheungroundedconductors.
(c)MultipleCircuits.Whereasingleequipmentgroundingconductorisrunwithmultiplecircuitsinthesameracewayorcable,itshallbesizedforthelargest
overcurrentdeviceprotectingconductorsintheracewayorcable.
(d)MotorCircuits.Wheretheovercurrentdeviceconsistsofaninstantaneoustripcircuitbreakeroramotorshortcircuitprotector,asallowedin4.30.4.2,the
equipmentgroundingconductorsizeshallbepermittedtobebasedontheratingofthemotoroverloadprotectivedevicebutshallnotbelessthanthesizeshown
inTable2.50.6.13.
(e)FlexibleCordandFixtureWire.Theequipmentgroundingconductorinaflexiblecordwiththelargestcircuitconductor5.5mm2(2.6mmdia.)orsmaller,
andtheequipmentgroundingconductorusedwithfixturewiresofanysizeinaccordancewith2.40.1.5,shallnotbesmallerthan18AWGcopperandshallnotbe
smallerthanthecircuitconductors.Theequipmentgroundingconductorinaflexiblecordwithacircuitconductorlargerthan5.5mm2(2.6mmdia.)shallbesized
inaccordancewithTable2.50.6.13.
(f)ConductorsinParallel.Whereconductorsareruninparallelinmultipleracewaysorcablesaspermittedin3.10.1.4,theequipmentgroundingconductors,
whereused,shallberuninparallelineachracewayorcable.Oneofthemethodsin2.50.6.13(f)(1)or(f)(2)shallbeusedtoensuretheequipmentgrounding
conductorsareprotected.
(1)BasedonRatingofOvercurrentProtectiveDevice.Eachparallelequipmentgroundingconductorshallbesizedonthebasisoftheampereratingofthe
overcurrentdeviceprotectingthecircuitconductorsintheracewayorcableinaccordancewithTable2.50.6.13.
(2)GroundFaultProtectionofEquipmentInstalled.Wheregroundfaultprotectionofequipmentisinstalled,eachparallelequipmentgroundingconductorina
multiconductorcableshallbepermittedtobesizedinaccordancewithTable2.50.6.13onthebasisofthetripratingofthegroundfaultprotectionwherethe
followingconditionsaremet:
a.Conditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervision
ofalicensedelectricalpractitionerwillservicetheinstallation.
b.Thegroundfaultprotectionequipmentissettotripatnotmorethantheampacityofasingleungroundedconductorofoneofthecablesinparallel.
c.Thegroundfaultprotectionislistedforthepurposeofprotectingtheequipmentgroundingconductor.
(g)FeederTaps.EquipmentgroundingconductorsrunwithfeedertapsshallnotbesmallerthanshowninTable2.50.6.13basedontheratingoftheovercurrent
deviceaheadofthefeederbutshallnotberequiredtobelargerthanthetapconductors.
2.50.6.15EquipmentGroundingConductorContinuity.
(a)SeparableConnections.Separableconnectionssuchasthoseprovidedindrawoutequipmentorattachmentplugsandmatingconnectorsandreceptacles
shallprovideforfirstmake,lastbreakoftheequipmentgroundingconductor.Firstmake,lastbreakshallnotberequiredwhereinterlockedequipment,plugs,
receptacles,andconnectorsprecludeenergizationwithoutgroundingcontinuity.
(b)Switches.Noautomaticcutoutorswitchshallbeplacedintheequipmentgroundingconductorofapremiseswiringsystemunlesstheopeningofthecutout
orswitchdisconnectsallsourcesofenergy.
Table2.50.6.13MinimumSizeEquipmentGroundingConductorsfor
GroundingRacewayandEquipment
RatingorSettingof
Sizemm2(mmdia.)
AutomaticOvercurrent
DeviceinCircuit
AheadofEquipment, CopperAluminumor
Conduit,etc.,Not CopperClad
Exceeding(Amperes) Copper Aluminum*
15 2.0(1.6) 3.5(2.0)
20 3.5(2.0) 5.5(2.6)
30 5.5(2.6) 8.0(3.2)
40 5.5(2.6) 8.0(3.2)
60 5.5(2.6) 8.0(3.2)
100 8.0(3.2) 14
200 14 22
300 22 30
400 30 38
500 30 50
600 38 60
800 50 80
1000 60 100
1200 80 125
1600 100 175
2000 125 200
2500 175 325
3000 200 325
4000 250 800
5000 700 1200
6000 800 1200
Note:Wherenecessarytocomplywith2.50.1.4(a)(5)or(b)(4),theequipment
groundingconductorshallbesizedlargerthangiveninthistable.
*Seeinstallationrestrictionsin2.50.6.11.
b)Switches.Noautomaticcutoutorswitchshallbeplacedintheequipmentgroundingconductorofapremiseswiringsystemunlesstheopeningofthecutout
orswitchdisconnectsallsourcesofenergy.
2.50.6.17IdentificationofWiringDeviceTerminals.
Theterminalfortheconnectionoftheequipmentgroundingconductorshallbeidentifiedbyoneofthefollowing:
(1)Agreen,notreadilyremovableterminalscrewwithahexagonalhead.
(2)Agreen,hexagonal,notreadilyremovableterminalnut.
(3)Agreenpressurewireconnector.Iftheterminalforthegroundingconductorisnotvisible,theconductorentranceholeshallbemarkedwiththewordgreen
orground,thelettersGorGR,agroundingsymbol,orotherwiseidentifiedbyadistinctivegreencolor.Iftheterminalfortheequipmentgroundingconductoris
readilyremovable,theareaadjacenttotheterminalshallbesimilarlymarked.
FPN:SeeFPNFigure2.50.6.17.
(/wiki/File:Figure_2.50.6.17.png)
FPNFigure2.50.6.17OneExampleofa
SymbolUsedtoIdentifytheGrounding
TerminationPointforanEquipmentGrounding
Conductor.
2.50.7MethodsofEquipmentGrounding
2.50.7.1EquipmentGroundingConductorConnections.
Equipmentgroundingconductorconnectionsatthesourceofseparatelyderivedsystemsshallbemadeinaccordancewith2.50.2.11(a)(1).Equipmentgrounding
conductorconnectionsatserviceequipmentshallbemadeasindicatedin2.50.7.1(a)or(b).Forreplacementofnongroundingtypereceptacleswithgrounding
typereceptaclesandforbranchcircuitextensionsonlyinexistinginstallationsthatdonothaveanequipmentgroundingconductorinthebranchcircuit,
connectionsshallbepermittedasindicatedin2.50.7.1(c).
(a)ForGroundedSystems.Theconnectionshallbemadebybondingtheequipmentgroundingconductortothegroundedserviceconductorandthe
groundingelectrodeconductor.
(b)ForUngroundedSystems.Theconnectionshallbemadebybondingtheequipmentgroundingconductortothegroundingelectrodeconductor.
(c)NongroundingReceptacleReplacementorBranchCircuitExtensions.Theequipmentgroundingconductorofagroundingtypereceptacleorabranch
circuitextensionshallbepermittedtobeconnectedtoanyofthefollowing:
(1)Anyaccessiblepointonthegroundingelectrodesystemasdescribedin2.50.3.1
(2)Anyaccessiblepointonthegroundingelectrodeconductor
(3)Theequipmentgroundingterminalbarwithintheenclosurewherethebranchcircuitforthereceptacleorbranchcircuitoriginates
(4)Forgroundedsystems,thegroundedserviceconductorwithintheserviceequipmentenclosure
(5)Forungroundedsystems,thegroundingterminalbarwithintheserviceequipmentenclosure
FPN:See4.6.1.3(d)fortheuseofagroundfaultcircuitinterruptingtypeofreceptacle.
2.50.7.3ShortSectionsofRaceway.
Isolatedsectionsofmetalracewayorcablearmor,whererequiredtobegrounded,shallbegroundedinaccordancewith2.50.7.5.
2.50.7.5EquipmentFastenedinPlaceorConnectedbyPermanentWiringMethods(Fixed)
Grounding.
Unlessgroundedbyconnectiontothegroundedcircuitconductoraspermittedby2.50.2.13,2.50.7.11,and2.50.7.13,noncurrentcarryingmetalpartsof
equipment,raceways,andotherenclosures,ifgrounded,shallbegroundedbyoneofthefollowingmethods.
(a)EquipmentGroundingConductorTypes.Byanyoftheequipmentgroundingconductorspermittedby2.50.6.9.
(b)WithCircuitConductors.Byanequipmentgroundingconductorcontainedwithinthesameraceway,cable,orotherwiserunwiththecircuitconductors.
ExceptionNo.1:Asprovidedin2.50.7.1(c),theequipmentgroundingconductorshallbepermittedtoberunseparatelyfromthecircuitconductors.
ExceptionNo.2:Fordccircuits,theequipmentgroundingconductorshallbepermittedtoberunseparatelyfromthecircuitconductors.
FPNNo.1:See2.50.5.13and2.50.8.9forequipmentbondingjumperrequirements.
FPNNo.2:See4.0.1.7foruseofcordsforfixedequipment.2.50.7.7EquipmentConsideredEffectivelyGrounded.Undertheconditionsspecifiedin
2.50.7.7(a)and(b),thenoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsoftheequipmentshallbeconsideredeffectivelygrounded.
(a)EquipmentSecuredtoGroundedMetalSupports.Electricalequipmentsecuredtoandinelectricalcontactwithametalrackorstructureprovidedforits
supportandgroundedbyoneofthemeansindicatedin2.50.7.5.Thestructuralmetalframeofabuildingshallnotbeusedastherequiredequipmentgrounding
conductorforacequipment.
(b)MetalCarFrames.Metalcarframessupportedbymetalhoistingcablesattachedtoorrunningovermetalsheavesordrumsofelevatormachinesthatare
groundedbyoneofthemethodsindicatedin2.50.7.5.
2.50.7.9CordandPlugConnectedEquipment.
Noncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofcordandplugconnectedequipment,ifgrounded,shallbegroundedbyoneofthemethodsin2.50.7.9(a)or(b).
(a)ByMeansofanEquipmentGroundingConductor.Bymeansofanequipmentgroundingconductorrunwiththepowersupplyconductorsinacable
assemblyorflexiblecordproperlyterminatedinagroundingtypeattachmentplugwithonefixedgroundingcontact.
Exception:Thegroundingcontactingpoleofgroundingtypeplugingroundfaultcircuitinterruptersshallbepermittedtobeofthemovable,selfrestoring
typeoncircuitsoperatingatnotover250voltsbetweenanytwoconductorsorover250voltsbetweenanyconductorandground
(b)ByMeansofaSeparateFlexibleWireorStrap.Bymeansofaseparateflexiblewireorstrap,insulatedorbare,protectedaswellaspracticableagainst
physicaldamage,wherepartofequipment.
2.50.7.11FramesofRangesandClothesDryers.
Framesofelectricranges,wallmountedovens,countermountedcookingunits,clothesdryers,andoutletorjunctionboxesthatarepartofthecircuitforthese
appliancesshallbegroundedinthemannerspecifiedby2.50.7.5or2.50.7.9.
Exception:Forexistingbranchcircuitinstallationsonlywhereanequipmentgroundingconductorisnotpresentintheoutletorjunctionbox,theframesof
electricranges,wallmountedovens,countermountedcookingunits,clothesdryers,andoutletorjunctionboxesthatarepartofthecircuitforthese
appliancesshallbepermittedtobegroundedtothegroundedcircuitconductorifallthefollowingconditionsaremet:
(1)Thesupplycircuitis230volt,singlephase,2wireor400Y/230voltderivedfroma3phase,4wire,wyeconnectedsystem.
(2)Thegroundedconductorisnotsmallerthan5.5mm2(2.6mmdia.)copperor8.0mm2(3.2mmdia.)aluminum.
(3)Thegroundedconductorisinsulated,orthegroundedconductorisuninsulatedandpartofaTypeSEserviceentrancecableandthebranchcircuit
originatesattheserviceequipment.
(4)Groundingcontactsofreceptaclesfurnishedaspartoftheequipmentarebondedtotheequipment.
2.50.7.13UseofGroundedCircuitConductorforGroundingEquipment.
(a)SupplySideEquipment.Agroundedcircuitconductorshallbepermittedtogroundnoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipment,raceways,andother
enclosuresatanyofthefollowinglocations:
(1)Onthesupplysideorwithintheenclosureoftheacservicedisconnectingmeans
(2)Onthesupplysideorwithintheenclosureofthemaindisconnectingmeansforseparatebuildingsasprovidedin2.50.2.13(b)
(3)Onthesupplysideorwithintheenclosureofthemaindisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevicesofaseparatelyderivedsystemwherepermittedby
2.50.2.11(a)(1)
(b)LoadSideEquipment.Exceptaspermittedin2.50.2.11(a)(1)and2.50.2.13(b),agroundedcircuitconductorshallnotbeusedforgroundingnoncurrent
carryingmetalpartsofequipmentontheloadsideoftheservicedisconnectingmeansorontheloadsideofaseparatelyderivedsystemdisconnectingmeansor
theovercurrentdevicesforaseparatelyderivedsystemnothavingamaindisconnectingmeans.
ExceptionNo.1:Theframesofranges,wallmountedovens,countermountedcookingunits,andclothesdryersundertheconditionspermittedfor
existinginstallationsby2.50.7.11shallbepermittedtobegroundedbyagroundedcircuitconductor.
ExceptionNo.2:Itshallbepermissibletogroundmeterenclosuresbyconnectiontothegroundedcircuitconductorontheloadsideoftheservice
disconnectwhereallofthefollowingconditionsapply:
(1)Noservicegroundfaultprotectionisinstalled.
(2)Allmetersocketenclosuresarelocatedimmediatelyadjacenttotheservicedisconnectingmeans.
(3)ThesizeofthegroundedcircuitconductorisnotsmallerthanthesizespecifiedinTable2.50.6.13forequipmentgroundingconductors.
ExceptionNo.3:Directcurrentsystemsshallbepermittedtobegroundedontheloadsideofthedisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevicein
accordancewith2.50.8.5.
ExceptionNo.4:Electrodetypeboilersoperatingatover600voltsshallbegroundedasrequiredin4.90.5.3(e)(1)and4.90.5.5.
2.50.7.15MultipleCircuitConnections.
Whereequipmentisrequiredtobegroundedandissuppliedbyseparateconnectiontomorethanonecircuitorgroundedpremiseswiringsystem,ameansfor
groundingshallbeprovidedforeachsuchconnectionasspecifiedin2.50.7.5and2.50.7.9.
2.50.7.17ConnectingReceptacleGroundingTerminaltoBox.
Anequipmentbondingjumpershallbeusedtoconnectthegroundingterminalofagroundingtypereceptacletoagroundedboxunlessgroundedasin
2.50.7.17(a)through(d).
(a)SurfaceMountedBox.Wheretheboxismountedonthesurface,directmetaltometalcontactbetweenthedeviceyokeandtheboxoracontactyokeor
devicethatcomplieswith2.50.7.17(b)shallbepermittedtogroundthereceptacletothebox.Atleastoneoftheinsulatingwashersshallberemovedfrom
receptaclesthatdonothaveacontactyokeordevicethatcomplieswith2.50.7.17(b)toensuredirectmetaltometalcontact.Thisprovisionshallnotapplyto
covermountedreceptaclesunlesstheboxandcovercombinationarelistedasprovidingsatisfactorygroundcontinuitybetweentheboxandthereceptacle.
(b)ContactDevicesorYokes.Contactdevicesoryokesdesignedandlistedasselfgroundingshallbepermittedinconjunctionwiththesupportingscrewsto
establishthegroundingcircuitbetweenthedeviceyokeandflushtypeboxes.
(c)FloorBoxes.Floorboxesdesignedforandlistedasprovidingsatisfactorygroundcontinuitybetweentheboxandthedeviceshallbepermitted.
(d)IsolatedReceptacles.Whererequiredforthereductionofelectricalnoise(electromagneticinterference)onthegroundingcircuit,areceptacleinwhichthe
groundingterminalispurposelyinsulatedfromthereceptaclemountingmeansshallbepermitted.Thereceptaclegroundingterminalshallbegroundedbyan
insulatedequipmentgroundingconductorrunwiththecircuitconductors.Thisgroundingconductorshallbepermittedtopassthroughoneormorepanelboards
withoutconnectiontothepanelboardgroundingterminalaspermittedin4.8.3.11,Exception,soastoterminatewithinthesamebuildingorstructuredirectlyatan
equipmentgroundingconductorterminaloftheapplicablederivedsystemorservice.
FPN:Useofanisolatedequipmentgroundingconductordoesnotrelievetherequirementforgroundingtheracewaysystemandoutletbox.
2.50.7.19ContinuityandAttachmentofEquipmentGroundingConductorstoBoxes.
Wherecircuitconductorsaresplicedwithinabox,orterminatedonequipmentwithinorsupportedbyabox,anyequipmentgroundingconductor(s)associated
withthosecircuitconductorsshallbesplicedorjoinedwithintheboxortotheboxwithdevicessuitablefortheuseinaccordancewith2.50.7.19(a)through(e).
Exception:Theequipmentgroundingconductorpermittedin2.50.7.17(d)shallnotberequiredtobeconnectedtotheotherequipmentgrounding
conductorsortothebox.
(a)Connections.Connectionsandsplicesshallbemadeinaccordancewith110.14(b)exceptthatinsulationshallnotberequired.
(b)GroundingContinuity.Thearrangementofgroundingconnectionsshallbesuchthatthedisconnectionortheremovalofareceptacle,luminaire(fixture),or
otherdevicefedfromtheboxdoesnotinterferewithorinterruptthegroundingcontinuity.
(c)MetalBoxes.Aconnectionshallbemadebetweentheoneormoreequipmentgroundingconductorsandametalboxbymeansofagroundingscrewthat
shallbeusedfornootherpurposeoralistedgroundingdevice.
(d)NonmetallicBoxes.Oneormoreequipmentgroundingconductorsbroughtintoanonmetallicoutletboxshallbearrangedsuchthataconnectioncanbe
madetoanyfittingordeviceinthatboxrequiringgrounding.
(e)Solder.Connectionsdependingsolelyonsoldershallnotbeused.
2.50.8DirectCurrentSystems
2.50.8.1General.
DirectcurrentsystemsshallcomplywithPart2.50.8andothersectionsofArticle2.50notspecificallyintendedfor11acsystems.
2.50.8.3DirectCurrentCircuitsandSystemstoBeGrounded.
Directcurrentcircuitsandsystemsshallbegroundedasprovidedforin2.50.8.3(a)and(b).
(a)TwoWire,DirectCurrentSystems.A2wire,dcsystemsupplyingpremiseswiringandoperatingatgreaterthan50voltsbutnotgreaterthan300voltsshall
begrounded.
ExceptionNo.1:Asystemequippedwithagrounddetectorandsupplyingonlyindustrialequipmentinlimitedareasshallnotberequiredtobegrounded.
ExceptionNo.2:Arectifierderiveddcsystemsuppliedfromanacsystemcomplyingwith2.50.2.1shallnotberequiredtobegrounded.
ExceptionNo.3:Directcurrentfirealarmcircuitshavingamaximumcurrentof0.030amperesasspecifiedinPart7.60.3shallnotberequiredtobe
grounded.
(b)ThreeWire,DirectCurrentSystems.Theneutralconductorofall3wire,dcsystemssupplyingpremiseswiringshallbegrounded.
2.50.8.5PointofConnectionforDirectCurrentSystems.
(a)OffPremisesSource.Directcurrentsystemstobegroundedandsuppliedfromanoffpremisessourceshallhavethegroundingconnectionmadeatoneor
moresupplystations.Agroundingconnectionshallnotbemadeatindividualservicesoratanypointonthepremiseswiring.
(b)OnPremisesSource.Wherethedcsystemsourceislocatedonthepremises,agroundingconnectionshallbemadeatoneofthefollowing:
(1)Thesource
(2)Thefirstsystemdisconnectionmeansorovercurrentdevice
(3)Byothermeansthataccomplishequivalentsystemprotectionandthatutilizeequipmentlistedandidentifiedfortheuse2.50.8.7SizeofDirectCurrent
GroundingElectrodeConductor.Thesizeofthegroundingelectrodeconductorforadcsystemshallbeasspecifiedin2.50.8.7(a)through(e).
(a)NotSmallerThantheNeutralConductor.Wherethedcsystemconsistsofa3wirebalancersetorabalancerwindingwithovercurrentprotectionas
providedin445.12(d),thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallnotbesmallerthantheneutralconductorandnotsmallerthan8.0mm2(3.2mmdia.)copperor
14mm2aluminum.
(b)NotSmallerThantheLargestConductor.Wherethedcsystemisotherthanasin2.50.8.7(a),thegroundingelectrodeconductorshallnotbesmallerthan
thelargestconductorsuppliedbythesystem,andnotsmallerthan8.0mm2(3.2mmdia.)copperor14mm2aluminum.
(c)ConnectedtoRod,Pipe,orPlateElectrodes.Whereconnectedtorod,pipe,orplateelectrodesasin2.50.3.3(a)(5)or2.50.3.3(a)(6),thatportionofthe
groundingelectrodeconductorthatisthesoleconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthan14mm2copperwireor22mm2
aluminumwire.
(d)ConnectedtoaConcreteEncasedElectrode.Whereconnectedtoaconcreteencasedelectrodeasin2.50.3.3(a)(3),thatportionofthegrounding
electrodeconductorthatisthesoleconnectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthan22mm2copperwire.
(e)ConnectedtoaGroundRing.Whereconnectedtoagroundringasin2.50.3.3(a)(4),thatportionofthegroundingelectrodeconductorthatisthesole
connectiontothegroundingelectrodeshallnotberequiredtobelargerthantheconductorusedforthegroundring.
2.50.8.9DirectCurrentBondingJumper.
Fordcsystems,thesizeofthebondingjumpershallnotbesmallerthanthesystemgroundingelectrodeconductorspecifiedin2.50.8.7.
2.50.8.10UngroundedDirectCurrentSeparatelyDerivedSystems.
Exceptasotherwisepermittedin2.50.2.15forportableandvehiclemountedgenerators,anungroundeddcseparatelyderivedsystemsuppliedfromastand
alonepowersource(suchasanenginegeneratorset)shallhaveagroundingelectrodeconductorconnectedtoanelectrodethatcomplieswithPart2.50.3to
provideforgroundingofmetalenclosures,raceways,cables,andexposednoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofequipment.Thegroundingelectrodeconductor
connectionshallbetothemetalenclosureatanypointontheseparatelyderivedsystemfromthesourcetothefirstsystemdisconnectingmeansorovercurrent
device,oritshallbemadeatthesourceofaseparatelyderivedsystemthathasnodisconnectingmeansorovercurrentdevices.
Thesizeofthegroundingelectrodeconductorshallbeinaccordancewith2.50.8.7.
2.50.9Instruments,Meters,andRelays
2.50.9.1InstrumentTransformerCircuits.
Secondarycircuitsofcurrentandpotentialinstrumenttransformersshallbegroundedwheretheprimarywindingsareconnectedtocircuitsof300voltsormore
togroundand,whereonswitchboards,shallbegroundedirrespectiveofvoltage.
Exception:Circuitswheretheprimarywindingsareconnectedtocircuitsoflessthan1000voltswithnolivepartsorwiringexposedoraccessibletoother
thanlicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervisionofalicensedelectricalpractitioner.
2.50.9.3InstrumentTransformerCases.
Casesorframesofinstrumenttransformersshallbegroundedwhereaccessibletootherthanlicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitioner
underthesupervisionofalicensedelectricalpractitioner.
Exception:Casesorframesofcurrenttransformers,theprimariesofwhicharenotover150voltstogroundandthatareusedexclusivelytosupplycurrent
tometers.
2.50.9.5CasesofInstruments,Meters,andRelaysOperatingatLessThan1000Volts.
Instruments,meters,andrelaysoperatingwithwindingsorworkingpartsatlessthan1000voltsshallbegroundedasspecifiedin2.50.9.5(a),(b),or(c).
(a)NotonSwitchboards.Instruments,meters,andrelaysnotlocatedonswitchboards,operatingwithwindingsorworkingpartsat300voltsormoretoground,
andaccessibletootherthanlicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervisionofalicensedelectricalpractitioner,shall
havethecasesandotherexposedmetalpartsgrounded.
(b)OnDeadFrontSwitchboards.Instruments,meters,andrelays(whetheroperatedfromcurrentandpotentialtransformersorconnecteddirectlyinthe
circuit)onswitchboardshavingnolivepartsonthefrontofthepanelsshallhavethecasesgrounded.
(c)OnLiveFrontSwitchboards.Instruments,meters,andrelays(whetheroperatedfromcurrentandpotentialtransformersorconnecteddirectlyinthecircuit)
onswitchboardshavingexposedlivepartsonthefrontofpanelsshallnothavetheircasesgrounded.Matsofinsulatingrubberorothersuitablefloorinsulation
shallbeprovidedfortheoperatorwherethevoltagetogroundexceeds150.
2.50.9.7CasesofInstruments,Meters,andRelaysOperatingVoltage1kVandOver.
Whereinstruments,meters,andrelayshavecurrentcarryingpartsof1kVandovertoground,theyshallbeisolatedbyelevationorprotectedbysuitable
barriers,groundedmetal,orinsulatingcoversorguards.Theircasesshallnotbegrounded.
Exception:Casesofelectrostaticgrounddetectorswheretheinternalgroundsegmentsoftheinstrumentareconnectedtotheinstrumentcaseand
groundedandthegrounddetectorisisolatedbyelevation.
2.50.9.9InstrumentGroundingConductor.
Thegroundingconductorforsecondarycircuitsofinstrumenttransformersandforinstrumentcasesshallnotbesmallerthan3.5mm2(2.0mmdia.)copperor
5.5mm2(2.6mmdia.)aluminum.Casesofinstrumenttransformers,instruments,meters,andrelaysthataremounteddirectlyongroundedmetalsurfacesof
enclosuresorgroundedmetalswitchboardpanelsshallbeconsideredtobegrounded,andnoadditionalgroundingconductorshallberequired.
2.50.10GroundingofSystemsandCircuitsof1kVandOver(HighVoltage)
2.50.10.1General.
Wherehighvoltagesystemsaregrounded,theyshallcomplywithallapplicableprovisionsoftheprecedingsectionsofthisarticleandwith2.50.10.3through
2.50.10.11,whichsupplementandmodifytheprecedingsections.
2.50.10.3DerivedNeutralSystems.
Asystemneutralderivedfromagroundingtransformershallbepermittedtobeusedforgroundinghighvoltagesystems.
2.50.10.5SolidlyGroundedNeutralSystems.
Solidlygroundedneutralsystemsshallbepermittedtobeeithersinglepointgroundedormultigroundedneutral.
(a)NeutralConductor.
(1)InsulationLevel.Theminimuminsulationlevelforneutralconductorsofsolidlygroundedsystemsshallbe600volts.
ExceptionNo.1:Barecopperconductorsshallbepermittedtobeusedfortheneutralofserviceentrancesandtheneutralofdirectburiedportionsof
feeders.
ExceptionNo.2:Bareconductorsshallbepermittedfortheneutralofoverheadportionsinstalledoutdoors.ExceptionNo.3:Theneutralgrounded
conductorshallbepermittedtobeabareconductorifisolatedfromphaseconductorsandprotectedfromphysicaldamage.
FPN:See2.25.1.4forconductorcoveringwherewithin3000mmofanybuildingorotherstructure.
(2)Ampacity.Theneutralconductorshallbeofsufficientampacityfortheloadimposedontheconductorbutnotlessthan33percentoftheampacityofthe
phaseconductors.
Exception:Inindustrialandcommercialpremisesunderengineeringsupervision,itshallbepermissibletosizetheampacityoftheneutralconductortonot
lessthan20percentoftheampacityofthephaseconductor.
(b)SinglePointGroundedSystem.Whereasinglepointgroundedneutralsystemisused,thefollowingshallapply:
(1)Asinglepointgroundedsystemshallbepermittedtobesuppliedfrom(a)or(b):
a.Aseparatelyderivedsystem
b.Amultigroundedneutralsystemwithanequipmentgroundingconductorconnectedtothemultigroundedneutralatthesourceofthesinglepoint
groundedsystem
(2)Agroundingelectrodeshallbeprovidedforthesystem.
(3)Agroundingelectrodeconductorshallconnectthegroundingelectrodetothesystemneutral.
(4)Abondingjumpershallconnecttheequipmentgroundingconductortothegroundingelectrodeconductor.
(5)Anequipmentbondingconductorshallbeprovidedtoeachbuilding,structure,andequipmentenclosure.
(6)Aneutralshallonlyberequiredwherephasetoneutralloadsaresupplied.
(7)Theneutral,whereprovided,shallbeinsulatedandisolatedfromearthexceptatonelocation.
(8)Anequipmentgroundingconductorshallberunwiththephaseconductorsandshallcomplywith(a),(b),and(c):
a.Shallnotcarrycontinuousload
b.Maybebareorinsulated
c.Shallhavesufficientampacityforfaultcurrentduty
(c)MultigroundedNeutralSystems.Whereamultigroundedneutralsystemisused,thefollowingshallapply:
(1)Theneutralofasolidlygroundedneutralsystemshallbepermittedtobegroundedatmorethanonepoint.Groundingshallbepermittedatoneormore
ofthefollowinglocations:
a.Transformerssupplyingconductorstoabuildingorotherstructure
b.Undergroundcircuitswheretheneutralisexposed
c.Overheadcircuitsinstalledoutdoors
(2)Themultigroundedneutralconductorshallbegroundedateachtransformerandatotheradditionallocationsbyconnectiontoamadeorexisting
electrode.
(3)Atleastonegroundingelectrodeshallbeinstalledandconnectedtothemultigroundedneutralcircuitconductorevery400m(1300ft).
(4)Themaximumdistancebetweenanytwoadjacentelectrodesshallnotbemorethan400m(1300ft).
(5)Inamultigroundedshieldedcablesystem,theshieldingshallbegroundedateachcablejointthatisexposedtopersonnelcontact.
2.50.10.7ImpedanceGroundedNeutralSystems.
Impedancegroundedneutralsystemsinwhichagroundingimpedance,usuallyaresistor,limitsthegroundfaultcurrent,shallbepermittedwhereallofthe
followingconditionsaremet:
(1)Theconditionsofmaintenanceandsupervisionensurethatonlylicensedelectricalpractitionerornonlicensedelectricalpractitionerunderthesupervision
ofalicensedelectricalpractitionerwillservicetheinstallation.
(2)Grounddetectorsareinstalledonthesystem.
(3)Linetoneutralloadsarenotserved.Impedancegroundedneutralsystemsshallcomplywiththeprovisionsof2.50.10.7(a)through(d).
(a)Location.Thegroundingimpedanceshallbeinsertedinthegroundingconductorbetweenthegroundingelectrodeofthesupplysystemandtheneutralpoint
ofthesupplytransformerorgenerator.
(b)IdentifiedandInsulated.Theneutralconductorofanimpedancegroundedneutralsystemshallbeidentified,aswellasfullyinsulatedwiththesame
insulationasthephaseconductors.
(c)SystemNeutralConnection.Thesystemneutralshallnotbeconnectedtoground,exceptthroughtheneutralgroundingimpedance.
(d)EquipmentGroundingConductors.Equipmentgroundingconductorsshallbepermittedtobebareandshallbeelectricallyconnectedtothegroundbus
andgroundingelectrodeconductor.
2.50.10.9GroundingofSystemsSupplyingPortableorMobileEquipment.
Systemssupplyingportableormobilehighvoltageequipment,otherthansubstationsinstalledonatemporarybasis,shallcomplywith2.50.10.9(a)through(f).
(a)PortableorMobileEquipment.Portableormobilehighvoltageequipmentshallbesuppliedfromasystemhavingitsneutralgroundedthroughan
impedance.Whereadeltaconnectedhighvoltagesystemisusedtosupplyportableormobileequipment,asystemneutralshallbederived.
(b)ExposedNonCurrentCarryingMetalParts.Exposednoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsofportableormobileequipmentshallbeconnectedbyan
equipmentgroundingconductortothepointatwhichthesystemneutralimpedanceisgrounded.
(c)GroundFaultCurrent.Thevoltagedevelopedbetweentheportableormobileequipmentframeandgroundbytheflowofmaximumgroundfaultcurrent
shallnotexceed100volts.
(d)GroundFaultDetectionandRelaying.Groundfaultdetectionandrelayingshallbeprovidedtoautomaticallydeenergizeanyhighvoltagesystem
componentthathasdevelopedagroundfault.Thecontinuityoftheequipmentgroundingconductorshallbecontinuouslymonitoredsoastodeenergize
automaticallythehighvoltagecircuittotheportableormobileequipmentuponlossofcontinuityoftheequipmentgroundingconductor.
(e)Isolation.Thegroundingelectrodetowhichtheportableormobileequipmentsystemneutralimpedanceisconnectedshallbeisolatedfromandseparatedin
thegroundbyatleast6000mmfromanyothersystemorequipmentgroundingelectrode,andthereshallbenodirectconnectionbetweenthegrounding
electrodes,suchasburiedpipeandfence,andsoforth.
(f)TrailingCableandCouplers.Highvoltagetrailingcableandcouplersforinterconnectionofportableormobileequipmentshallmeettherequirementsof
Part4.0.3forcablesand4.90.4.5forcouplers.
2.50.10.11GroundingofEquipment.
Allnoncurrentcarryingmetalpartsoffixed,portable,andmobileequipmentandassociatedfences,housings,enclosures,andsupportingstructuresshallbe
grounded.
Exception:Whereisolatedfromgroundandlocatedsoastopreventanypersonwhocanmakecontactwithgroundfromcontactingsuchmetalpartswhen
theequipmentisenergized.
Groundingconductorsnotanintegralpartofacableassemblyshallnotbesmallerthan14mm2copperor22mm2aluminum.
FPN:See2.50.6.1,ExceptionNo.2,forpolemounteddistributionapparatus.
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Philippine Electrical Code Part 1 - Chapter 2. Wiring and Protection - Ground

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