This GEC comes out of the meter (what I see 95% of the time here), and connects to the ground rod, but then loops back up into the service panel and connects to neutral bus.
I know this is incorrect, but will it cause any issues? Parallel paths?
Even though it seems to be unnecessary, I can’t think of any ill effects off hand.
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Me either, unless it acts like a parallel path.
I was going to mention it in the report anyways, because there is also a missing bonding screw…
I was just more curious than anything
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It’s not really a parallel path for anything. Remember, electricity always wants to get back to the source. So a fault will travel over the service neutral to get that done as long as the the ground is bonded to the neutral at the first point of disconnect.
As far as the ground rod, that gets a bit more complicated and I don’t really have a good answer except, connecting just about everything to a grounding rod cannot possibly cause harm, lol. There will be no current being sent to the ground rod under “normal” circumstances, regardless of what it is connected to.
But this could lead to parallel paths, since it is connected to the neutral bus, and the meter, no?
Neutral current would have two different paths back to the meter.
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The actual service neutral going to the panel is most likely to be the better path. But I do see your point. I suppose it depends how the GEC is connected inside the meter enclosure? It’s a good question.
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You are correct it is creating a parallel path for the neutral current which violates 250.6 so the conductor going to the panel should be removed.
250.6 Objectionable Current.
250.6(A) Arrangement to Prevent Objectionable Current.
The grounding of electrical systems, circuit conductors, surge arresters, surge-protective devices, and conductive normally non–current-carrying metal parts of equipment shall be installed and arranged in a
manner that will prevent objectionable current.
250.6(B) Alterations to Stop Objectionable Current.
If the use of multiple grounding connections results in objectionable current and the requirements of 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4) are met, one or more of the following alterations shall be permitted:
(1) Discontinue one or more but not all of such grounding connections.
(2) Change the locations of the grounding connections.
(3) Interrupt the continuity of the conductor or conductive path causing the objectionable current.
(4)Take other suitable remedial and approved action.
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Thanks Robert
You’re welcome. Here’s some information relevant to your post. The grounding electrode conductor (GEC) can connect at any point between the service disconnect and the service point. If permitted by the utility the best place to connect is at the meter enclosure. Once the GEC is connected to the neutral at the meter it does not need to be extended to the service panel or service disconnect.
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What if the GEC is not bonded to the meter can or connected to the neutral at the meter, it just passes through and is connected to the ground rod? With the GEC and grounded neutral connected at the service panel?
It would be permitted to run it through the meter enclosure (like if the service conductors are run in a raceway and the GEC is in the raceway too) and it passes through the enclosure. What is the other end connected to?
At the service panel? The neutral bar.
It would be permissible to run it into the meter enclosure in the service raceway and then out to a grounding electrode.
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Thanks. I believe that’s how several electrical contractors are doing it in my area. Like the photo I posted in the other thread. I see it both ways with three or four wire feeder.