Saw this on an inspection today. Built in 1977, 3,519 sq ft, main level and finished basement. The main panel is a simple exterior 200 A disconnect. I would like some verification that I’m correct in report the absence of a GEC and that the sub panel is not wired correctly (grounds and neutrals on the same bus). Normally this wouldn’t be an issue, but there’s a generator between the main shutoff and the sub panel. In reviewing the setup I couldn’t find a GEC anywhere around any of the panels. No copper wire going to ground. I noticed a cut copper wire in the sub panel, but was expecting to see one in the main panel.
My verbiage for the report for the main panel reads “There was no main Grounding Electrode Conductor observed in the main panel. This could present a shock hazard. Recommend evaluation for repair by a qualified electrician/contractor.”
For the Sub Panel it reads “In Sub Panel #1 the Neutrals (white wires) and equipment grounding conductors (copper wires) were observed on the same bus bar. In a sub panel the neutrals and equipment grounding conductors should be on separate bars with the ground bar bonded to the panel and the neutral bar floating. Recommend further evaluation by a licensed electrician.”
I wasn’t sure if the presence of the generator would have any affect on the requirement/need for the GEC in the main panel. Any info would be appreciated.
