11/13/2018

MEA 2017 NEC

Grounding and Bonding
Part 1

2-hour class presented by

Minnesota Electrical Association

This seminar will satisfy the 2-hour electrical code training for
electricians required by the State of Minnesota.

Minnesota Electrical Association 1

Acknowledgements

Some material and illustrations presented are

with permission of Cengage Learning from:
Electrical Grounding and Bonding
by Phil Simmons

The National Electrical Code (NEC)® is

Document 70 -- from the
National Fire Protection Association (NFPA)

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Objectives
• Using accepted definitions of terms applicable to
grounding & bonding
• Provide a low-impedance path of proper
capacity to ensure the operation of overcurrent
protective devices
• Various components of the grounding & bonding
system
• Electric shock hazards & effect of electricity on
the human body
• Grounding practices

Grounding and bonding concepts

 The subject of grounding and bonding of
electrical systems is often misunderstood.

 Are grounded systems safer than ungrounded?

 Many systems are required to be grounded

 Several circuits are not permitted to be

grounded

 The NEC has created rules to comply.

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Speaking the Same Language

 Inconsistent use of terms related to

grounding and bonding is common and can
result in misunderstandings.

 Do terms “grounded” and “bonded” mean

the same thing?

 Are they interchangeable?

Speaking the Same Language

 Is a receptacle on the 17th floor of a
building still “grounded?”
 Definition of “Grounded” is:
“Connected (connecting) to ground or
to a conductive body that extends the
ground connection.”
 Understanding definitions is essential to
proper application of the rules related to
grounding and bonding.

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Definitions

 Understanding of definitions is essential to

understanding grounding and bonding

 Some definitions may have changed from

the previous edition of the NEC

 Many rules in the NEC have become more

prescriptive to rely less on defined terms

Art. 100: Ground

NEC Def. of Ground:

“The earth.”
 The earth consists of
many types of soil
 Soil resistance is
determined largely by
its content of
electrolytes which
consist of moisture,
minerals and dissolved
salts

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Ground- Earth- characteristics

 Soil resistance varies from an average of approximately
2,000 ohm-centimeters (equiv: ohms/ distance) for
ashes, cinders, brine or waste to 94,000 ohm-
centimeters for gravel, sand, and stones with little clay
or loam - highly resistive, little moisture content

 The earth’s ability to carry current varies widely

depending on temp and moisture content

 In the NEC, connections to earth are not

permitted for the purpose of carrying normal
current

Terms Related to the Definition of

“Ground”
 What is the electrical system? Source---
◦ Typically from the electric utility.
◦ Often from the source of a separately derived system

 The purposes of grounding electrical systems is

covered at 250.4(A)(2) – E.g., to limit the voltage
to ground on non-current carrying conductive
material

 The purposes of grounding equipment for

ungrounded systems is covered at 250.4(B)(1):
Similar to A2 but for accidental contact or lightning

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NEC Art 250

one-line

Copyright © NFPA
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Art. 100, Grounded (Grounding)

 Def. Grounded (Grounding ) “Connected (connecting) to
ground or to a conducting body that extends the ground
connection”
 Connection to ground is accomplished by means of a
recognized grounding electrode (system). See Parts II and
III of Article 250
 It is vital to provide an effective ground-fault current path
defined and described in Article 250.4(A)(5)
 Grounded objects such as metal conduit, cables with
metallic sheaths and structural metal may “extend the
earth connection.”

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Bonding Jumpers ID

 Main bonding jumpers

 System bonding jumpers
 Supply-side bonding jumpers on supply side of
the service or a separately derived system
 Equipment bonding jumpers on the load side of
the service
 Bonding jumpers to metal piping systems and to
structural metal frames of buildings

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One line grounding

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Grounded (Grounding)
• The phrase “a conductive body that extends the
earth connection” is not defined in the NEC
• A conductive element such as conduit, cable or
wire that extends from the point where an earth
connection is made at one or more grounding
electrodes to another point on the electrical
system where a switchboard, panelboard, junction
or pull box or a grounding receptacle is properly
connected “extends the earth connection”

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Grounded (Grounding)
• Some grounding electrodes also “extend the earth
connection” more precisely grounding conductors
 Structural metal often extends many stories above the
point where it makes an earth connection or is
connected to a grounding electrode system
 See 250.52 (A) (2)
New electrode information

 Metal water pipes are recognized in certain

occupancies for connection purposes throughout a
building or structure

• See 250.30 for the rules on grounding separately

derived systems
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Grounded, Improperly
 Equipment can be “grounded” but not be
in compliance with NEC rules
 “Grounded (Grounding)” means
connected (connecting) to earth or to
some conducting body that extends the
ground connection (low impedance)
 Equipment grounding must be in
compliance with the “Effective ground fault
path rules” in 250.4(A)(5) and 250.4(B)(4)

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Art. 100, Bonded (Bonding)

 Def. Bonded: “Connected to establish

electrical continuity and conductivity”

 In its simplest form, the definition means

the conductor and connections to connect
equipment together and to provide a
complete path for current to flow

 Bonding ensures conductivity around

suspect connections

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Bonded (Bonding)

 Conduit, or equipment grounding

conductor in Type MC or other wiring
methods, are permitted to be used to bond
(connect) enclosures together.

 The function of equipment grounding and

bonding become inseparable

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Art. 100, Bonding Jumper

 Def. Bonding conductor or jumper: “A reliable

conductor to ensure the required electrical
conductivity between metal parts required to
be electrically connected.”

 Usually a wire-type conductor used to

connect parts that are required to be
electrically continuous

 Specific sizes are given for application

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Equipment Bonding/ Grounding Jumpers

 Permitted to be
installed outside
raceway or cable

 If installed outside
conduit, generally
limited to not more
than 6 ft (1.8 m)

 Longer lengths
permitted for poles
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Equipment Bonding Jumper

 Def. Equipment bonding

jumper: The connections
between two or more
portions of the equipment
grounding conductor.
 Where a metal conduit or
tubing serves as bonding
means, a single loose
connection will impair the
fault path.
 This can result in shock
hazard.

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Main Bonding Jumper (Art 100)

 Def. Bonding jumper, Main : The connection between the
grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding
conductor at the service. Size: See 250.24(B) - 250.28 - 250.28(D)1 –
250.102(C)(1)

 Must be large enough so it does not melt while carrying fault

current - 250.102(C)(1)

 Permitted to be a wire, a bus, or a screw - 250.8

 Identical in function to “system bonding jumper”

 Provides return path for fault current

 Many rules on the Main Bonding Jumper are in 250.28

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Supply-Side Bonding Jumper (250.2)

 Def. Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side. A conductor installed on
the supply side of a service or within a service equipment
enclosure(s), or for a separately derived system, that
ensures the required electrical conductivity between metal
parts required to be electrically connected. [250.30(A)(2) for
separately derived]
 Used for bonding raceways, and enclosures
containing service conductors
 Also used to ensure bonding for metal enclosures for
separately derived systems
 Bonding jumper sized from Table 250.102(C)(1) on the
size of the ungrounded service conductor or the derived
ungrounded conductor of separately derived system

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System Bonding Jumper (Art 100)

 Def. Bonding Jumper, System. The connection between the
grounded circuit conductor and the supply-side bonding
jumper, or the equipment grounding conductor, or both,
at a separately derived system.

• Identical in function to “main bonding jumper” for service

• Must be large enough so it does not melt while carrying

fault current

• Permitted to be a wire, a bus, or a screw

• Provides return path for fault current

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Art. 100, Grounded, Solidly

 Def. Grounded, Solidly. Connected to

ground without inserting any resistor or
impedance device

 Considered “solidly grounded” if a resistor or

impedance device such as an inductor are not
inserted in the connection of the system or
equipment to the grounding electrode

 High impedance grounded neutral systems are

covered in 250.36
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Grounded, Solidly

“Connected to
ground without
inserting any
resistor or
impedance device.”
(Article 100)

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Art. 100, Grounded Conductor

• Def. Grounded conductor: “A system or circuit
conductor that is intentionally grounded.”

• A broad term that includes both neutral

conductors and grounded conductors- that are
not a neutral

• All neutral conductors are grounded conductors

but not all grounded conductors are neutral
conductors (See the definition of “Neutral” and
“Neutral Point”)

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Definitions
 Neutral Conductor: The conductor connected to
the neutral point of a system that is intended to
carry current under normal conditions

 Neutral Point: The common point on a wye

connection in a polyphase system or the midpoint
fa single phase, 3-wiresystem, or the midpoint of a
single-phase portion of a 3-phase delta system, or
the midpoint of a 3-wire, DC current system.
 “Informational Note: At the neutral point of the
system, the vectoral sum of the nominal voltages
from all other phases within the system that
utilize the neutral, with respect to the neutral
point, is a zero potential.”

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Grounded Conductor

“A system or
circuit conductor
that is intentionally
grounded.” (Article
100)

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Art. 100, Equipment Grounding

Conductor

Def. Grounding Conductor, Equipment:

(EGC) “The conductive path(s) that
provides a ground-fault current path and
connects normally non–current-carrying
metal parts of equipment together and to
the system grounded conductor or to the
grounding electrode conductor, or both.”

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Equipment Grounding Conductor

• Conductive path is provided by the equipment
grounding conductor
• Paths recognized include a wire or bus, metallic
raceways and metallic cable sheaths

• “Normally non-current-carrying metal parts

of equipment …”
• Equipment grounding conductors do not normally
carry current
• Neutral conductors do carry current under normal
conditions

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Equipment Grounding Conductor

 “Together” in definition indicates the
equipment grounding conductor performs
a bonding function.

 Informational Note No. 1: It is recognized the

equipment grounding conductor also performs
bonding.

 Informational Note No. 2: See 250.118 for a list

of acceptable equipment grounding conductors.

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Grounding Electrode

 Descriptions of grounding electrodes permitted to

be used are in 250.52(A)
 8 items See NEC page 112

 Items NOT permitted to be used as Grounding

electrodes 250.52(B)
 3 items See NEC page 113

 Grounding electrodes are never used to

provide a fault-current path

 Are used to make an earth connection

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Art. 100, Grounding Electrode

Definition-
Grounding Electrode:
“A conducting object
through which a direct
connection to earth is
established.”

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Grounding Electrode Conductor

“A conductor used
to connect the
system grounded
conductor or the
equipment to a
grounding electrode,
or to a point on the
grounding electrode
system.”

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Grounding Electrode Conductor

 Size in compliance with 250.66 (both Table

and Section)

 Install under the rules of 250.64(A-E)

 NEC P. 114

 Connect in accordance with 250.8

(Connection methods) and 250.70 (Methods
of bonding and grounding conductors to
electrodes)

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Art. 100, Intersystem Bonding

Termination
 Def: Intersystem Bonding Termination: “A device
that provides a means for connecting intersystem
bonding conductors for communications
systems to the grounding electrode system.”

 Provides common location for connecting

bonding conductors for communications systems.

 Common bonding helps prevent flashover due to

elevated voltage events.

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Art. 100, Intersystem Bonding

Termination

Intersystem bonding example bonding

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NEC Art. 100, Neutral Conductor

Def. Neutral Conductor: “The conductor
connected to the neutral point of a system that
is intended to carry current under normal
conditions.”

This term is used in conjunction with the

definition of “neutral point.”
Differs from an equipment grounding conductor
in that it is intended to carry current under
normal conditions.

Neutrals are also grounded conductors.

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Neutral Point

Typical electrical systems that have a neutral

conductor include:
◦ 120/240, 1-phase, 3-wire
◦ 120/240-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire (delta-connected)
◦ 208Y/120-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire (wye-connected)
◦ 480Y/277-volt, 3-phase, 4-wire (wye-connected)

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Neutral Point and Neutral Conductor

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Neutral Point and Neutral Conductor

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NEC Art 100: Separately Derived

System

Def. Separately Derived System: “An electrical

source, other than a service, having no direct
connection(s) to circuit conductors of any other
electrical source other than those established by
grounding and bonding connections.”

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Separately Derived System

• Is a premises wiring system

• Is NOT directly supplied by the electric utility
• Transformers are “equipment other than a
service.” may provide separately derived
system
• Path through the earth, metal enclosures,
metallic raceways and equipment grounding
conductors do not constitute a “direct
electrical connection.”
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Separately Derived System

A premises wiring
system whose power
is derived from a
source of electric
energy or equipment
other than the
service. Such
systems have …

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Separately Derived System

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Fuel Cells and Solar Photovoltaic

Systems

 Produce direct current

 Inverter and other conversion equipment
create alternating current
 If grounded system conductor connects
directly to inverter neutral conductor, it is
not a separately derived system

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The current path

• The information in 250.4 (A) (5) provides important
concepts regarding an effective ground-fault return path

• Low-impedance path facilitates the operation of

overcurrent devices

• Removing the fault quickly reduces the thermal and

magnetic stresses on equipment and conductors

• Most overcurrent devices are “inverse time” (the

greater the current, the faster the operation of the
overcurrent device) so high current are interrupted in
less time

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Art 100 Ground-Fault Current Path

 Def. Ground-Fault Current Path. An electrically

conductive path from the point of a ground fault on a
wiring system through normally non–current-
carrying conductors, equipment, or the earth, - to the
electrical supply source.

 “Facilitates the operation of the overcurrent

device or ground fault detectors on a high-
impedance grounded systems.”

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Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

 Intentionally constructed
 Deliberate steps taken to create the path
 Properly connect all components
 Carries fault-current to facilitate operation
of overcurrent device or ground-fault
detector

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Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

 Low-impedance
 “Impedance” is total
opposition to current
flow in ac circuits
 All circuit conductors
must be installed in
close proximity to
reduce impedance
 See 300.3(B) –
(conductors of the Adds to impedance
same circuit)

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Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

 All circuit
conductors must be
installed in close Amps of
all
Amps of
one
proximity so
magnetic lines of
force can cancel
 This helps ensure a
low-impedance
fault-current path
All currents measured
together- should be zero

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Rating and Operation of Overcurrent

Devices
• Tested to carry full load current indefinitely
• NEC requires circuit to be no more than 80
percent of rated current unless overcurrent
device is rated for 100 percent operation
• Time-current curves should be consulted to
determine the amount of current required to
reach the instantaneous trip mode
• Impedance of fault current path must be low
enough to facilitate operation of OCP
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Time current curves

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Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

• Continuous and reliable
• Components and connections are intended to
last for the life of the installation
• Unless monitored, equipment grounding path
can be incomplete without indication (loose
fittings)
• Does not carry current in normal
operation
• Often, a break in the Path is discovered by
electric shock after faulted equipment
becomes energized

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Path Through the Earth

 The path through the earth can be in parallel with
ground-fault current return path where more than
one connection to earth exists.
 The earth is not considered an “effective
ground-fault current path”.
 Connections are made to earth for other
purposes, but never to carry fault current.
 Path only through the earth will result in electrical
equipment presenting a dangerous electric shock
hazard.

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Parallel Conductors 310.10 (H)

 Parallel conductor installations to be made under
rules in 310.10(H)
 Two or more conductors are connected
together at each end to create a conductive path
with increased capacity.
 Concept is to have all conductors share current
equally
 Equipment grounding conductors are installed in
parallel under rules of 250.122(F) New parts
1-2

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250.122 (F) Conductors in parallel

 (F)(1)(a) If conductors are installed in
parallel in the same raceway or cable tray, a
single wire type conductor shall be
permitted as the equipment ground. - based
on 250.122 and overcurrent protection
 (b) If wire type conductors are installed in
multiple raceways, wire type grounding
conductors where used shall be installed in
parallel in each raceway based on 250.122
and the overcurrent protection

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250.122 (F) Conductors in parallel

 (F)(2)(a) If multi-conductor cables are
installed in parallel the grounding
conductors in each cable shall be
connected in parallel
 (b) If multi-conductor cables are installed
in parallel in the same raceway, a single
wire-type grounding conductor with the
cable grounding wires shall be permitted
to be connected together…

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Parallel Conductor Grounding 250.122 (F) (1)

Parallel Cable grounding 250.122(F)(2)

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Underground Parallel Sets

 In nonmetallic raceways
run underground,
permitted to have
isolated phase
installations
 Conductors line up
with bussing in larger
installations
 Caution about wire
bending space rules

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Underground Parallel Sets

• Avoid heating
surrounding metal
by induction
• Cut a slot between
conduit entries in
magnetic enclosures
• Non-ferrous plate
can be installed for
entries

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Art 100 Ground

Fault
Def. Ground Fault: An
unintentional, electrically
conductive connection
between an
ungrounded conductor
of an electrical circuit
and the normally non-
current-carrying
conductors, metallic
enclosures, metallic
raceways, metallic
equipment or earth.

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Ground Fault on Grounded Conductor

 A grounded conductor (may be a neutral) is
grounded at the source and at the service
 Some separately derived systems are required to
be grounded
 The grounded system conductor is generally
required to be isolated (insulated) downstream
from the service and source of a separately
derived system.
 Improper grounding of grounded conductor can
cause malfunction or improper system operation

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Ground Fault on Conductors

Ground-fault circuit-interrupters:
• GFCI monitors current flowing to and from the load
• Listed Class A device not permitted to trip at less than
4 mA, must trip at 6 mA or greater imbalance of
current
• A grounded conductor that is grounded beyond the
GFCI device will result in a parallel path for neutral
current
• This will usually result in “nuisance trips”

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Factors That Determine Severity of

Electric Shock

 The amount of current that flows

 The path the current takes through the
body
 The length of time the current flows

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Human Body Circuit

Note that the resistance

of skin can vary
significantly from one
person to another and
from one time to another.

Skin that is wet or moist

may have much lower
resistance. Skin that is dry
may have much higher
resistance.

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Current through 1100 Ohm Human

Circuit
Current (Amperes or mA)
1100 Ohms 300 Ohms
CIRCUIT VOLTAGE (Dry Skin) (Wet Skin)
480 0.436 1.60
277 0.252 0.92
240 0.218 0.80
120 0.109 0.40

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Dangerous Electric Currents

Current mA, 60 Hz
EFFECT(S) MEN WOMEN
Slight sensation on hand 0.4 0.3
Perception of “let-go” threshold, median 1.1 0.7

Shock, not painful, and no loss of 1.8 1.2

muscular control
Painful shock – muscular control lost by 9 6
half of participants
Painful shock – “let-go” threshold, median 16 10.5

Painful and severe shock – breathing 23 15

difficult, muscular control lost

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Reducing Shock Hazards

 Proper grounding and bonding can reduce

likelihood of electric shock
 Electric shock when current passes
through the chest can result in ventricular
fibrillation
 Death can occur if condition is not
corrected

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Ground Fault on Conductors

Ground-fault protection of equipment
(GFPE) required for a grounded systems
where:
• The voltage to ground is more than 150 volts
• The phase-to-phase voltage is 600 volts or less
• For overcurrent devices rated 1000 amperes
or more
• 230.95 for services; 215.10 for feeders; 210.13
Branch Circuits: 240.13 for building
disconnecting means

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Arc Fault on Conductors

Arc-fault circuit interrupters (AFCI)

• Intended to provide protection from the

effects of arcing faults by recognizing
characteristics unique to arcing by de-
energizing the circuit when an undesirable arc
is detected
• Neutral fault to grounded enclosure, raceway
or equipment on load side of AFCI device can
result in unintended operation

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Short Circuit

Two normal
An abnormal current carrying
connection of
relatively low
impedance, whether
made accidentally or
intentionally,
between two points
of different potential
on any circuit.

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Ground-Fault Current Path

“An electrically conductive path from the

point of a ground fault on a wiring system
through normally non-current-carrying
conductors, equipment, or the earth to the
electrical supply source.”

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Ground-Fault Current Path

“Informational Note:

Examples of ground-fault current paths could

consist of any combination of equipment grounding
conductors, metallic raceways, metallic cable
sheaths, electrical equipment, and any other
electrically conductive material such as metal water
and gas piping, steel framing members, stucco mesh,
metal ducting, reinforcing steel, shields of
communications cables, and the earth itself.”

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250.3 Application of Other Articles

 Table 250.3 covers additional grounding

requirements that are found in other
articles
 The rules in NEC Chapters 5, 6 and 7 can
amend or supplement the rules in
Chapters 1 through 4
 Examples include: Articles 547 (agricultural
buildings), 600 (signs) and 517 (health care
facilities)

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250.4 General Requirements for

Grounding and Bonding
 Includes “performance requirements” -
results
 “Prescriptive requirements” – how to do
requirements-- are provided in the
remainder of Article 250
 250.4(A)(1) gives example of performance
rule.
 No specific measurable requirements are
provided

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250.4(A) Grounded Systems

 250.4(A) provides “performance” rules for

grounded systems

 250.4(B) provides “performance” rules for

ungrounded systems

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250.4(A)(1) Electrical System

Grounding

Electrical systems that are grounded are

required to be connected to earth in a way
that will limit the voltage imposed by
◦ lightning,
◦ line surges, or
◦ unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines
and will
◦ stabilize the voltage of the system to earth
during normal operation.

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250.4(A)(2) Grounding of Electrical

Equipment
“Normally non–current-
carrying conductive
materials enclosing electrical
conductors or equipment,
or forming part of such
equipment, are required to
be connected to earth to
limit the voltage to ground
on these materials.”

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250.4(A)(2) Grounding of Electrical

Equipment

A shock or
electrocution hazard can
occur if there is a break
in the ground-fault
return path

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250.4(A)(3) Bonding of Electrical

Equipment

Normally non-current-carrying conductive

materials enclosing electrical conductors or
equipment, or forming part of such
equipment, are required to be connected
together and to the electrical supply source
in a manner that establishes an effective
ground-fault current path

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250.4(A)(3) Bonding of Electrical Equipment

 In its simplest form,

bonding completes a
path through which
current can flow
 Bonding also keeps
connected parts at the
same potential
 Eliminates shock hazard

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Bonding Jumpers
 Main bonding jumpers
 System bonding jumpers
 Supply-side bonding jumpers on supply side of
the service or a separately derived system
 Equipment bonding jumpers on the load side of
the service
 Bonding jumpers to metal piping systems and to
structural metal frames of buildings

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Bonding Jumpers Required

• Loose locknut connections
• For conduit or cable connections to painted
enclosures
• Service equipment enclosures
• Around concentric and eccentric knockouts
• Around knockout reducing washers (if
suspect connection)
• Hazardous (classified) locations
• Over 250 volts-to-ground
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250.4(A)(4) Bonding of Electrically

Conductive Materials
Normally non-current-
carrying electrically
conductive materials that
are likely to become
energized are required to
be connected together
and to the electrical supply
source to form effective
ground-fault current path

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250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault

Current Path
Electrical equipment and other electrically
conductive material likely to become
energized to be connected (bonded) in a
manner that is:
1. Reliable
2. Provides a circuit of low impedance
3. Facilitates the operation of the
overcurrent device or ground detection
The conductor must safely carry the
maximum fault current likely to be imposed

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250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault

Current Path
 Metal conduit
becomes current-
carrying conductor
when returning fault
current to source
 Single loose locknut
or loose or broken
fitting can result in
break in fault path

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250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault

Current Path

 Ohmic value of low-

impedance path not
specified in NEC
 Keep all circuit
conductors, including
ungrounded, grounded
and equipment
grounding conductors
together

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Operating Characteristics of
Overcurrent Devices

 Most overcurrent devices such as circuit

breakers and fuses are “inverse-time”
 Manufacturers furnish time-current curves
for the overcurrent devices they
manufacture

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Operating Characteristics of Circuit

Breakers

 Vertical line in time-current curve

represents trip time in seconds
 Curved portion represents time-delay
mode of circuit breaker
 Width of curve represents the permitted
range of time-delay and instantaneous trip
operation

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Operating Characteristics of Fuses

 Time in seconds are on

the left
 RMS Symmetrical current
across the bottom
 60A fuse will clear in
about 0.1 seconds for
400-ampere fault

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Keep All Circuit Conductors Together

 Required in 250.134 and 300.3(B)(1)

through (4)
 Low impedance of fault return path will
ensure adequate current will flow to
provide for rapid operation of overcurrent
device
 See “White Paper” report of R.K.
Kaufmann.

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250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault

Current Path
 The conductor must be capable of safely
carrying the maximum fault current likely
to be imposed on it
 Table 250.102C1 & Notes used on line side
of service
 Table 250.122 used on load side of service
Overcurrent
 Fault-return path through the earth not
permitted as “sole” path

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250.4(A)(5) Effective Ground-Fault

Current Path
 Fault current will flow over all paths
available (including through the earth)
 The lowest impedance path will carry the
most current
 The highest impedance path will carry the
lowest current

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250.4(B) Ungrounded Systems

Even though the “system” is not grounded,

the enclosures must be grounded and
bonded

119

250.4(B)(1) Grounding Electrical

Equipment
 Non-current-carrying conductive materials
enclosing electrical conductors or equipment
or forming part of such equipment are
required to be connected to earth in a
manner that:

 Limits the voltage imposed by lightning or

unintentional contact with higher-voltage lines
and limits the voltage-to-ground on these
materials.

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250.4(B)(2) Bonding of Electrical

Equipment

Non-current-carrying conductive materials

enclosing electrical conductors or equipment,
or forming part of such equipment, are
required to be connected together and to the
supply system grounded equipment in a
manner that creates a low-impedance path
for ground-fault current that is capable of
carrying the maximum fault current likely to
be imposed on it.
121

250.4(B)(2) Bonding of Electrical

Equipment

First ground fault on

ungrounded system
– creates a grounded
system

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250.4(B)(2) Bonding of Electrical Equipment

 Second ground fault at

different location on
ungrounded system
 Current will flow from
the source to the first
fault, over metal paths
to the second fault and
return to the source -
in a short circuit

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250.4(B)(3) Bonding of Electrically

Conductive Materials

Electrically conductive materials that are

likely to become energized are required to
be bonded to create a permanent, low-
impedance path for fault current that will
carry the maximum fault current likely to be
imposed

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250.4(B)(4) Path for Fault Current

 Low-impedance path required from any

point on the wiring system to facilitate the
operation of overcurrent device(s) should a
second fault occur
 Earth not permitted as sole (only)
equipment grounding conductor
 Earth not considered an effective fault-
current path

125

250.6 Objectionable Current

• “Over grounding conductors” removed
from title of section. It broadens the
application.
• Term “objectionable current” not defined -
so subject to varying interpretations
• Equipment grounding conductors are not
designed to carry current on a regular
basis
• These conductors are often sized on their
short-time current rating
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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 is
required to be installed and arranged in a
manner that will prevent “objectionable
current”.

127

250.6(A) Objectionable Current

 Improper grounding of
neutral past the
service causes normal
neutral current to load
flow on metallic paths
 This is generally
considered
“objectionable
current”

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250.6(B) Alterations to Stop

Objectionable Current
If the use of multiple grounding connections results in
objectionable current, take one or more of the following
actions so long as the requirements of 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4)
are met:
1. Discontinue one or more but not all of the grounding
connections
2. Change the locations of the grounding connections
3. Interrupt the continuity of the conductor or conductive
path interconnecting the grounding connections
4. Other remedial action that are approved

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Current Over Grounding Conductors

 Neutral current can flow over equipment

grounding conductors that are connected
correctly where multiple grounding electrode
connections are made
 Neutral current will flow over all paths that are
available.
 This includes between grounding electrodes, to
the service and to utility grounding electrodes.

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250.6(C) Temporary Currents

Temporary currents
resulting from accidental
conditions such as ground-
fault currents that occur
only while the grounding
conductors are
performing their intended
protective functions are
not classified as
objectionable current

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250.6(D) Limitations to Permissible

Alterations
 Alterations not
permitted to isolate
electronic equipment
from equipment
grounding conductor
path
 Currents that
introduce data errors
not classified as
“objectionable”

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250.6(D) Limitations to Permissible

Alterations
 Not permitted to isolate data processing
equipment and connect a “local” grounding
electrode
 To do so violates 250.50, 250.110 and
250.134 and can create shock hazard
 A remote grounding electrode will usually
not carry enough current to operate a 15-
ampere circuit breaker

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250.8 Connection of Grounding and

Bonding Equipment
Equipment grounding conductors, grounding electrode
conductors, and bonding jumpers must be connected
by any of the following methods:

1. Listed pressure
connectors

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250.8 Connection of Grounding and

Bonding Equipment
2. Terminal bars

3. Pressure connectors
listed as grounding and
bonding equipment

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4. Exothermic Welding Process

 Use proper form for
conductors and
objects
 Follow manufacturer’s
instructions
 Welding temperature
reaches about 4000°F
 Follow safety
procedures
 Examine and test
finished weld

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250.8 Connection of Grounding and

Bonding Equipment
5. Machine screw-type
fasteners that engage
not less than two
threads in the enclosure
or are secured with a
nut

6.Thread-forming machine
screws that engage not
less than two threads in
the enclosure

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250.8 Connection of Grounding and

Bonding Equipment
7. Connections that are a
part of a listed assembly

8. Other listed means.

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Compression Connectors
• Suitability for wire material marked on
shipping carton or connector itself
• Some connectors are pre-filled with
inhibitor for dissimilar metals
• Connectors are designed and marked for
range of conductor sizes
• Select proper compression tool
• Some manufacturers use color-coding dies
and connectors

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Compression Wire Connectors and

Compression Tool

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250.8(B) Methods Not Permitted

Connection devices that depend solely (only)

on solder are not permitted
◦ Soldered connections can fail due to heating as
they carry fault current
◦ Also see 250.148(E) for restrictions on the use
of solder for connecting equipment grounding
conductor

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250.12 Clean Surfaces

 Nonconductive coatings (i.e. paint, lacquer,
and enamel) to be removed from threads
and other contact surfaces to provide good
electrical continuity
 Connection by means of fittings designed
to make such removal unnecessary
 Paint is an insulator
 Meyers hub ®
No Welding
- Unique serrations on both nut and hub bite
into metal assuring a positive electrical ground.
(UL approved for use with service
entrance conduit).

145

Conduit Locknuts

Two general forms:

 Cut (punched) from Cast Punched
flat stock, crowned,
threaded, tabs (or
ears) bent and left
sharp
 Cast from iron,
aluminum, zinc or
other materials (may
have relatively flat
contact surfaces)

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 The End Part 1

 Questions ?????

 Remaining are additional slides for reference

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Ohm’s Law and Basic Electrical

Theory
 Electrical pressure (voltage), current (amperes)
and resistance (ohms) of electrical systems can be
compared in many ways to water piping systems.
 Higher voltage (pressure) will force more current
(volume or gpi) through the same resistance
(pipe size) than a lower voltage.

149

Theory Terms and Definitions

 Volt – A unit of electrical pressure. 1 volt
will force 1 ampere through 1 ohm
 Ampere – The unit of electrical current. 1
ampere will flow through a resistance of 1
ohm when 1 volt (pressure) is applied
 Ohm – The unit of electrical resistance in
the circuit. 1 ohm will permit 1 ampere to
flow when a pressure of 1 volt is applied

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Ohm’s Law Formula

 Electrical pressure (volts or E) equals the product of the
current (amperes or I) and resistance (ohms or R)

 The 3 common forms of the formula are

◦E=I×R
◦I=E÷R
◦R=E÷I

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Watt
 The unit of measurement of the energy in
an electrical circuit at any given moment.
 It is also the amount of work being
performed in the electrical circuit as a
result of conversion of electrical energy to
some other form of energy such as heat or
mechanical.
 The Watt was named in honor of James
Watt, an English scientist.

153

Watt (continued)
 The term “watt” or kilowatt” has been used
more commonly to express the amount of
work done in the electrical circuit rather than
the term “joule.”
 “Watts” is simply the product of multiplying
volts and amperes for DC systems
 AC systems use the power factor of the
system to determine watts compared to Volt-
Amps
 Common usage is “volt-amperes” for apparent
power and “Watts” for true power
 One thousand volt-amperes is referred to as
one kilovolt-ampere or one kVA.
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5

Impedance
 “Impedance” is used to describe the total
opposition to current flow in AC systems
 Includes resistance, inductive reactance and
capacitive reactance
 Represented by “Z” in formulas
 Providing a “low impedance path” is
referred to in Article 250

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Circuits and Paths

 A complete path (circuit) must exist for
current to flow
 A break in the path causes current to cease
 Break in grounding or bonding connection
or path can leave equipment at a dangerous
voltage above ground

157

The Basic Circuit

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Electrical Shock Hazards

• Expanded use of electricity can result in
increased shocks and electrocutions
• 30,000 non-fatal shock accidents per year
• 600-1000 electrocutions per year
• Fourth leading cause of industrial fatalities
• The current drawn by a 7½ watt, 120-volt
lamp can be fatal if the current path is
across the chest of a human

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Series Circuit
 A circuit where
only one path for
current exists
 The lamp
performs work as
current passes
through the
circuit

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Parallel Circuit
 A circuit where
there is more than
one path for
current to flow
 Ground-fault
current will flow
on each path that
exists
 Neutral current
will flow on
multiple paths if
grounded
improperly

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