View Full Version : I grounded the outdoor power service box, do I need to ground my main panel as well?
pubema
Dec 19, 2009, 10:13 AM
If I do, then what gauge of wire should I use for grounding my main panel?
Is there any difference if I connect the ground to sewage pine or water pine?
Thanks.
stanfortyman
Dec 19, 2009, 11:13 AM
Details. We need details.
First, where are you? US? (State?) CA? UK?
What specifically is an "outdoor power service box"? And why did you "ground" it? And to what?
In the US:
Sewage pipes are NOT suitable for use as an electrode, nor are they required to be bonded.
A metallic water pipe that is in contact with the earth for 10' or more must be used as an electrode and must be supplemented by another electrode.
There are quite a few important codes involved with doing a service. Did you get to know them before you started?
pubema
Dec 19, 2009, 12:40 PM
I live in Illinois. The power meter box outside of my property is grounded with 1/2in thick and 5ft long copper rod into the ground.
The question is: Should I still ground my main panel?
Thanks.
stanfortyman
Dec 19, 2009, 02:49 PM
I'm not sure about Ill, but most places in the country now prohibit a grounding electrode connection inside the meter pan.
Also, a 1/2" x 5' rod is NOT code complaint and WILL get red tagged. You need and 8' x 5/8" ground rod.
YES, you need to run the grounding electrode conductors and any bonding conductors to the main panel/disconnect.
Where did you get your information from before starting this project?