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    pubema's Avatar
    pubema Posts: 9, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 19, 2009, 10:13 AM
    I grounded the outdoor power service box, do I need to ground my main panel as well?
    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's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    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's Avatar
    pubema Posts: 9, Reputation: 2
    New Member
    		  
    #3

    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's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #4

    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?
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