Code Q&A

Nov 18, 2005 4:05 PM, By Mike Holt

Q. Electricians in our area ground the metal conduit that runs up a utility pole to a local ground rod. Is this a Code compliant installation?

A. The NEC requires all metal raceways that contain service conductors to be grounded [250.80]. However, grounding a metal raceway to a ground rod serves no purpose in removing or reducing dangerous voltage on metal parts from a ground fault.

What is required is that all metal raceways and enclosures containing service conductors be bonded to an effective ground-fault current path in accordance with 250.4(A)(5). This can be accomplished by the installation of an equipment bonding jumper, of any length, from the top of the metal pipe to the utility secondary neutral terminal in accordance with 250.102(E).