Code Q&A

March 19, 2009

Can the ground wire from a ground rod terminate in the meter socket enclosure, or must it terminate in the service disconnect?

Mike Holt

Q. Can the ground wire from a ground rod terminate in the meter socket enclosure, or must it terminate in the service disconnect?

A. Either location is fine with the NEC. The rule states that the grounding electrode conductor must connect the service neutral conductor to the grounding electrode at any accessible location, from the load end of the service drop or service lateral up to and including the service disconnecting means [250.24(A)(1)].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.