Code Q&A: Metal Enclosures and Ground-Fault Current Paths

June 22, 2021

Test your NEC knowledge.

Based on the 2020 NEC.

Q. What Code rule allows the use of metal enclosures for connecting bonding jumpers and equipment grounding conductors as part of the effective ground-fault current path?

See answer below.

A. Metal enclosures can be used to connect bonding jumpers or equipment grounding conductors (EGCs), or both, together to become a part of an effective ground-fault current path. Metal covers and metal fittings attached to these metal enclosures are considered as being connected to bonding jumpers or EGCs, or both [Sec. 250.109]. (Figure below).

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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.