17NCDVD2 1568 Sample

ARTICLE
250 GROUNDING AND BONDING

Introduction to Article 250Grounding and Bonding
No other article can match Article 250 for misapplication, violation, and misinterpretation. Terminology used in this article has
been a source for much confusion, but thats improved during the last few NEC revisions. Its very important to understand the
difference between grounding and bonding in order to correctly apply the provisions of Article 250. Pay careful attention to the
definitions that apply to grounding and bonding both here and in Article 100 as you begin the study of this important article.
Article 250 covers the grounding requirements for providing a path to the earth to reduce overvoltage from lightning, and the
bonding requirements for a lowimpedance fault current path back to the source of the electrical supply to facilitate the oper-
ation of overcurrent protection devices in the event of a ground fault.
Over the past several Code cycles, this article was extensively revised to organize it better and make it easier to understand and
implement. Its arranged in a logical manner, so its a good idea to just read through Article 250 to get a big picture viewafter
you review the definitions. Next, study the article closely so you understand the details. The illustrations will help you under-
stand the key points.
Part I. General Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, Service

250.2 Definition
250.1 Scope
Article 250 contains the following grounding and bonding requirements:
(1) What systems and equipment are required to be grounded.
(3) Location of grounding connections.
(4) Types of electrodes and sizes of grounding and bonding conductors. Supply-Side
Bonding Jumper
(5) Methods of grounding and bonding.
SCH 80
The conductor on the supply side of the service

overcurrent protection device that ensures electrical
250.2 Definition conductivity between metal parts required to be connected.
Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side. The conductor on the supply side of the

}Figure 2501
service or separately derived system overcurrent protection device that
ensures electrical conductivity between metal parts and the grounded
conductor. }Figure 2501, }Figure 2502, and }Figure 2503
Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 55

250.4|Grounding and Bonding
Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, Transformer Electrical System Grounding

250.2 Definition 250.4(A)(1)
Legend
EGC: Equipment Grounding Conductor
GEC: Grounding Electrode Conductor
SBJ: System Bonding Jumper
SSBJ: Supply-Side Bonding Jumper
N: Neutral
Ground
Fault
Transformer
Disconnect Transformer Disconnect Panel
N N
EGC
SBJ
EGC
SSBJ
Electrical power systems are
GEC grounded (connected to the earth) to
limit the voltage induced by lightning,
line surges, or unintentional contact
The conductor on the supply side of the separately by higher-voltage lines.
derived system overcurrent protection device that
ensures electrical conductivity between metal parts
required to be electrically connected.
Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
}Figure 2502 }Figure 2504
Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, SDS, Generator

250.2 Definition Authors Comment:
Service Transfer Switch Gen. Disconnect Generator (SDS)
System grounding helps reduce fires in buildings as well as
voltage stress on electrical insulation, thereby ensuring longer
N
MBJ
N N insulation life for motors, transformers, and other system
components. }Figure 2505
SBJ SBJ
EGC
EGC EGC SSBJ
EGC
GEC GEC GEC
EGC
EGC
Panelboard
N
Effective Ground-Fault Current Path
Electrical System Grounding
Legend
250.4(A)(1) Comment
MBJ: Main Bonding Jumper SBJ: System Bonding Jumper
SBJ: System Bonding Jumper SSBJ: Supply-Side Bonding Jumper
SSBJ: Supply-Side Bonding Jumper N: Neutral
Solidly Grounded System
The conductor on the supply side of the SDS Transformer
Transformer
Disconnect
overcurrent protection device that ensures
electrical conductivity between metal parts
required to be electrically connected.
N N
EGC
SBJ
}Figure 2503 SSBJ EGC
Panel
Disconnect
GEC
2017
CC 250.4 Performance Requirements System grounding helps reduce fires in buildings
for Grounding and Bonding as well as voltage stress on electrical insulation,
thereby ensuring longer insulation life for motors,
transformers, and other system components.
(A) Solidly Grounded Systems. Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
Scan this QR code for a video of Mike explaining this topic; its }Figure 2505
a sample from the DVDs that accompany this textbook.
Note 1: To limit imposed voltage, the grounding electrode conductors shouldnt be
(1) Electrical System Grounding. Electrical power systems are grounded any longer than necessary and unnecessary bends and loops should be avoided.
(connected to the earth) to limit the voltage induced by lightning, line }Figure 2506
surges, or unintentional contact by highervoltage lines. }Figure 2504
56 Mike Holts Illustrated Guide to Understanding 2017 NEC Requirements for Bonding and Grounding
Grounding and Bonding| 250.4
Electrical System Grounding Equipment Grounding

Legend
250.4(A)(1) Note 1 250.4(A)(2) Comment
N: Neutral
Transformer
Disconnect Transformer
N N
EGC
SBJ
SSBJ EGC
Disconnect Panel
GEC
To limit imposed voltage, the grounding electrode Failure to ground metal parts can result in high voltage from
conductors shouldnt be any longer than necessary an indirect lightning strike seeking a path to the earth within
and unnecessary bends and loops should be avoided. the building, possibly resulting in a fire and/or electric shock.
Note 2: See NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems Authors Comment:
for grounding and bonding of lightning protection systems.
Grounding metal parts helps drain off static electricity charges
(2) Equipment Grounding. Metal parts of electrical equipment are before flashover potential is reached. Static grounding is often
grounded to reduce arcing within the buildings/structures from induced used in areas where the discharge (arcing) of the voltage
voltage from indirect lightning strikes. }Figure 2507 buildup (static) can cause dangerous or undesirable condi-
tions [500.4 Note 3].
Equipment Grounded to Earth (3) Equipment Bonding. Metal parts of electrical raceways, cables,
250.4(A)(2)
enclosures, and equipment must be connected to the supply source
via an effective groundfault current path. }Figure 2509
Metal parts of electrical equipment
must be grounded to reduce arcing
within the buildings/structures from
induced voltage from indirect lightning. Bonding of Electrical Equipment
250.4(A)(3) Legend
MBJ: Main Bonding Jumper
Meter Main Panel N: Neutral Conductor
Source
Service Outlet
X1
X0 N
Separate
Building X2 EGC
N
MBJ Load
GEC
Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com Effective Ground-Fault Ground

Current Path Fault
}Figure 2507
Metal parts of electrical raceways, cables, enclosures,
and equipment must be connected to the supply source
DANGER: Failure to ground metal parts to earth can via an effective ground-fault current path.
result in induced voltage on metal parts from an indi- Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
rect lightning strike seeking a path to the earth within the }Figure 2509
buildingpossibly resulting in a fire and/or electric shock from
a side flash. }Figure 2508

Time-Current Curve
Authors Comment: 20A Inverse Time Breaker
155 Sec
To quickly remove dangerous voltage on metal parts from 150 Sec
a ground fault, the effective groundfault current path must 145 Sec
have sufficiently low impedance to the source so fault 45 Sec

40A Fault
current will quickly rise to a level that will open the branch Clears in
40 Sec
Maximum
25 to 150 Unlatching Time
circuit overcurrent protection device. }Figure 25010 Seconds 35 Sec
30 Sec
25 Sec Minimum
Opening an Overcurrent Device 100A Fault
20 Sec Unlatching Time
Clears in 15 Sec
200 ft 3 AWG 5 to 20 10 Sec
Legend Seconds
0.05 ohms 5 Sec
40A 100A
120V
The higher the current, the faster the fault clears.
}Figure 25011
SBJ EGC
SSBJ
100A 583 200 ft 8 AWG
Amps
Device 0.156 ohms Bonding Electrically Conductive Materials
250.4(A)(4)
E 120V
Fault Current = = = 583A
Z 0.206 ohms
The 100A overcurrent device quickly opens and Sprinkler Piping Gas Piping
removes dangerous voltage from metal parts.
Exposed INTERRUPTING RATING

MAX. R.M.S. AMPS
10,000 SYM.
VOLTS
120/240
V.A.C.
ON
Water Piping
}Figure 25010
OFF M
Structural WARNING
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required
Available Fault Current:
9,500 Amps
Installation Date:
01/01/2011
Steel
Compressed Air
The time it takes for an overcurrent protection device to open 4 3 2 1
7 6 5
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
X1 X2 X3 XO
is dependent on the magnitude of the fault current. A higher

H1 H2 H3
fault current value will result in a shorter clearing time for the
Normally noncurrent-carrying electrically conductive
overcurrent protection device. For example, a 20A overcurrent materials likely to become energized must be bonded
protection device with an overload of 40A (two times the 20A to an effective ground-fault current path.
rating) takes 25 to 150 seconds to open. The same device

}Figure 25012
at 100A (five times the 20A rating) trips in 5 to 20 seconds.
}Figure 25011
(5) Effective GroundFault Current Path. Metal parts of electrical race-
(4) Bonding Conductive Materials. Electrically conductive materials
ways, cables, enclosures, or equipment must be bonded together and
likely to become energized, such as metal water piping systems, metal
to the supply source in a manner that creates a lowimpedance path
sprinkler piping, metal gas piping, and other metalpiping systems, as
for groundfault current that facilitates the operation of the circuit over-
well as exposed structural steel members, must be connected to the
current protection device. }Figure 25013
supply source via an effective groundfault current path. }Figure 25012
Authors Comment:
Authors Comment:
To ensure a lowimpedance groundfault current path, all
The phrase likely to become energized is subject to inter-
circuit conductors must be grouped together in the same
pretation by the authority having jurisdiction.
raceway, cable, or trench [300.3(B), 300.5(I), and 300.20(A)].
}Figure 25014
Effective Ground-Fault Current Path Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

250.4(A)(5) Legend 250.4(A)(5)
Source
Outlet
X1
N
Because the earth isnt suitable to
X0
serve as the required effective ground-
X2 EGC
fault current path, an equipment
grounding conductor is required to be
N
MBJ Load installed with all circuits.
GEC
Effective Ground-Fault Ground

Current Path Fault
Metal parts of electrical equipment must be bonded PVC PVC PVC
to the supply source in a manner that creates a A ground rod serves no Code
low-impedance path for ground-fault current to open
the circuit overcurrent device. purpose, but is permitted by 250.54.
Circuit Conductors Grouped Together

300.3(B) Comment Example: Whats the maximum fault current that can flow through
the earth to the power supply from a 120V ground fault to metal
parts of a light pole without an equipment grounding conductor
thats grounded (connected to the earth) via a rod having a contact
resistance to the earth of 25 ohms? }Figure 25016
Earth Not an
VIOLATION Effective Ground-Fault Current Path
All conductors of a circuit must be installed in the Utility Transformer
250.4(A)(5) Example
same raceway, cable, trench, cord, or cable tray. (Source)
120V
X1
20A
Installing all conductors of a circuit in the same raceway, X0
cable, trench, cord, or cable tray will minimize induction X2

heating of metallic raceways and enclosures and help If the contact resistance of an
maintain the low-impedance fault current path.
electrode to earth is 25 ohms, 4.8
the ground fault doesnt clear.
}Figure 25014
DANGER
Because the earth isnt a low impedance path for fault current, it isnt Earth grounding doesnt clear a ground fault.
suitable to serve as the required effective groundfault current path, I = E/R = 120V/25 ohms = 4.80A
therefore an equipment grounding conductor of a type recognized in Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
250.118 is required to be installed with all circuits. }Figure 25015 }Figure 25016
Solution:
I = E/R
I = 120V/25 ohms
I = 4.80A
Answer: 4.80A

DANGER: Because the contact resistance of an elec-

trode to the earth is so high, very little fault current Since voltage is directly proportional to resistance, the voltage
returns to the power supply if the earth is the only fault current gradient of the earth around an energized rod, assuming a 120V
return path. }Figure 25017 ground fault, will be as follows: }Figure 25018and }Figure 25019
Resultthe circuit overcurrent protection device wont
open and all metal parts associated with the electrical instal- Contact Resistance to Earth
lation, metal piping, and structural building steel will become 10-Ft Ground Rod
and remain energized.
3 Ft 1 Ft 1 Ft 3 Ft
5 Ft 5 Ft
Earth Not an Effective

Fault Current Path DANGER Distance % of R Touch Voltage
Earth grounding doesnt 1 ft 68% 120V x 0.68 = 82V
250.4(A)(5) Comment remove dangerous touch voltage. 3 ft 75% 120V x 0.75 = 90V
5 ft 86% 120V x 0.86 = 103V
Hey fella, how about running
an equipment grounding
conductor to that pole!
Ground
90
Volts Fault
}Figure 25018
Amps
4.8
Amps
0.09 The earth wont carry

PVC PVC
sufficient fault current to Dangerous Touch Voltage
open an overcurrent device.
Fault current returning Ground Rod DANGER 120V Ground Fault
to its power source. Grounding doesnt reduce
dangerous touch potential.
}Figure 25017
90 0
Volts Volts
2-wire circuit without

Earth Shells an equipment
grounding conductor.
90
Volts
According to ANSI/IEEE 142, Recommended Practice for

Grounding of Industrial and Commercial Power Systems (Green Shell 3: 5 ft Shell 2: 3 ft Shell 1: 1 ft
103V 90V 82V
Book) [4.1.1], the resistance of the soil outward from a rod is Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
equal to the sum of the series resistances of the earth shells. }Figure 25019
The shell nearest the rod has the highest resistance and each
successive shell has progressively larger areas and progressively
lower resistances. Dont be concerned if you dont understand Soil Contact
Distance from Rod Resistance Voltage Gradient
this statement; just review the table below.
1 ft (Shell 1) 68% 82V
Distance from Rod Soil Contact Resistance 3 ft (Shells 1 and 2) 75% 90V
1 ft (Shell 1) 68% of total contact resistance 5 ft (Shells 1, 2, and 3) 86% 103V
3 ft (Shells 1 and 2) 75% of total contact resistance
5 ft (Shells 1, 2, and 3) 86% of total contact resistance
(B) Ungrounded Systems. Ungrounded System, Equipment Grounding

250.4(B)(1)
Scan this QR code for a video of Mike explaining this topic; its
a sample from the DVDs that accompany this textbook. Effective Ground-Fault Current Path
SSBJ: Supply-Side Bonding Jumper Ungrounded System
Authors Comment: Transformer

Ungrounded systems are those systems with no connection

to the ground or to a conductive body that extends the ground EGC
connection [Article 100]. }Figure 25020 SSBJ EGC
GEC Disconnect Panel
Ungrounded System
Article 100 Definition Metal parts of ungrounded systems
are grounded to prevent fires from an
arc within the building or structure.
Legend
Ungrounded System EGC: Equipment Grounding Conductor

Transformer
}Figure 25021
(2) Equipment Bonding. Metal parts of electrical raceways, cables,

EGC
enclosures, or equipment must be bonded together in a manner that
SSBJ EGC
creates a lowimpedance path for groundfault current to facilitate the
GEC Disconnect Panel
operation of the circuit overcurrent protection device. }Figure 25022
A system not connected to earth (ground). Ungrounded System, Equipment Bonding

250.4(B)(2)
Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

}Figure 25020 EGC: Equipment Grounding Conductor
Transformer SSBJ: Supply-Side Bonding Jumper
(1) Equipment Grounding. Metal parts of electrical equipment are

grounded (connected to the earth) to reduce induced voltage on metal
parts from lightning so as to prevent fires from an arc within the build- EGC
SSBJ EGC
ings. }Figure 25021 GEC Disconnect Panel
Note 2: See NFPA 780, Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems Metal parts of electrical raceways, cables, enclosures, or
for grounding and bonding of lightning protection systems. equipment must be bonded together in a manner that
creates a low-impedance path for ground-fault current to
facilitate the operation of the circuit overcurrent device.
Authors Comment: Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
}Figure 25022
Grounding metal parts helps drain off static electricity charges
before an electric arc takes place (flashover potential). Static The fault current path must be capable of safely carrying the maximum
grounding is often used in areas where the discharge (arcing) groundfault current likely to be imposed on it from any point on the
of the voltage buildup (static) can cause dangerous or unde- wiring system should a ground fault occur to the electrical supply source.
sirable conditions [500.4 Note 3].
(3) Bonding Conductive Materials. Conductive materials such as metal
water piping systems, metal sprinkler piping, metal gas piping, and other
CAUTION: Connecting metal parts to the earth metalpiping systems, as well as exposed structural steel members
(grounding) serves no purpose in electrical shock
protection.

likely to become energized must be bonded together in a manner that

Authors Comment:
creates a lowimpedance fault current path thats capable of carrying
the maximum fault current likely to be imposed on it. }Figure 25023 A single ground fault cant be cleared on an ungrounded system
because theres no lowimpedance fault current path to the
Ungrounded System
Bonding Electrically Conductive Materials electric power source. The first ground fault simply grounds the
250.4(B)(3) system and initiates the ground detector. However, a second
ground fault on a different phase results in a linetoline short
Sprinkler Piping circuit between the two ground faults. The conductive path,
Gas Piping
between the ground faults, provides the lowimpedance fault
Exposed
Water Piping current path necessary so the overcurrent protection device
INTERRUPTING RATING
VOLTS
MAX. R.M.S. AMPS
120/240
10,000 SYM.
V.A.C.
ON
Structural
OFF M
WARNING
will open.
9,500 Amps
Installation Date:
01/01/2011
Steel
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
Compressed Air
2017
250.6 Objectionable Current
X1 X2 X3 XO
CC
H1 H2 H3
Conductive materials must be bonded together in a (A) Preventing Objectionable Current. To prevent a fire, electric shock,
manner that creates a low-impedance fault current
path thats capable of carrying the maximum fault or improper operation of circuit overcurrent protection devices or elec-
current likely to be imposed on it. tronic equipment, electrical systems and equipment must be installed
in a manner that prevents objectionable neutral current from flowing
}Figure 25023 on metal parts. }Figure 25025
Authors Comment:
Objectionable Current
The 250.6(A)
phrase likely to become energized is subject to inter-
pretation by the authority having jurisdiction.
(4) Fault Current Path. Electrical equipment, wiring, and other electri-
cally conductive material likely to become energized must be installed Electrical systems and
equipment must be installed
in a manner that creates a lowimpedance fault current path to facil- in a manner that prevents
itate the operation of overcurrent protection devices should a second objectionable neutral current
from flowing on metal parts.
ground fault from a different phase occur. }Figure 25024
Ungrounded System
Fault Current Path
250.4(B)(4)
Second
The overcurrent device First Ground Fault Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
opens because of a Ground 480
line-to-line short circuit. Fault Volts }Figure 25025
(B) Stopping Objectionable Current. If the use of multiple grounding

connections results in objectionable current and the requirements of
250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4) are met, one or more of the following alterations
are permitted:
Electrical equipment must be bonded together to (1) Discontinue one or more but not all of such grounding connections.
create a low-impedance fault current path to facilitate
the operation of overcurrent devices should a second (2) Change the locations of the grounding connections.
ground fault from a different phase occur.
Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com (3) Interrupt the continuity of the conductor or conductive path causing
}Figure 25024 the objectionable current.
(4) Take other suitable remedial and approved action.
(C) Temporary Currents Not Classified as Objectionable Currents. Objectionable Current

Improper Neutral Connection
Temporary currents from abnormal conditions, such as ground faults,
arent to be classified as objectionable current. }Figure 25026 Service Parallel Path For
Neutral Current Panelboard
250.6(C) Legend
VIOLATION [250.24(A)(5)]
Objectionable Current A neutral-to-case connection on the
Source
Outlet load side of the service equipment.
X1
X0 N Objectionable neutral current will flow on the
equipment grounding conductor when the neutral
X2 EGC conductor is connected to the metal case of a
N
panelboard on the load side of service equipment.
MBJ Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
GEC Load
Ground }Figure 25027

Effective Ground-Fault
Current Path Fault
Temporary currents from ground faults Objectionable Current

Improper Neutral Connection
arent classified as objectionable current.
Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com Neutral Current
}Figure 25026 VIOLATION INTERRUPTING RATING

MAX. R.M.S. AMPS
10,000 SYM.
VOLTS
120/240
V.A.C.
ON
A neutral-to-case connection OFF
at both the transformer and the

panel creates a parallel path
for neutral current.
Objectionable
Objectionable Current Current 4 3 2 1
7 6 5
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
X1
4 3 2 1
7 6 5
X2 X3 XO
Neutral
H1 H2 H3
Current
Objectionable neutral current occurs because of improper neutral
tocase connections or wiring errors that violate 250.142(B). Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
}Figure 25028
Improper NeutraltoCase Connection [250.142]
Panelboards. Objectionable neutral current will flow on metal Objectionable Current

parts and the equipment grounding conductor when the neutral Improper Neutral Connection
conductor is connected to the metal case of a panelboard on Service Transfer Switch Generator
the load side of service equipment. }Figure 25027
Separately Derived Systems. Objectionable neutral current

will flow on metal parts if the neutral conductor is connected
to the circuit equipment grounding conductor on the load side Objectionable
of the system bonding jumper for a separately derived system. Current
}Figure 25028
VIOLATION
Generator. Objectionable neutral current will flow on metal parts Neutral-to-Case
Panelboard Connection
and the equipment grounding conductor if a generator is [250.142(B)]
connected to a transfer switch with a solidly connected neutral Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
and a neutraltocase connection is made at the generator. }Figure 25029

}Figure 25029

Disconnects. Objectionable neutral current will flow on metal A 230V timeclock motor is replaced with a 115V time
parts and the equipment grounding conductor when the neutral clock motor, and the circuit equipment grounding
conductor is connected to the metal case of a disconnect thats conductor is used for neutral return current.
not part of the service equipment. }Figure 25030
A 115V water filter is wired to a 240V wellpump
motor circuit, and the circuit equipment grounding
Separate Buildings or Structures conductor is used for neutral return current.
}Figure 25032
Parallel Separate
Neutral Building The circuit equipment grounding conductor is used
Current for neutral return current. }Figure 25033
6309
KILOWATTHOURS
6309
KILOWATTHOURS
Paths ON
OFF
WARNING WARNING
Arc Flash and Shock Hazard Arc Flash and Shock Hazard
Appropriate PPE Required Appropriate PPE Required
VIOLATION
WARNING
9,500 Amps
Installation Date:
01/01/2011
An improper neutral-to-case Objectionable Current

connection causes dangerous EGC as the Neutral Conductor
neutral current on metal parts.
230V
Pump Motor Pump
Panelboard Disconnect Motor
The equipment grounding conductor and
metal water pipe carry neutral current.
Neutral Current on
}Figure 25030 the Equipment
Grounding Conductor
Wiring Errors. Objectionable neutral current will flow on metal VIOLATION 115V
parts and equipment grounding conductors when the neutral The 115V water filter uses the equipment Water Filter
grounding conductor for neutral current.
conductor from one system is used as the neutral conductor Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
for a different system. }Figure 25031

}Figure 25032
Objectionable Current 277V Objectionable Current, EGC as Neutral Conductor

Neutral Wiring Error
Crossed
Neutrals
H1 H2 H3 X1 X2 X3 X0
277/480V
Panelboard Neutral Current on
OFF
OFF
Equipment Grounding
Circuit Breaker Objectionable 1 Conductor
is OFF Current 120/208V
Panelboard
2
DANGER: The 120/208V panelboard (de-energized) Existing Installation: A 1-pole switch replaced with a
can have dangerous voltage from the 277V lighting 1-Pole Switch combination switch-receptacle.
circuit because of the crossed neutrals. Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
Objectionable neutral current will flow on the equipment

grounding conductor when the circuit equipment grounding
conductor is used as a neutral conductor such as where:
Dangers of Objectionable Current dangerous in areas containing easily ignitible and explosive
gases, vapors, or dust. }Figure 25036
Objectionable neutral current on metal parts can cause electric
shock, fires, and improper operation of electronic equipment and
overcurrent protection devices such as GFPs, GFCIs, and AFCIs. Fire Hazard
Shock Hazard. When objectionable neutral current flows on metal
DANGER
parts or the equipment grounding conductor, electric shock and FIRE HAZARD
even death can occur from the elevated voltage on those metal
parts. }Figure 25034 and }Figure 25035 Objectionable Current
Objectionable Current, Shock Hazard
Neutral current flowing

120 through loose fittings can
Volts
Objectionable Current cause the temperature to
rise, igniting surrounding
A 1-pole switch replaced with a combustible materials.
combination switch-receptacle. Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
VIOLATION }Figure 25036

OFF
Neutral current flowing on

the equipment grounding Improper Operation of Electronic Equipment. Objectionable
conductor.
neutral current flowing on metal parts of electrical equipment
and building parts can cause electromagnetic fields which nega-
tively affect the performance of electronic devices, particularly
medical equipment. }Figure 25037

}Figure 25034
Objectionable Current, Electronic Equipment Failure
Objectionable Current, Shock Hazard
Open Raceway Electronic equipment

DANGER can be sensitive to
120
Improper Neutral- electromagnetic fields (EMF). INTERRUPTING RATING
MAX. R.M.S. AMPS
10,000 SYM.
VOLTS
120/240
V.A.C.
ON
OFF
Volts to-Case Connection Hand

Off
Auto
Service If the equipment grounding Service Equipment
Equipment conductor opens and a person An improper neutral-to-case connection

becomes in series with the causes objectionable (neutral) current
raceway, they can be electrocuted. to flow on metal parts of the electrical
WARNING
Installation Date:
system and metal parts of the building.
A neutral-to-case bond cant be made
on the load side of the service disconnect. Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
}Figure 25037
}Figure 25035
For more information, visit www.MikeHolt.com, click on the
Technical link, and then on Power Quality.
Fire Hazard. When objectionable neutral current flows on metal
parts, a fire can ignite adjacent combustible material. Heat is When a solidly grounded system is properly bonded, the voltage
generated whenever current flows, particularly over highresis- of all metal parts to the earth and to each other will be zero.
tance parts. In addition, arcing at loose connections is especially }Figure 25038

250.8 Termination of Grounding

Objectionable Current, Zero-Volt Reference
and Bonding Conductors
System 0
Grounded
to Earth 0
Volts
0 0
(A) Permitted Methods. Equipment grounding conductors, grounding
Volts Volts Volts electrode conductors, and bonding jumpers must terminate in one or
more of the following methods:
(1) Listed pressure connectors
Disconnect Panel (2) Terminal bars

Transformer
(3) Pressure connectors listed for grounding and bonding
When a system is properly bonded, the voltage of all
metal parts to the earth and to each other will be zero. (4) Exothermic welding
(5) Machine screws that engage at least two threads or are secured
}Figure 25038 with a nut, }Figure 25040
When objectionable neutral current travels on metal parts and (6) Self-tapping machine screws that engage at least two threads
equipment grounding conductors because of the improper }Figure 25041
bonding of the neutral to metal parts, a difference of voltage (7) Connections that are part of a listed assembly
will exist between all metal parts. This situation can cause some
electronic equipment to operate improperly. }Figure 25039 (8) Other listed means
Objectionable Current, Zero-Volt Reference Termination of EGCs, GECs,

and Bonding Conductors
Neutral-to- Neutral-to-Ground 250.8(A)(5)
Ground 2 Connection
0 Volts
Connection Volts
1 2
Disconnect Volts Volts
Panel Load
Transformer
Objectionable current flowing on metal parts Equipment grounding conductors, GECs, and bonding
results in a nonzero-volt equipment ground conductors can be connected by machine screws that
reference for electrical equipment. engage at least two threads or are secured with a nut.
}Figure 25039 Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com
}Figure 25040
Operation of Overcurrent Protection Devices. When objection-
able neutral current travels on metal parts, tripping of electronic
overcurrent protection devices equipped with groundfault protec-
tion can occur because some neutral current flows on the circuit
equipment grounding conductor instead of the neutral conductor.

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ARTICLE

250 GROUNDING AND BONDING

Part I. General Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, Service

(1) What systems and equipment are required to be grounded.

(3) Location of grounding connections.

The conductor on the supply side of the service

Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side. The conductor on the supply side of the

Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 55

Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, Transformer Electrical System Grounding

}Figure 2502 }Figure 2504

Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side, SDS, Generator

}Figure 2503 SSBJ EGC

Electrical System Grounding Equipment Grounding

}Figure 2506 }Figure 2508

Copyright 2017, www.MikeHolt.com Effective Ground-Fault Ground

Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 57

have sufficiently low impedance to the source so fault 45 Sec

Exposed INTERRUPTING RATING

is dependent on the magnitude of the fault current. A higher

rating) takes 25 to 150 seconds to open. The same device

Effective Ground-Fault Current Path Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

Effective Ground-Fault Ground

Metal parts of electrical equipment must be bonded PVC PVC PVC

}Figure 25013 }Figure 25015

Circuit Conductors Grouped Together

cable, trench, cord, or cable tray will minimize induction X2

Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 59

DANGER: Because the contact resistance of an elec-

Earth Not an Effective

0.09 The earth wont carry

2-wire circuit without

According to ANSI/IEEE 142, Recommended Practice for

(B) Ungrounded Systems. Ungrounded System, Equipment Grounding

Authors Comment: Transformer

Ungrounded systems are those systems with no connection

connection [Article 100]. }Figure 25020 SSBJ EGC

GEC Disconnect Panel

SBJ: System Bonding Jumper

(2) Equipment Bonding. Metal parts of electrical raceways, cables,

A system not connected to earth (ground). Ungrounded System, Equipment Bonding

Effective Ground-Fault Current Path

(1) Equipment Grounding. Metal parts of electrical equipment are

ings. }Figure 25021 GEC Disconnect Panel

Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 61

likely to become energized must be bonded together in a manner that

(B) Stopping Objectionable Current. If the use of multiple grounding

(4) Take other suitable remedial and approved action.

(C) Temporary Currents Not Classified as Objectionable Currents. Objectionable Current

Ground }Figure 25027

Temporary currents from ground faults Objectionable Current

}Figure 25026 VIOLATION INTERRUPTING RATING

A neutral-to-case connection OFF

at both the transformer and the

Panelboards. Objectionable neutral current will flow on metal Objectionable Current

Separately Derived Systems. Objectionable neutral current

and a neutraltocase connection is made at the generator. }Figure 25029

Mike Holt Enterprises www.MikeHolt.com 888.NEC.CODE (632.2633) 63

An improper neutral-to-case Objectionable Current

for a different system. }Figure 25031

Objectionable Current 277V Objectionable Current, EGC as Neutral Conductor

}Figure 25031 }Figure 25033

Objectionable neutral current will flow on the equipment

Objectionable Current, Shock Hazard

Neutral current flowing