I goofed...through a development of plans and intentions, I ran 3 wire service from the disconnect (on a pole) outside into a house (which started as a workshop...)


Because the meter and disconnect are on the pole, I need to wire the panel as a subpanel. But I ran only 2 hots and 1 neutral, no ground.


I have read in the 2000 NEC that it is allowable to have a 3 wire subpanel. I believe I need to drive ground rods at the subpanel and connect the neutral from the main to these rods.


Furthermore, it would be good to drive additional ground rods which I tie to my GROUNDS in the subpanel, which ARE isolated from the neutrals in the panel.


Therefore, there is no "loop" back to the main panel should my neutral ever be broken.


Is this correct?


It's about 170' from the disconnect and service entrance pole to the house. Everything is buried...in conduit, but I know I'll never get another line through the conduit. I could dig again and add the fourth wire, probably the BEST thing. Is it necessary?


Safety is the key, I agree.


Open to all comments and attacks...at least I am saying I goofed! LOL Thanks.