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Posted By: duanet sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/24/02 09:23 PM
Hi,
I am installing a new 125 Amp sub panel 65 feet away from a new 200 amp service. The sub is located in the same shop as the main panel. Do i need to pull a separate grounding conductor for the sub or can the EMT between the main and the sub be used for the grounding bond? I ask as i would like to use 1-1/4 EMT which will only allow three #1 copper conductors.
(per conduit fill table 3B)
Thus allowing 2-#1 lines and a common max.
If i have to pull a separate #6 ground i would have to step up to the 1-1/2 EMT. Basically i wish to know if on a sub panel situation such as this is it allowed to use the EMT conduit as the ground rather than a separate conductor?

thanks
Posted By: dana1028 Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/24/02 10:22 PM
I'm now looking at Appendix C of the 1999 NEC, pg. 585 - THHN #1...4 conductors (#1 size) are allowed in 1-1/4" EMT
Posted By: duanet Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/24/02 10:28 PM
You may want to check again as my NEC book Table 3B (maximum # of conductors in trade sizes of conduit or tubing) states that a maximum of 3 #1 THHN in 1-1/4
Posted By: Tom Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/24/02 10:48 PM
Where the heck is table 3B?

Table C1 on page 585 is the correct one to use & as dana1028 pointed out 1 1/4" emt is good for 4 #1's.

You don't usually need to pull in the equipment ground, but many electricians prefer to include one in all their conduit work.
Posted By: duanet Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/24/02 10:51 PM
Table 3B is in chapter 9 (tables and examples) page 750 of 1990 NEC
Posted By: Anonymous Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/25/02 01:54 AM
duanet,

Its time to invest in a new NEC book.
Posted By: eman1963 Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/25/02 03:37 AM
i would use the 1 1/4 emt as the ground and run only 3 conductors
Posted By: Redsy Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/25/02 03:38 AM
What size breaker are you installing ?
Posted By: dana1028 Re: sub panel feeder wire sizes...... - 01/25/02 11:56 PM
BTW - Appendix C, pg. 585 does say 4 #1 are allowed in 1-1/4" EMT; however if you do the arithmetic from Table 4 & Table 5 (EMT usable space & area of THHN tables)you cannot use 4 #1s in 1-1/4" EMT.

However, even though you are allowed to use the EMT as the EGC, I highly recommend you do pull the #6 (the arithmetic works) as your EGC - don't trust the EMT connection over the years to be maintained and work when needed in the event of a fault.
I have to agree with Dana, don't trust conduits to carry the ground as the years progress...I've already seen far too many lost grounds from installations 15 to 30 years old. Go ahead and pull it, you won't regret it later.
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