OK, west coast joins the fray and is in agreement for the EC to 'stand his ground' if the EC is right.
BTW, I had a rough re-inspection Fri; noticed a bare #8 thru studs of 1st floor; went up to look further; OK jacuzzi bond. Motor lug to motor mounting base twice, to h&c piping and down......
"where's it go??" "To the neutral bar in the panel, and then to the grd rod" proudly stated Mr Homeowner. After explaining parallel ground paths; he said 'the other guy (inspector) told me to do it this way'
WRONG.
(Back on track now??)
John