This change that allows a grounding bus is not a big change in my opinion. Previously we could use any grounding electrode as a grounding bus.

I could run (and still can) a continuous GEC to building steel or a water pipe etc. Then I could run separate bonding jumpers to as many grounding electrodes as I wanted.

I had a service in a steel frame building about 300' from the water main, I ran a GEC from the service to building steel. Then on the other side of the building I ran a bonding jumper down to the water main this was a major time and matrial savings.

Here is a graphic from the 2002 NEC handbook that illustrates the possibilities.

[Linked Image]

[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 02-14-2005).]

Bob Badger
Construction & Maintenance Electrician
Massachusetts