ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 250.64(F)(3)??

Hotline, Lets use a basic, standard, big box store 200 amp breaker panel for example...

The equipment grounding conductor terminal bars are usually
1) Aluminimum
2) 1/4" thick, though with predrilled holes.
3) Minimum 2" long. Is that not the same as 2" wide?

I suppose this is where my confusion on this exact code section is coming from.

Unless some one can find an issue with the above but i don't see a problem with the 1/4" x 2" ground bar being in the panel.

IMHO, we would be splitting hairs debating the 'big box' panel ground bars.

I see the wording within the NEC as a piece of copper, or aluminum that has three (3) dimensions; thickness, width, and an assumed length. Yes, the 'length' is not spelled out in any minimum dimension, but I consider it assumed.

There are formulas to determine amperage ratings for buss bars, and ground/neutral termination bars.

I think of this as attempting to terminate a GEC/EGC that is of a larger AWG than the max that the termination bar is designed to accept.

As Niko stated, I agree with the last scenario.

This is the picture in the handbook where they talk about this bus bar. It is clear they mean wide with the length unspecified (but assumed to be greater than 2")



BTW does anyone else question the green wire if this is supposed to be a picture of GECs?

Thanks everyone for the input!

Gfretwell, IF the GEC grounding bar you have pictured,was installed IN and BONDED to a Feeder panel enclosure, would it be a violation?

Greg:
Thanks for the pic! I just took a few at a data center.

Yes, they have 750KCmil copper & it's green (Simpul)!!

I think this is refering to the bonding screw that comes with a panel. Some panel manufuterers give a piece of copper (copper clad) to bond the nuetral grouding to the enclosure this about .25 X 2 in. . And to Up2code if the main is outside the panel now is technically a subpanel in RI anyway.