ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area Bonding panels

Can someone give me a inspectors definition of "bonding". I have 3 main panels in a residential building. The inspector says he wants the panels bonded together.
I thought they were "bonded together" already as the Metal pipe for each panels feeder wire goes back to the meter sockets which are "bonded" together with pipe and locknuts.
I don't understand what he's looking for when he says "bonded together".

Bonding bushing at the meter sockets?

rowd,- More than likely he is wanting a bonding jumper between all 3 panelboards, 2002 NEC 250.66

Did you install a separate EGC?
Generally, the conduit feeding the panels, if continuous and tight should be sufficient to serve as an EGC and a bonding means.
See 250.96
Are there any eccentric or concentric rings left at the conduit connection point? Although bonding bushings are only required for Services, per 250.92, and 250 Volts or more, per 250.97, he may have concerns about loose conduit connections.
Ask him for specific references!

[This message has been edited by Redsy (edited 05-02-2003).]

Rowd,

I would call the AHJ and ask him. We would only be guessing as to what he really means. As an AHJ I don't mind when someone calls me up and asks, "What did you mean?" I would be more than happy to explain to him what I saw, and what needs to be done in order to get the job done. After all he might be right and I just didn't see something.