Is there an NEC requirement that conductors, such as those from the circuit breaker panel to the cold water pipe, be insulated if they are ran through metal raceways such as EMT or metal wiremold? Thanks in advance. Bob
It appears you are referring to the Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) which must be installed as per 250.64(E) {conductor bonded to each end of the metal raceway enclosing the GEC}.
To answer the question of insulated conductor, the answer would be " NO" for copper GEC and maybe for Aluminum GEC. See 250.64(A).
Its my understanding that if you run the grounding electrode in a metal pipe then it has to be bonded to the metal pipe. Something about setting up electromagnetic waves or something. If we do it we use a pipe nail or a clamp to make it continuous with the pipe its in although if it was bare it would seem like it would naturally be in contact. Thats why we usually run it in pvc. I hope i understood what you were getting at.
Gwz it seems to me that 250.64e says you have to bond each end of a metal raceway if it is not electrically continous. if you used one peice of emt to enclose a gec wouldnt that be electrically countinous?
When an GEC is inclosed in a metal raceway, standard locknuts, etc. are not considered 'continuous' unless items are bonded together.
See examples in figures 7-13 and 7-14 of the 8th Edition of the Soares Book on Grounding.
In figure 7-14, I believe, a 'setscrew locknut' would serve the purpose of the bonding bushing in the panelboard/conduit connection and also for the conduit to enclosures of figure 7-13.
Isn't there something in the code about concentric knockouts? They have to be rated for the voltage? I believe it has to do with 480 volts etc. My code book is in the office.
