ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Meter Main Bonding

We have a 200 amp meter pedistal with a built in 200 amp circuit breaker. About 35' feet away is the first 200 amp panel. An equipment ground is run from the pedistal to the 200 amp panel with the 3 3ott conductors.

The dispute is if the 200 a panel inside should have the main bond screw in (bonding the neutral to ground).

I believe the meter serves as the main disco and is by design bonding the nutral and equipment ground. The inside panel would not be a service panel because the meter is the service. Right?

Then the water pipe ground should go to the meter and not the panel?

Thanks,

Tom

If you are running 4 wires you will not reground the neutral at the second panel. That creates a parallel path.

I agree, you would not tie the two together in these downstream panels.

Now, whether or not a ground rod is necessary at the down stream panels would be found in 250.32.

Roger

I'd say ground rod or rods at meter base (install bonding screw), 4 wires from meter base to panel at the house. Float neutral bar at the house, Tie water pipe and what every gounding you have to the ground bar at the house.This is simlar to a Trailer hookup . If disconnect was mounted on the house outside then I;d say grounds to to panel outside, when remote I;d say No.

You have it correct.

Now the next question is--can the GEC pass through the panel? (No splice)

What is the breaker on the pedistal used for ??

Hot sequence or cold??

Just a thought

Charlie

The disconect meter pedistal is mounted on the side of the house. Thanks for yor replys.


Tom

Tom,
I had a job like that. 200amp breaker on the meter ped, 200amp mlo panel. 2" ridgid from meter to panel with out bond screw. 3/4" conduit from meter to cold water ground. Thats how inspector wanted it.
BTW were you at leviton's LIN class in Northbrook on thursday? though I saw your company name.

The water piping of the dwelling should be bonded to the EGC buss of the panel at the dwelling. It should not be run separately to the meter main.

Curt

Curt,
If there is metal underground water pipe, then the conductor between the water pipe and the electrical system is a grounding electrode conductor and must be connected to the grounded conductor at or on the line side of the service disconenct per 250.24(A)(1).
Don