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Tuesday, January 17, 2023

Question:

Hello Charlie, thanks for the great forum. Code Section 250.121 exception states that: A wire type equipment grounding conductor can be used as GEC if all GEC and EGC requirements are met. Can the ECG included in the 4 wire SER Cable be used as the GEC if the connection is accessible and connected via a non-reversible connection? Thanks in advance, Darren Benevento.
A

Answer:

Darren, glad to hear you enjoy the CQD. To apply the exception found in 250.121(A), the EGC would have satisfy both the ECG and GEC requirements, Parts II, III, VI of Article 250, and with Section 250.6(A) not carrying current during normal operations. Section 250.64(A) should also be taken into consideration as SER Cables typically use Aluminum conductors, presenting additional splicing, termination, and corrosion challenges.

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CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

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IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

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