[tibberous]

On a subpanel, can you wire the ground to an actual copper grounding rod, instead of connecting it to the main panel box?

Is there a specific type of wire you use, or anything specific you have to do?

 

[AllanJ]

On a subpanel, can you wire the ground to an actual copper grounding rod, instead of connecting it to the main panel box?

Is there a specific type of wire you use, or anything specific you have to do?

No.

For the first subpanel in a different building like a detached garage, you need both, an equipment grounding conductor accompanying the feed wires back to the main panel, and the ground rods (two, at least 6 feet apart, and 8' long).

For separate wires strung through conduit, the EGC can in some cases be smaller than the other conductors but I don't have the sizing table handy. For Romex type cable, just get it "with ground".

 

[stickboy1375]

on a subpanel, can you wire the ground to an actual copper grounding rod, instead of connecting it to the main panel box?

absolutely not!

 

[tibberous]

No.

For the first subpanel in a different building like a detached garage, you need both, an equipment grounding conductor accompanying the feed wires back to the main panel, and the ground rods (two, at least 6 feet apart, and 8' long).

For separate wires strung through conduit, the EGC can in some cases be smaller than the other conductors but I don't have the sizing table handy. For Romex type cable, just get it "with ground".

Poop.

This subpanel is going to cost me a fortune to run - might be cheaper/better to just get a second service entrance. Guess I'll call the power company and see what that runs, and if they'll even do it.