[baspinall]

I have a 200 A service in my home. I ran and aerial run of #2 Quadruplex in between my house and garage (approx. 25 feet). From there I ran three # 2 copper feeders down on each side to the house panel and where the garage panel will be located.
Here is my question. I know I could have used my messenger/ground wire from the quad to go direct to the ground on these panels but they are two short. Can I just bug/splice another piece of # 2 aluminum or can I go with a smaller gauge copper. Also, should I through a grounding rod on this new panel as well while I'm at it? I have some # 8 copper on hand if that would be sufficient for that.

TIA - Brian

 

[rjniles]

The ground has to be extended to your sub panel and to 2 ground rods

 

[sparky48]

You can just add a ground rod with a bare ground to the panel in the garage. Although I like carrying the ground from it's original source (making it a 4 wire feed) it's not required by code anymore. I believe that changed with the 2008 NEC.

 

[rjniles]

You can just add a ground rod with a bare ground to the panel in the garage. Although I like carrying the ground from it's original source (making it a 4 wire feed) it's not required by code anymore. I believe that changed with the 2008 NEC.

Sorry that is wrong. A 3 wire feed is not compliant. You need the ground from the main panel. 4 wire is required.

 

[baspinall]

I have 4 wire. Qudruplex # 2. I ended up using these to splice # 2 copper down to my panel. This is an aerial run.

http://www.globalelectricalsupply.com/2-Wire-Polaris-1-frasl-0-14AWG-Insul-Tap-Connector-p/it-10.htm

Isn't the 4th wire (the bare one that is used as a messenger as well) essentially grounding this sub panel from it's original source?

 

[rjniles]

As long as it is connected to the supply panel and the sub.

 

[baspinall]

Yep it will be.

 

[rjniles]

The allowed use of a 3 wire feed to an outbuilding was removed with the 2008 NEC.

 

[sparky48]

The allowed use of a 3 wire feed to an outbuilding was removed with the 2008 NEC.

Oooops had that turned around. Must have fallen asleep at that point of the Code update. At least I had the year right. My Bad!

 

[baspinall]

So I have my feeds run. I'm tied in at the sub panel. As far as the Main. I am adding a 100 A breaker. On my main there isn't a separate ground bar. All the grounds share the neutral bar. Will this be an issue? Can I just land my #2 grounds and neutral on these bars or should I add a separate ground bar? I think this is the last piece of my puzzle.

 

[rjniles]

At the main panel (first disconnect) the ground and neutral are bonded. Everything after that is kept separate. Your main panel looks messy, cable sheath run into panel and too much slack in wires. These are not code violations but it will make an inspector look harder.

What type cable is feeding the sub panel?

 

[baspinall]

#2 copper for hots and neutral, #2 aluminium for ground. Yes the panel will be cleaned up.

 

[baspinall]

So the neutral and the ground are ok to put on the neutral bar at the main correct.

 

[rjniles]

So the neutral and the ground are ok to put on the neutral bar at the main correct.

Yes at main panel only.

 

[rjniles]

#2 copper for hots and neutral, #2 aluminium for ground. Yes the panel will be cleaned up.

Are you saying those are individual wires? That does not look like conduit. Please don't say you just taped the conductors together.

 

[baspinall]

Yes they are individuals. They arent tapped together. I will be running a conduit for them. Didnt know they needed to be in conduit all the way to the panel at first.

 

[rjniles]

Conduit from the weather head to the panel. Both ends.

 

[baspinall]

Can I use one of these screwed to the panel (like an added on grounding bar would be) for the ground feeder at the main panel side? I have a space to screw one on the Neutral bar for the Neutral feeder but no room to add a second one for the ground feeder.

 

[sparky48]

Being you have a QO Square D panel in the house take a look at this lug. Square D #QO70AN. This is a fork style neutral lug that will fit on your neutral bar for larger wires. You may find it at the big box stores but your local Electrical Wholesaler as long as they have Square D products should stock it. Then again there's eBay as a last resort. Good Luck.

 

[baspinall]

Feel like I live at the big box stores. I see the idea of that one. Would it be ok to do it the way I said until I get one or no? I will swap it to one of those syle ones when I go to clean up the panel.