[Perry401]

In examining several dozen electrical panels over the last few years, I have seen almost as many ways the grounding conductors are run from the ground rod and/or water lines. In some installations, the ground is run as a solid cable, in others, it is run as a stranded cable. Some of the older installations have a ground cable inside a steel(?) armored cable. I have even seen #6 green THHN used. Then there is the way these cables are clamped to joists or other wooden structures. In some installations, the wire is attached with small metal staples or fold-over metal straps, in others, common romex staples are used, and in a few places, bent nails are used! There also does not seem to be a standard entry method into the circuit panel itself. Some installations use a 1/2 inch knockout with or without a cable clamp. Some installations use a smaller knockout, about 1/4 to 3/8 inch in diameter.

My question is what is the prefered method to run a ground?

1. Prefered wire type -- When should stranded be used instead of solid?
2. Attachment method to wooden structures.
3. Method of entry into the panel.

Thanks!

 

[J. V.]

1) Stranded wire or solid wire is acceptable. I prefer solid. See answer # 3. Insulated and bare are both compliant.
2) Any listed cable strap. Take your pick.
3) Look at the bottom of the panel. You will see a small hole. Just pass bare the wire through this hole. No connector required. This is why I like solid wire.

 

[Saturday Cowboy]

These all may be complaint, They sound like it. There are many rules and exceptions to grounding and bonding- NEC article 250. One of the biggest articles and the hardest to understand.