System Grounding

Conductor Sizing
Service Entrance (GEC)
Separately Derived Transformer (GEC)
Branch Circuits (EGC)

Service Entrance Ground Electrode

Conductor Sizing

Notes:
1.
NEC 250.66(A) that portion of
the conductor that is the sole
connection to the grounding
electrode shall not be required to
be larger than 6 AWG copper
wire.
2.
NEC 250.66(B) that portion of
the conductor that is the sole
connection to the grounding
electrode shall not be required to
be larger than 4 AWG copper
wire.
3.
NEC 250.66(C) that portion of
the conductor that is the sole
connection to the grounding
electrode shall not be required to
be larger than the conductor
used for the ground ring.
4.
NEC 250.66, Use table 250.66
based on largest service
conductor size.

(4)
(1)

(4)

(2)

Exhibit 250.29, NEC Handbook, Page 102

2

(3)

Service Entrance Ground Electrode

Conductor Sizing Example
Service conductors are
500 kcmil

500 kcmil Cu.

Determine size of:

GEC
Bonding Jump to
Building Steel
Main Bonding Jumper

Main
Bonding
Jumper

Exhibit 250.29, NEC Handbook, Page 102

3

NEC Table 250.66

2002 NEC, Page 70-107

NEC Table 250.66

2002 NEC, Page 70-107

NEC Table 250.66

2002 NEC, Page 70-107

NEC Table 250.66

2002 NEC, Page 70-107

Use 1/0 Copper for:

GEC

Bonding Jump to Building Steel

Main Bonding Jumper

Service Entrance Ground Electrode

Conductor Sizing Problem
Service conductors are
2/0 copper

2/0 Cu.

Main
Bonding
Jumper

Determine size of:

GEC
Bonding Jump to
Building Steel
Main Bonding Jumper

Exhibit 250.29, NEC Handbook, Page 102

Grounding Electrode Conductor Sizing

For Separately Derived Systems

Min. 6 AWG

Main
Main

Exhibit 259.13, NEC Handbook, Page 187,

Neutral-ground bond established at transformer

Exhibit 259.14, NEC Handbook, Page 187,

Neutral-ground bond established at first disconnecting means

Once secondary conductor sizes are determined, treat just like service

Grounding Electrode Conductor Sizing

For Separately Derived Systems
Secondary conductors
are 1/0 Copper.
Determine size of:
GEC
Main Bonding Jumper

Main

Exhibit 259.14, NEC Handbook, Page 187,

Neutral-ground bond established at first disconnecting means

10

NEC Table 250.66

2002 NEC, Page 70-107

Use 6 AWG Copper for:

11

GEC
Main Bonding Jumper

Grounding Electrode Conductor Sizing Problem For

Separately Derived Systems
Secondary conductors
are 4/0 Copper.
Determine size of:
GEC
Main Bonding Jumper

Main

Exhibit 259.13, NEC Handbook, Page 187,

Neutral-ground bond established at transformer

12

Branch Circuit Equipment Grounding Conductors

(EGC) Sizing
One of the last steps to
branch circuit design
Based on:
Overcurrent Device Rating
or Setting and
Conductor properties
(Copper or Aluminum)
Look up size in NEC Table
250.122
See 2002 NEC,
Page 70-114

13

Branch Circuits
(1) Copyright 2002, National Fire Protection Association, All Rights Reserved,
NFPA National Electrical Code Handbook, Ninth Edition, Exhibit 100.5

EGC Selection
Example
A branch circuit is to be
protected with a
20 A circuit breaker.
Determine EGC size:
Copper: _____
Aluminum: _____

Ref: 2002 NEC, Page 70-115

14

EGC Selection
Example
A branch circuit is to be
protected with a
20 A circuit breaker.
Determine EGC size:
Copper: 12 AWG
Use of Copper wire for
EGC is recommended

Aluminum: 10 AWG

Ref: 2002 NEC, Page 70-115

15

EGC Selection
Problem
A branch circuit is to be
protected with a
100 A circuit breaker.
Determine EGC size for
copper wire:
Copper EGC: _____

Ref: 2002 NEC, Page 70-115

16