Code Q&A

Q. What size grounding electrode conductor is required for a 1,200A service supplied with three sets of 600 kcmil conductors per phase? A. When not run to a ground rod, concrete-encased electrode, or ground ring, the grounding electrode conductor must ...

Mike Holt

Aug. 8, 2005

Q. What size grounding electrode conductor is required for a 1,200A service supplied with three sets of 600 kcmil conductors per phase?

A. When not run to a ground rod, concrete-encased electrode, or ground ring, the grounding electrode conductor must be sized in accordance with Table 250.66. Because the equivalent area per phase equals 1,800 kcmil, the grounding electrode conductor is required to be 3/0 AWG.

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.