Code Q&A: Using the Neutral Conductor as the Circuit Equipment Grounding Conductor

Sept. 10, 2015
NEC rules on the neutral conductor as the circuit equipment grounding conductor?

Q. What are the rules in using the neutral conductor for bonding of metal parts?

Find the Answer

The neutral conductor can be used as the circuit equipment grounding conductor on the supply side or within the enclosure of the service disconnect in accordance with Sec. 250.24(B) [250.142(A)(1)].

The neutral conductor can be used as the circuit equipment grounding conductor at the source of a separately derived system or within the enclosure of the system disconnecting means in accordance with Sec. 250.30(A)(1) [250.142(A)(3)].

DANGER: Failure to install the system bonding jumper as required by Sec. 250.30(A)(1) creates a condition where dangerous touch voltage from a ground fault won’t be removed.

Except as permitted in Sec. 250.30(A)(1) for separately derived systems and Sec. 250.32(B) Exception for separate buildings/structures, the neutral conductor isn’t permitted to serve as an equipment grounding conductor on the load side of service equipment [250.142(B)].

Exception No. 1: In existing installations, the frames of ranges, wall-mounted ovens, counter-mounted cooking units, and clothes dryers can be connected to the neutral conductor in accordance with Sec. 250.140 Exception.

Exception No. 2: The neutral conductor can be connected to meter socket enclosures on the load side of the service disconnecting means if:

  1. Ground-fault protection isn’t provided on service equipment,
  2. Meter socket enclosures are immediately adjacent to the service disconnecting means, and
  3. The neutral conductor is sized in accordance with Sec. 250.122, based on the ampere rating of the occupancy’s feeder overcurrent device.
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.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of EC&M, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Electrical Conduit Comparison Chart

CHAMPION FIBERGLASS electrical conduit is a lightweight, durable option that provides lasting savings when compared to other materials. Compare electrical conduit types including...

Fiberglass Electrical Conduit Chemical Resistance Chart

This information is provided solely as a guide since it is impossible to anticipate all individual site conditions. For specific applications which are not covered in this guide...

Considerations for Direct Burial Conduit

Installation type plays a key role in the type of conduit selected for electrical systems in industrial construction projects. Above ground, below ground, direct buried, encased...

How to Calculate Labor Costs

Most important to accurately estimating labor costs is knowing the approximate hours required for project completion. Learn how to calculate electrical labor cost.