Or, in the absence of a disconnect, can the neutral in the service socket box be grounded on it's own ground rod and solid copper conductor, and on a 2nd ground rod, run a solid copper conductor, not in conduit, to the sub panel, breaker box, for grounding.?
Scott - STOP!!!!!
You can get yourself in a great deal of trouble. What exactly are you trying to do?
The power company will connect the Neutral point of the meter base to "ground" usually by way of a locking washer mounted on the supply riser if this is to a conventional meter base. However, do not think for a minute that the purpose of this connection is "ground". The power companies intentionally "ground" the Neutral (return) several times on the way back to the transformers. Just like an electrical panel in a residence, there is a electrical connection to ground but its function in both instances is to provide a low resistance path back to the service panel or transformer to trip the breaker or fuse. You cannot rely on "Earth" to trip anything because of the relatively high resistance of earth. Also, it is an equipment protection in the event of a voltage surge or lightning.
Bonding is another instance where a low resistance path is being created.
If this in fact a commercial installation, you must be a licensed electrician to do any work on the electrical system.
Next, before you even begin to determine the size of the wire, you need to determine the size of the load (in VA) that will need to be serviced, not the other way around. For example, a 2/0 copper wire is listed for up to 145 amps.
You cannot run taps directly off of the disconnect. In the case of a secondary panelboard, the feeders to that panelboard must be protected by breakers or fuses from the source.
60 views
Usually answered in minutes!
×