Which is Correct by Code and Most Professional? 2020 NEC 250.64 (E)

[@anthonyelectric6045]

It’s interesting that they chosen emt as the sleeve for the gec. It’s probably the most extreme way of accomplishing the task shown. And it looks better than a stick of PVC. #4 is better, the insulation probably moved a bit at the ground rod plus they are timed for performance. 👍

[@SparkyChannel]

I agree about #4 except I thought some insulation was under the acorn clamp. Thanks Anthony!

[@jlpservicesinc1452]

@@SparkyChannel number 2 kinda looks like the insulation might be caught under the acorn as well on my phone screen. . I like the looks of number 4 the best and would run it that way making sure no insulation is trapped in the acorn.

[@SparkyChannel]

@@jlpservicesinc1452 Thanks!

[@Mawson6492]

I'm willing to bet the organizers used the emt specifically so that they could catch contestants out for not bonding at the far end of the emt

[@SparkyChannel]

@@Mawson6492 Yes, they like to test contestants knowledge of NEC.

[@Mawson6492]

Asthetically I like #4 best. Assuming the connection to the ground rod is making proper contact, then it is my choice.

[@megamanwins]

Same here!

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent, I agree. But it sure looked to me like some green insulation got caught under the ground clamp on #4 so I went with #2.

[@peterohmart5954]

#2. It is neat, not excessive extra wire, not a great deal of bared wire and it was wired to code

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Peter!

[@thaddeusbrowne942]

I think you were fair in declaring #2 as the winner. This goes to show how important it is to give a final inspection of our work after completion; because, had it not been for that small but significant error, # 4 would have been the winner. His work is the neatest in my opinion.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent observations. I'm so happy that viewers are examining the examples carefully and using the code to make their decisions. That way everyone learns or gets a brush-up on the code, and everyone improves.

[@dracula3811]

I liked 4 the best except for the insulation possibly being under the clamp at the ground rod. I didn't like #2 because the wire was too tight for my liking from the grounding bushing to the clamp.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent thinking!

[@thomasglessner6067]

I like the way you pose questions and proceed to explain the answer using the NEC. Thank you for sharing.

[@SparkyChannel]

My pleasure! It's a learning experience for me as well.

[@--JohnDoe]

Just run your g.e.c. in pvc with an end bell and your done. A g.e.c. In an unbonded metal raceway will create inductive choking, when there is high current flow. If you use a grounding bushing it's like paralleling the emt with the g.e.c. We always just run pvc with end bells.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent advice! However, these contests test the contestant's knowledge of code and they aren't given a choice of what materials to use.

[@jman26388]

4,3,1,2 If all 4 had to be rated. #4 might have pinched some of the sleeve but looks the best.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks J. H.!

[@jameskoehler4939]

4 was so close. Have to give it to 2. In actual intstallations, I would avoid stranded wire for the GEC, and use solid if possible. I've seen stranded rot away too many times. I run #4 bare copper. Hard to work with but it's bullet proof.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent! Good job using the #4 GEC!

[@sethtaylor5938]

EMT will rust outside so I use PVC; 1. I don't hafta deal with the bonding bushing, 2. PVC being non-metallic doesn't corrode. Based on the setup in the video, if the main disconnect is in the outside meter enclosure (aka mater pan), make sure the green screw that's in the main lugs load center is NOT there. The neutral and ground bars have to be isolated in the load center and from that point on including sub panels. Ground - Neutral bonding - Only in the main disconnect / breaker enclosure is where the bonding Neutral - ground should take place. You don't want ground fault currents from inside loads travelling on the neutral in the premises.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent. Thanks Seth!

[@sethtaylor5938]

​@@SparkyChannel Another thing is at the power company we often field complaints from customers that they get a "tingle" when the touch the garden hose faucet outside. Especially noticed with copper piping. The NESC (National Electric Safety Code) that's not the same as NFPA-70 NEC (code) requires that any neutral earth voltage over 3 is investigated. Sometimes it's caused by a missing down ground at the utility transformer, severe circuit imbalance, bad ground(s) at the customer premise, broken neutral to the utility or a combination of all. If it's over 3 volts on the customer's ground anywhere in the US, get the local utility involved to assist with tracking it down. This NEV issue is also related to pool shock, another complex subject.

[@timdyer7692]

Nice video, Bill! Thanks for your assessment. I select #4, but only if the insulation is not under the clamp.

[@SparkyChannel]

HI Tim! Yes, I agree.

[@ranger178]

4 was better for the less sharp bend and smooth way it was clamped other than the slight amount of insulation under clamp. do you put any anti corrosion paste on those clamp connections ?

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Greg! They didn't use any paste in this competition, but it would be a bad idea.

[@illestofdemall13]

@@SparkyChannel Would be a bad idea or wouldn't?

[@matthewsones5287]

#4 would have stole the show if that insulation hadn’t got in their way!

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, I agree!

[@snap-off5383]

Well intersected to IT work, "most professional" is subjective. When testing for IT certifications we're often asked how to accomplish the task "with the least amount of administrative effort". This makes it such that those who get the higher scores on these tests have actually been "less professional" than those who got a lower passing score leaving questions unanswered, since those leaving questions unanswered and turning in a passing exam have accomplished their given task with "the least amount of administrative effort."

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, true.

[@tjohnson4062]

Number 4. He or she cover several aspects that are not addressed by code. The ground rod clamp the copper is in compressed tension by the lug therefor there coundnt be any significant interference by the jacket.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@zerosparky9510]

In the NEC. The driven ground wire conductor does not have to be bigger than #6 awg.

[@SparkyChannel]

Correct, this one was 4 AWG.

[@willschultz5452]

If its 200 amp service it has to be #4

[@zerosparky9510]

@@willschultz5452 , not to the driven ground wire. to the water ground yes it is a #4 .

[@zerosparky9510]

unless there is a change now in the NEC? for years it has only been a #6 to the Driven Ground rod.

[@willschultz5452]

@@zerosparky9510 around here they want #4 to everything if its 200 amp and #6 for 100 amp. They want 2 rods even if its 100 amp also

[@joelss94]

Interesting I like more #2. I did test ohm meter. My opinion best 4awg for first ground rod because low number ohm. 6awg as well depends on grounding but second ground rod 6 awg is good. Most I installed rmc 1/2 with grounding brushing in Illinois and Chicago use Copper Strap and Bronze Hub.

[@gocart2561]

Thanks for your clarity and terminology on bonding

[@SparkyChannel]

Glad it was helpful!

[@608_rich]

Nice review of code with example of non compliance. Sparky do a code video on TE splice connectors (Tyco splice connectors for Romex repair instead of pulling new conductor or using a junction box). I haven’t used them but I saw one recently and not sure what to think of it and what the code provisions for their use is….

[@elmerlopez2736]

Question for you . Shouldn’t there be a sleeve or some insulation to prevent corrosion

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, I would say that would be best practice.

[@libertarian1637]

Didn’t really like the looks of any of them but that may just be some OCD regarding the insulation. I do like the insulated ground ding conductor as where I am we tend to use bare wire as it saves money but I’ve never liked the looks of bare wire especially as it oxidizes. I understand time management and while I’m not saying everything needs to be perfect and neat a lot of electrical work is hidden so taking a few extra minutes on the parts seen, at least to me, seems worth it. I recall training an apprentice some years back who was installing a number or receptacles and having him re-do a number of them, or at least adjusting them to ensure they were level as you could look across his work and your eye was drawn to some very noticeable crooked ones. He said I just told him to install them and never said to make sure they were “level” which I quote because he emphasized it; that was true but I explained while you may have the most correct and safest work if it looks sub-par that’s what people will think about and wonder if what’s unseen had as much care taken with it. Been doing this over 3 decades and have frankly seen the common sense and willingness to work go down hill over the years I remember kids being hard workers and thriving to learn yet today some of not most just have some seeming sense of entitlement and that they’re somehow above learning.

[@IceBergGeo]

If the wire is bared under the acorn nut, #4 is the nicest/code compliant. I would have used a grounding hub though instead. All the rest were sloppier. Otherwise, #2, but leaving that insulation is just bad.

[@SparkyChannel]

I liked #4 the best too, except for some insulation possibly being under the acorn clamp, which I didn't like. Thanks!

[@steveloux4709]

Okay Bill, I think that this is a trick question of sorts, in that actually none of the installations are Code compliant. The grounding bushing that is installed on the EMT connector is not listed by the manufacturer to be installed on anything other than RMC or IMC. It has to do with the fact these fittings are intended to receive a tapered thread, while the EMT connector is a straight thread, and thus makes a poor contact with the grounding bushing. The same is true for RMC couplings as well as threaded hubs (Myers hubs) which electricians often mate to EMT fittings, when they are only listed to receive an IMC/RMC threaded connection.

[@SparkyChannel]

Interesting, thanks Steve!

[@fatherandsonadventures-cq8nw]

the grounding bushings have a set screw to bond to the threads

[@steveloux4709]

@@fatherandsonadventures-cq8nw I don’t think that’s the biggest problem. If the manufacturer does not list the product to be used with EMT connectors, it’s a violation.

[@AD-hr4is]

I have been enjoying your videos. Very educative. I have a question. Electric baseboard heaters termination. I have seen most of the time the wire coming out of the wall or floor and not attached to anything. Is that the norm and is it to code?

[@mb-md3wj]

That's normal because the wire will go straight into the junction box in the heater that is mounted on the wall. But I've never seen them coming out of the floor

[@norcalsawsquatch9854]

Okay so a quick question and reference. We pulled 750mcm and no ground was told by the super that the 4" pipe was THE GROUND was it wrong or right? It was three phase Black Red Blue.......

[@SparkyChannel]

What kind of 4" pipe?

[@norcalsawsquatch9854]

@@SparkyChannel and it was odd because I'm used to running a ground wire in every residential/commercial job some commercial jobs even have a isolated ground....... It was odd.

[@norcalsawsquatch9854]

@@SparkyChannel 4" metal pipe

[@SparkyChannel]

See my video: Can EMT Conduit be Used as Equipment Grounding Conductor? NEC 2020 250.118 and 250.119

[@norcalsawsquatch9854]

@@SparkyChannel okay thanks

[@donl1410]

#4 looks the best executed with fewer sharp bends. Unfortunately, it is hard to tell if the GEC insulation has compromised the connection with the acorn clamp and the electrode. I guess #2 must win.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Don! That's the same conclusion I came to. It's great to see so many different opinions. That means that viewers are concentrating on this detail and on 250.64 (E).

[@steven7650]

#4 you want smooth bends on the gec for grounding. Sure they might have missed some plastic but that's an easy fix. All they others kinked and bent the gec which is bad as they increase high frequency impedance

[@fgbhrl4907]

As a EE... You're gonna have to show me the calculations on that. I'm betting money you'll be in the multi-GHz (20+?) range before you can demonstrate a difference...

[@steven7650]

right light lighting which is technically high frequency signal. because of the way you model the impulse function which is why bend smoothness matters only for the gec ​@fgbhrl4907

[@balexan530]

I would have to say #2 looks the best.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@edwardbyrd7667]

Which was judged best at the competition. 4 looks most professional. Need a better shot of that insulation

[@SparkyChannel]

This was from the semi-finals. #2, #3 and #4 advanced but there was a lot more than just this detail in the semis contest. However, when it's close details like these can mean the difference between going on to the finals or not. See IDEAL National Championship Pro Semi-finals 2021 from Nashville: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oX3doWNubL6GmNU

[@ed6837]

The reason you have to bond both ends of a metal GEC raceway is it make a "CHOKE" and the conductor may not operate properly even if bonded on one end

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@kenbrown2808]

#2 and 4 both have a loop of wire exposed where they could get snagged. they could have improved the installation by running the conductor down against the wall and then back up the grounding electrode after securing it in the acorn clamp. the other thing to watch out for, which none of the examples did (did wrong, that is), is the wire should be between the body of the clamp and the rod, so the bolt presses against the rod instead of the conductor.

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Ken! I thought they did put the GEC between the body of the clamp and the rod, so the bolt presses against the rod instead of the conductor. Perhaps I'm not visualizing what you're saying.

[@kenbrown2808]

@@SparkyChannel they did. you might have missed my edit to clarify they didn't do it wrong, I was just mentioning it so the viewers would know.

[@SparkyChannel]

@@kenbrown2808 I see, thanks!

[@spencerwyche2552]

I agree,#2 did a good job

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@puertadelaestrella]

#2 is the winner from a code perspective; however that installation needlessly adds high frequency impedance because of the sharp bends in the cable. Many panels have SPDs and high frequency impedance in the grounding path is deleterious to their performance. Had #4 not allowed the insulation to slip under the clamp, I too would have picked #4, as many others have as well.

[@SparkyChannel]

Excellent analysis. For other viewers: A surge protective device (SPD) is a protective device for limiting transient voltages by diverting or limiting surge current and is capable of repeating these functions as specified.

[@MattFerguson26]

Can two be joined together if one was short? Such as a splice type device.

[@SteveN-sy4bm]

Is there a grounding bushing on the other end of the emt in the disconnect panel?

[@Tie509]

I like #2 the most as well, but I still think there might be a bit of insulation under the clamp.

[@Tie509]

#1 is the "ugliest", but leaves the least doubt regarding good bonding between the conduit and the ground rod.

[@ottoroth3066]

I like #3 for neatness, but #2 is bonded to the EMT!

[@SparkyChannel]

Good points.

[@newjerseybill3521]

Nothing mentioned about the drooping EGC between the ground rods just waiting to get snagged on something and ripped apart??

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, that does look pretty bad. But the contest was in the Music City Center so it couldn't be buried.

[@maestrovso]

I am taking the quiz challenge. In my opinion none look tidy including #1. #4 definitely has a problem with the insulation pinched by the acorn clamp. They are all to code except the pinched insulation for #4 but the pinched insulation should be corrected. #3 is to code as long as the ground wire is securely connected to the grounding bar in the service box. In my opinion '#3 is the tidiest and most professional looking, though I would not pull the wire so tight.

[@SparkyChannel]

See around 5:08 where it's talking about having to bond at both ends.

[@illestofdemall13]

No, must be continuous on both ends, that's why everyone else used bonding bushings.

[@willschultz5452]

The ground wire must be bonded to the conduit on both ends.

[@phildegruy9295]

Number 4 is the best overall looking. Unfortunately, the insulation looks like it was caught in the acorn clamp. So my vote would go to number 2 which is the next best looking.

[@SparkyChannel]

That's the way I felt too, thanks!

[@adamhedberg]

Were they required to use their teeth to strip the wire?

[@SparkyChannel]

LOL!

[@meawreg]

I was thinking the same thing, score the wire the amount needed to fit the acorn, cut insulation with your knife, perfect "cut to fit", and don't leave wire insulation on wires, that's like not cutting off zip tie ends.

[@AndrewMerts]

It's always seemed so odd to me that code puts so much focus on keeping grounds and neutrals separate back to the panel and having the EGC be continuous, bonded at both ends of conductive conduit, etc but it doesn't have a provision for tying neutral and ground together at the ground rod itself. The same reasons why you don't want to tie neutral and ground together at a sub panel apply to the main as well. You don't ever want a circumstance where you have a broken ground and a broken neutral back to the transformer as now your equipment grounds are tied to the broken neutral and allowed to float high. If you tie neutral and ground at the actual ground rod itself you wouldn't have that problem as it would no longer matter where it broke, you'd either wind up with no ground or neutral only grounded at the transformer, never risking tying a current carrying conductor to a floating ground.

[@willschultz5452]

I agree with your assessment Bill!👍

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Will, have a great day!

[@munsters2]

What is the rationale as to why the EMT sleeve must be bonded at BOTH ends?

[@SparkyChannel]

It's because the emt is carrying the ground from one metal surface to another.

[@munsters2]

@@SparkyChannel Thanks.

[@joelss94]

Very interesting in Chicago must RMC for second ground rod because solar

[@brentscarborough3610]

Think four was good only thing I didn’t like was the insulation under the clamp. Think that the only thing that bugged me about it looks nice

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Brent!

[@meawreg]

this makes me wonder, cause my boss told me to drive a 3' ground rod for a trailer mounted backup generator for a job site trailer. and I ran #6 from the backup generator to the rod.

[@chrisbodiford6368]

its #4, you could argue from that pic that #2 has insulation under the acorn also.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Chris!

[@GailsonPvPwtf]

Couldn't you ground brushing in the can at the beginning of the EMT run?

[@SparkyChannel]

See around 5:08 where it's talking about having to bond at both ends.

[@wim0104]

they shoulda gotten a better ground clamp for the end of the EMT; that brass looking type with the clamp inline with the conduit

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, a larger area for the EGC would have been good.

[@commenter5469]

The thing is - you didn’t show the other end! I have no idea whether and what he used to bond the other end to enclosure. The special bonding lock nut, or the same bonding bushing, or none of the above.

[@SparkyChannel]

I did show the connection to the panel at 1:11 but, true, I didn't show the GEC connections inside the panel.

[@AaronVillatoroLuna]

Nice video Bill.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Aaron!

[@ahmad78ist]

For me #2 and #4 but what you already said that number 4 maybe get the insulation. Thanks Sir

[@SparkyChannel]

Agreed. Thanks!

[@ahmad78ist]

I watch your video even when Im forgeting the things like this because Im a all around Maintenance Technician It helps a ot thaks Sir (Philippines)

[@jamessheppard6973]

Thing is with number 3 it could have ground bushing on other side.

[@SparkyChannel]

It is bonded in the panel, but it needs to be bonded at both ends. See around 5:08 where it's talking about having to bond at both ends.

[@Pmwgolf]

I would give all contestants a thumbs down, this is a very simple task. All wire insulation should be properly removed (no removed insulation hanging freely) and wiring routed correctly with precision and care. The electrical connection of the ground wire must be exact.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@chipdayton1625]

So if you use a metal conduit for the ground, the ground must be bonded to the conduit, but do you need to use a conduit?

[@SparkyChannel]

You're asking about the conduit protecting the GEC?

[@chipdayton1625]

@@SparkyChannel Yes. Does code require that you use one?

[@tommycho9068]

Great video. Thank you.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Tommy!

[@richardcranium5839]

there was no mention in the panel of the use of a grounding bushing or a serated washer electrically connecting the panel to the conduit. i would have preferred a 90 degree downward bend on the conduit but it is not necessary.

[@SparkyChannel]

Good point. It is mentioned in the code at 5:28 but it would have been better if I had enough photos to show the bondings at the panel of 1st disconnect too.

[@Fqlan]

Can I use a #4 wire or 2 for a grounding.

[@SparkyChannel]

It depends on what you are grounding.

[@joelss94]

Yes #4 wire is good than #6 but #6 is good for second ground rod. I did test meter ohm many time. Remember depends on grounding ohm.

[@--JohnDoe]

Sparky all your stuff is on point. Big fat👍

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks so much!

[@jamariusjackson8922]

3 is the best to me 4 got a little bit too much insulation

[@SparkyChannel]

Hi Jamarius! I agree, #3 looks good but the problem is that it isn't bonded like the others are. See 4:42

[@hankkline7300]

@3 didn't bond to the conduit

[@CrazyCanadianEhh]

Great job

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@bretgreen5314]

Agreed

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Bret!

[@HBSuccess]

#4 and it’s OK you can’t quite see the bare wire at the very top of the clamp because the clamping surface is an 1/8” or so down. As long as it’s clamping the wire and not the insulation it’s ok. But I’d flunk all of them for not cleaning up the insulation they stripped, leaving a “banana peel” is ridiculous. That said the whole setup is stupid. Who is going to use EMT to house a ground wire?

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks, good comments.

[@selaxlife7621]

Damn 60 grand???? That's a nice little incentive....good on them for not being tight wads.

[@SparkyChannel]

That's a lot of incentive!

[@79outgoing]

I was right. 2

[@SparkyChannel]

Good job Gregory!

[@71organicmusic9]

Number 2.......

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@theoisaac9948]

Oh oh at first but looks good!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Theo!

[@jolyonwelsh9834]

According to NEC, if the GEC is #4 or larger, it doesn't need to be protected in conduit. 250.64

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@stevenpersinger6577]

#6 for ground rods. #4 for cold water. Why did he run past the first rod to circle back to it?

[@danielzatkovich4659]

Isn't copper non-ferrous?

[@SparkyChannel]

Yes, it is non-ferrous.

[@waynedoomad2573]

#3

[@ghostridergale]

Wow, I guessed right! I thought 2 was the best as well. But to be honest I’m no electrician. Just done my share of electrical work over the years since my Dad use to be one of those jacks of all trades. Only when my Dad got himself into trouble I usually ended up taking over and bailing him out of trouble. Now that be funny If you knew my Dad and our relationship cause my Dad was a controlling person and no one especially me could never do anything better then he could. Oh did my Dad hate it when I could do anything he couldn’t do too! Certainly never get him to admit it that’s for sure! Remember times when we have arguments how something needs to be done and the few times he decided to do it my way and figured out I was right. He then tell a customer it was his idea to change how it was done. Yet according to my Dad, I was the stupid one that would never amount to anything! My Dad’s actual words too! But in the long run even though my Dad did teach me a lot, I believe I surpasses him by quite a bit even though my Dad would never admit it in a million years. That one he took to the grave with him. Still can hear him belittle me though even almost 30 years after he died. Just goes to show how verbal abuse sticks with your kid though!

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks Gale!

[@craigmoon1803]

You are correct when you point out how that kind of abuse sticks with the child but, the sad thing is that your father obviously loved you even though his training taught him the wrong way to show it. I can say that confidently because you had some kind of relationship with him for at least enough time for you to be involved in his work. Men that don’t love their kids disappear.

[@ghostridergale]

@@craigmoon1803 actually my dad taught me for only one reason and one reason only! Which was to be his slave to work for free starting at age 5 till up till I was 18 years old and started rebelling. I never had a normal kid’s life. Didn’t get to play with friends. I had work to do! And I was absolutely never allowed to stay after school for any reason and God forbid if I got home late for any reason. Actually never graduated cause my own Dad talked me out of finishing High School. Told me I didn’t need school! But my Dad’s alternative motive is if I wasn’t going to school he have me there working full time with him. I actually got a paper route once to earn my own money, except I never seen that either! My Dad told me he was saving it for me. Well he’s still saving it cause I never seen a penny of it! LOL For some reason though I always still loved my Dad, always least wanted to think the best of him. Which is why my dad was always able to con me out of money I never ever seen again. For example when I was in my mid 20’s and married too. My dad knew I had $1200.00 in my saving account at the time since I had rebelled and went out and got another job working for a company where I actually got paid to support my own family. Anyway my Dad had a 65 Fold Falcon and he bought a travel trailer the Ford Falcon didn’t have enough power to pull. My dad found a 68 Oldsmobile with a 454 engine for sale and only $1200.00 my dad didn’t have. So my dad comes to me with a deal! He’ll give me the Ford Falcon if I give him the $1200.00 to buy the Oldsmobile. Now at that time the Ford Falcon was worth maybe $600.00 at the most! But it was my Dad after all, I didn’t care if I was getting the short end of the stick and help my Dad out! Only that short end of the stick I was supposed to get I never actually seen since good ol Dad turned around and sold the Ford Falcon and I never seen a penny of my )1200.00 back either! Actually had to walk away from any relationship I had with my Dad not only for my sake but my own family sake being my Dad was always so controlling and always knew what was better for my own money then I did according to my Dad anyway! Didn’t see him for 4 years, till by chance I ran into one of my sisters at a store and foolishly I told her my phone number. Next thing I hear from my Sister on the phone was getting close to Christmas and my sister telling me my Dad wants to bring presents over for my kids! Yea sounds great huh? Except that was one of my Dad’s favorite tricks to come baring gifts when he wanted something? Which when I hung up with my sister I told my wife I wonder what my Dad wants this time? Well to come find out he learned he had cancer and wasn’t going to be able to run his shop ( shop I helped build and paid for half the equipment too) and he had contractors that he needed to get the jobs done for. My Dad wanted me to run the shop while he was in the hospital thinking he get better eventually? So I did as my Dad asked. But he ended up dying only a month later. That’s when I learned my Dad had already signed everything over to my sisters and Of course I got nothing! But as I told my wife. My sisters better enjoy it cause it’s the last thing their ever getting from my Dad, even though many times the things my Dad gave my sister was actually mine! I never fought over a thing, just let it go! But my sisters didn’t fulfill the contracts my Dad still had to do and they sold everything and kept contractors down payments and left everyone holding the bag so to speak. Which made it even harder for me when I decided to start my own business cause contractors thought I be just like my sisters are. I had a long struggle proving I wasn’t dishonest and my word meant everything to me. Eventually contractors were handing me $10,000.00 - $15,000.00 on just a hand shake I do what I promised to do and not once did a contractor ever not get what they paid for! But did my Dad love me? Boy that’s a tough question to answer? Can tell you I loved my own kids and I never treated my own kids how my Dad treated me. My kids actually got their childhood and wanted for nothing. My kids got the childhood I always wanted myself. Might say I relived my childhood thru my own kids in a way! Unlike my Dad I always told my kids I was proud of them and that they could do anything they put their minds to doing! I also stressed to get my kids to at least finish high school. Least tried to give my own kids every benefit to be able to build a good life for themselves that I could provide for them. Which wasn’t really ever my Dad’s motives for teaching me a thing. If my kids could do anything better then I could, I was proud of them and told them so. Never hear me Dad say anything like that ever! I’d of been the happiest guy in the world if I had ever heard my Dad say he was proud of me even once! But instead I heard I never be the man he was, I never amount to anything! I had stupid ideas and so on! In fact my dad had me so screwed up making me insecure that I stuttered for years. Which I still had that problem when I started my own business too. Now you can be the best at anything and still never get anyone to hire you if your not secure in yourself! Made a fool of myself many times talking to potential customers and of course they didn’t hire me. But I refused to give up and this was my one best chance to give my wife and kids the life I wanted them to have. Each time I went out to talk to a potential customer I got better and better talking to people and say by day I got more secure and eventually my stuttering went away completely. Now I can talk to anyone under any circumstances and never stutter one bit. But I had to change myself and the verbal and physical abuse I went through in my childhood. I truly wish I could say my Das was there for me, wish I could say that! Well I could but wouldn’t be true! But least I can say I’m a self made man and everything I have I earned it on my own. Some times you just have to accept being proud of yourself and that’s really all that matters! Don’t allow others to drag you down, not even family that’s supposed to love you! You can do anything you put your mind to, doesn’t mean it will be easy! But with persistent and refusing to give up you will eventually reach your goals. Only thing holding you back is yourself and excuses for failing as well as sometimes health issues can also make things go terribly wrong too! Another one I learned when my health failed me out of the blue too! Regardless, it’s still in your power to make the best out of every situation or let iit defeat you! I’m no quitter and believe I’ve proven that! All you can do is your best and if you done that you have nothing to be a shamed of when you take your last dying breathe! That will be my last and final goal!

[@89Ayten]

The amount of copper wire exposed under the green insulation is kind of irrelevant when it's okay for the entire earth rod to be exposed. Who cares if an extra cm or two is showing at that point.

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks!

[@kytddjj]

for earthquakes

[@SparkyChannel]

Wow!

[@blizzington4528]

Number 1 is just complete trash

[@SparkyChannel]

Thanks.

[@WOODY11780]

In my opinion .... ALL are wrong !!!! .....I was taught by a Lic Master Electrician ....Do NOT sleeve grounding conductors in metal conduit !!!....PVC should be used !!!

[@willschultz5452]

He is wrong! You can sleeve it in anything or not at all. The only reason to sleeve it is to keep it from getting damaged if it's in a industrial climate or some place that could be hazardous to the conductor. EMT is stronger than PVC. You can use either one, but EMT is stronger.

[@steveloux4709]

@@willschultz5452 PVC is preferred if not subject to damage. Having to bond the raceway at both ends is more difficult, and if the ground was intended to be an isolated ground, a metal raceway makes it difficult to keep the pathway isolated all the way out to the GEC.

[@joelss94]

My answer no PVC for Chicago only Rmc is good.