Adding a "panel" - rerouting ground

[dcg9381]

Need a little advice on the existing GEC (Grounding Electrode Conductor) in a main panel. Basic configuration is this:


Current look at the main panel, I don't know where the ground is tied.. UFER or ground rod.



I'm going to reconfigure this and add a Sol-Ark inverter in front of the load panel (200A utility pass-thru), so the inverter becomes the main panel.
I'll unbond the load panel.



Question is:
Is there a way to "share" the existing GEC? Or do I need to drop in a new ground rod. Same structure. It's a garage with residential over it.

 

[PCustoms]

I believe (don't quote me, I'd need to dig deeper) your ground needs to be moved to the new "main" panel

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Is there a way to "share" the existing GEC? Or do I need to drop in a new ground rod. Same structure. It's a garage with residential over it.

why would you share it? the GEC needs to go to the new main service panel.

also all those EGCs on the neutral bars need to be moved to a new ground bar(s). make sure the neutral bars are no longer bonded and you will need to run an EGC between the new main and the old main meaning the feeder needs to be 4-wire instead of 3-wire. what type of wire do you have between the meter and current main service panel

 

[dcg9381]

why would you share it? the GEC needs to go to the new main service panel.

I was thinking "because the sub-panel" needs a GEC too.. But then I remembered these are the "same structure", main gets the GEC, sub gets connected to the main 4-wire..

Last sub-panel I did was a separate structure, so that's what confused me.

I assume I can "spice" the existing GEC and get it over to the main (inverter)? Running a new wire to ground actual ground connection would be a pain...

also all those EGCs on the neutral bars need to be moved to a new ground bar(s). make sure the neutral bars are no longer bonded and you will need to run an EGC between the new main and the old main meaning the feeder needs to be 4-wire instead of 3-wire.

Got it.

what type of wire do you have between the meter and current main service panel

I don't know, 200A service.. This is up north, so quality of work is usually better, but I'll see if there is any indication of wire type..

 

[mm08822]

I assume I can "spice" the existing GEC and get it over to the main (inverter)? Running a new wire to ground actual ground connection would be a pain...

I don't know, 200A service.. This is up north, so quality of work is usually better, but I'll see if there is any indication of wire type..

The splice in GEC can be made by permanent means. See NEC 250.64C.

Your pic shows 4/0 conductors in the panel....
It looks like (at least) the neutral is copper?

 

[dcg9381]

The splice in GEC can be made by permanent means. See NEC 250.64C.
Your pic shows 4/0 conductors in the panel....It looks like (at least) the neutral is copper?

Thanks. I can't tell if it's copper, it has anti-ox on it. Doesn't really matter, need to run new main wires anyway. 200A service.



Current "main" panel is essentially on the back side (interior side) of the meter.