Bringing GEC #6 Solid Copper into subpanel

[Dakota46]

I have a #6 solid copper wire that is attached to my ground rods outside the garage. Is there a special fitting needed to bring it into the panel through the knockout? My panel has a couple small knockouts (3/8"? Or so).

It's a Square D QO 125amp load center if that matters?

Thanks! I'm sure someone has an answer!

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[Terry D]

On some panels, not sure about yours. There are small knockouts inside of the 1/2" ones. They are about 1/4" in diameter. You can use these to bring your #6 through these. If not, just knock out a 1/2" one and use a plastic or metal romex connector. Make sure you secure the #6 outside the panel with a staple or strap.

 

[Dakota46]

Terry D - - Thanks! That is what I'll do.

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[exranger06]

A Kenny clamp is a fitting designed specifically for bringing the ground wire into a panel.
https://megadepot.com/product/morris-products-15392-kc6so-6-awg-solid-kenny-clamp

 

[larry4406]

A Kenny clamp is a fitting designed specifically for bringing the ground wire into a panel.
https://megadepot.com/product/morris-products-15392-kc6so-6-awg-solid-kenny-clamp

When I built homes in Montgomery County MD a few years ago they required this.

 

[stickshift]

If you have low voltage lines you want to ground (cable, fiber, tel), I imagine you can use this style of bonding bridge to bring ground wire into your subpanel.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Southwi...stem-Bonding-Bridge-Connector-MEIBB/204754824

 

[Crazyjake8493]

Most newer panels should have at least one small 1/4" knockout on the bottom for your GEC.

 

[sky jumper]

are you getting it inspected? you might ask the building dept what they require. mine requires the GEC to be in EMT inside the building up to the panel, and in Rigid outside the building to grade. and then for some reason they don't care what happens next so long as it picks up 2 rods 6ft apart. and if you dare ask why the GEC needs to be in metal conduit they will react with great hostility...

 

[andyvh1959]

Y'know, I kinda thought about that too. Up here in Green Bay WI, inspector was here yesterday to review my two ground rods installation. Both are on the inside of the garage through the slab, tight to the cement block under the sill plate, 6'+ apart. But no conduit over the solid ground cable 6" off the floor level, and then the cable follows up the back side of the 1-1/2" plastic conduit for the four feeder cables (that also comes up through the slab) up to the sub-panel. Since he inspected it and approved it I am good to go.

 

[Dagny]

Dont have a code book with me but wouldn't metal conduit then require a grounding bushing on top?

 

[Norcal]

When I built homes in Montgomery County MD a few years ago they required this.

In one area someone who was related to to the inventor of the clamp that had a lot to do with the requirement to use them.

 

[Terry D]

To be honest, I have never heard or seen that clamp.

 

[acer66]

Most newer panels should have at least one small 1/4" knockout on the bottom for your GEC.

This or its just a small hole.

 

[larry4406]

When I built homes in Montgomery County MD a few years ago they required this.

In one area someone who was related to to the inventor of the clamp that had a lot to do with the requirement to use them.

Norcal - You are on to something. The Montgomery County MD inspectors all said that they had training by someone who was involved with the design/invention of this clamp. Perhaps the inventor did the Code training.

I fail to understand the purpose of the Kenny clamp. So what if the clamp abraids the paint on the panel and physically and mechanically locks and bonds the ground wire to the panel frame meanwhile it is attached to the ground bus which is bonded to the metal enclosure which achieves the same thing. I feel it is a corrupt racket/product.

Strain relief anchorage to the panel is the only benefit but its not like someone is pulling on the ground wire.

 

[Jim greengo]

To be honest, I have never heard or seen that clamp.

Me neither,I just use a romex clamp.

 

[acer66]

Me neither,I just use a romex clamp.

I just ran it through that little hole in the enclosure with no strain relieve at both of my panels and passed inspection.

 

[Jim greengo]

I just ran it through that little hole in the enclosure with no strain relieve at both of my panels and passed inspection.

That works also,I just hate trying to fight the wire through there,then having to try and straighten it out to make it look good inside of the panel.
Easier to work with when you bring it through a romex clamp for me.

 

[Innovate1]

Never seen the bonding bridge before. I have always just brought the extra grounds from phone/satellite/whatever into the panel and used the ground bus bar. I suppose this makes it a little easier. I see the local HD has a dozen in stock so they must be used a fair amount around here although I just ran my ground though the small knockout that is provided for the ground. Passed inspection fine but then again they never got within about 10 feet of the panel.

 

[Terry D]

Never seen the bonding bridge before. I have always just brought the extra grounds from phone/satellite/whatever into the panel and used the ground bus bar. I suppose this makes it a little easier. I see the local HD has a dozen in stock so they must be used a fair amount around here although I just ran my ground though the small knockout that is provided for the ground. Passed inspection fine but then again they never got within about 10 feet of the panel.

Ground bridges are required by code now in most areas. You should never bring those system grounds in you panel