Disconnect and Subpanel

[Red Mule]

Hi,
I'm wiring up a small detached building. I got a small exterior disconnect to install before the subpanel in the building. I've run 3-#6 copper wires ( two hot and a nuetral) and a #6 copper ground through conduit and up into the disconnect box.

Here is my question. I understand that the neutral and ground need to be isolated from each other in the subpanel by installing the ground bar kit for panel..Homeline 612l 100f. BUT...I was told to wire the neutral and the ground together to the buss in the disconnect box on the exterior of the building and then bring them into the subpanel. Is this really what I want to do? I know they are common at the main house feed...but just not sure about this one.

I'm installing a ground rod with #6 run up into the sub panel. Is this right or should it go into the disconnect?

Thanks for any help guys.

 

[kd3pc]

It will depend on the authority having jurisdiction as NEC may suggest one thing, AHJ another and often in contradiction of the other.

IN my area, the AHJ requires the neutral and ground to be separate to the outside disconnect, then pull 4 conductors to the panel,where they are eventually tied together in bonding kit.

ground rod had to go in the ditch laying parallel to the ground, with the bare conductor passing THROUGH the disconnect but not tied anywhere and terminating on the ground bus in the subpanel.

 

[Aceman]

The ONLY time the grounds and neutrals are bonded together is at the main service panel. Period. If someone tells you to bond them together again somewhere else, they do not know what they are talking about.

You need two rods, not one, with the ground wire going to the disconnect.

 

[Zeke]

Why would the disconnect be outside and the panel inside out of sight of one another? It might meet code but it doesn't make much sense.

 

[Red Mule]

Thanks. Maybe I can eliminate the outside disconnect? I was told that the Fire Dept wants exterior disconnects...but this was told to me by the same guy who told me to tie neutral and ground together at disconnect box.

And maybe I need to find out what local code is for where the ground needs to be terminated coming from the rod...disconnect or subpanel.

thanks guys

 

[Zeke]

The fire dept disconnect is the meter. They'll yank it if needed. And that's so you don't power up until an inspection is made.

 

[Mustang51js]

Usually you can just get a main breaker sub panel and takes care of it.