Ground Rod for All Sub Panels?

[BentBierz]

Hello,

I am getting new metered power run to a detached building and will have several sub panels inside the building coming off of the main panel. One panel is for general lighting, outlets, bench top equipment, etc. I will also have a panel coming off of a Phase Perfect digital phase converter to supply 3 phase power for up to 5 pieces of equipment.

Question: Regardless of use, is it required to have each sub panel in a building attached to a grounding rod or is the requirement only for the main panel? Thanks.

 

[pattenp]

Ground electrode is needed only at first main disconnect at each structure.

 

[bad_idea]

Ground electrode is needed only at first main disconnect at each structure.

Then each subsequent panel would have a ground wire running from the ground terminal block of the main panel to the ground terminal block of the sub panel, right?

 

[rlitman]

Then each subsequent panel would have a ground wire running from the ground terminal block of the main panel to the ground terminal block of the sub panel, right?

Exactly.

 

[BentBierz]

Ground electrode is needed only at first main disconnect at each structure.

Thanks. That was my guess but I couldn't really find anything online discussing multiple panels in the same building and I have not had that much luck with local electricians singing from the same code book.

 

[Bert_]

Ground rods aren't required for each panel. Ground rods are required for each building.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Then each subsequent panel would have a ground wire running from the ground terminal block of the main panel to the ground terminal block of the sub panel, right?

Not necessarily a wire
Running EMT, Rigid Metal, or Intermediate Metal Conduit between them would bond them.

(Bert, he's speaking of panels within the same building )

 

[BentBierz]

(Bert, he's speaking of panels within the same building )

Yes, new service from the pole to a steel building. I know that there needs to be a ground rod (or two) at the main panel but was curious if you had multiple subpanels off of this main panel, do they ALL need ground rods? I have searched on several electrical forums and so far have seen several people that said you DIDN'T need a rod at every subpanel. Unfortunately, they made definitive statements but did not provide a code cite.

 

[mm08822]

Yes, new service from the pole to a steel building. I know that there needs to be a ground rod (or two) at the main panel but was curious if you had multiple subpanels off of this main panel, do they ALL need ground rods? I have searched on several electrical forums and so far have seen several people that said you DIDN'T need a rod at every subpanel. Unfortunately, they made definitive statements but did not provide a code cite.

You won't find a code requirement stating where not needed, but you will find where needed.

Needed at the point of service disconnect from utility and each separate structure fed with a sub-panel thereafter.

 

[BentBierz]

You won't find a code requirement stating where not needed, but you will find where needed.

Needed at the point of service disconnect from utility and each separate structure fed with a sub-panel thereafter.

Makes sense! I have been a Coast Guard vessel inspector and inspections branch chief for many years. We teach all new inspectors that if you "can't cite it, don't write it!"

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes, new service from the pole to a steel building. I know that there needs to be a ground rod (or two) at the main panel but was curious if you had multiple subpanels off of this main panel, do they ALL need ground rods? I have searched on several electrical forums and so far have seen several people that said you DIDN'T need a rod at every subpanel. Unfortunately, they made definitive statements but did not provide a code cite.

thats not how the code works. If it doesnt say something is required then its not required. The code will not say when something ISNT required.

 

[BentBierz]

thats not how the code works. If it doesnt say something is required then its not required. The code will not say when something ISNT required.

Makes sense! I have been a Coast Guard vessel inspector and inspections branch chief for many years. We teach all new inspectors that if you "can't cite it, don't write it!"

Believe I stated as much above!