sub feed to garage

[al704]

existing detached garage is subfeed with 3 wires, 2 hot, 1 neutral. Ground bar goes to ground rod, is this acceptable?

 

[pattenp]

Depends on when it was installed.

 

[al704]

no idea when it was installed, not concerned with passing inspection. Is it safe this way? Any possible issues?

 

[theoldwizard1]

It is NOT current code.

That being said, there are millions of garages wired that way. You don't hear about a lot of them burning down !

I would change the 120V duplex outlet to GFCI before I would worry about installing a 4 wire feed.

 

[dw1]

existing detached garage is subfeed with 3 wires, 2 hot, 1 neutral. Ground bar goes to ground rod, is this acceptable?

By any chance is the feed in conduit? Steel? or if PVC could you pull another wire in ?

You said its been installed for a long time, possibly met code requirements (as stated above) when it was installed, I would have to look when the NEC changed to 4 wire sub panel feeds, I'm sure someone here knows off the top of their head!!

 

[dartworth]

It is NOT current code.

That being said, there are millions of garages wired that way. You don't hear about a lot of them burning down !

I would change the 120V duplex outlet to GFCI before I would worry about installing a 4 wire feed.

Just curious, what is the current code?

 

[dw1]

Just curious, what is the current code?

It depends where you live and what code cycle of the NEC that is being enforced by your local AHJ

 

[ForceFed70]

It is NOT current code.

That being said, there are millions of garages wired that way. You don't hear about a lot of them burning down !

I would change the 120V duplex outlet to GFCI before I would worry about installing a 4 wire feed.

Nailed it.

 

[Norcal]

If the feeder is large enough for the load, leave it alone, but the grounding electrode must be connected / bonded to the neutral. If upgrades are needed then it will need to comply with current codes.