What
does Bond mean? A
bond is the connection
point between the metal enclosure and the ground wire, as seen in
illustration showing metal panel with bonding lug, and motor with
ground screw. Bonding
is not grounding. Grounding is when the ground wire makes connection to
a ground rod driven into earth to a depth that meets local codes
for grounding. Buy:Bonding lug
GFCI and ground are not same thing, and both serve
different functions in the electrical system. However to work correctly, and trip instantly and give maximum protection, a
GFCI-protected circuit requires a proper ground. Resources: Why you need ground wire How to wire GFCI
Best protection when all outdoor panels are bonded to
ground. Applies to pool equipment, solar panels, outdoor motors, above ground swimming pool pump etc.
If
the panel or motor is installed with metal conduit that goes into soil,
then that is probably sufficient. PVC conduit and flexible conduit are
not conductive and a separate bond to ground is recommended.
To maximize household protection, all phone, satellite, pool
equipment, solar systems and electric panels must be grounded.
All household ground rods should be wired together if possible to
protect from surge and nearby lightning strike. Best
protection is to bond (connect) all ground wires and ground rods
together to form a larger array of grounding that can absorb more
energy.
The
purpose of the ground is to provide a very low-resistance path for electrons
to reach earth. If the ground is not conductive to earth, or offers
resistance instead of low-resistance, then the ground will not function
as expected. This mean higher risk of electrocution, slower acting GFCI, more stress on
electrical wires and breakers and devices during a fault condition or insulation failure. Why you need ground wire
Check
local electric codes for correct depth and type
of approved ground connection. Why? Grounding varies by type of soil.
Dry rocky soils are not as conductive as wet sandy soils. Warm soils
are more conductive than frozen soils, with frozen soil offering
highest resistance, and often zero conductivity.
Typical installation for reasonably damp soils: Drive
ground rod 8-10 feet into soil as per local code.
Connect or Bond #6-8 bare
copper wire to all outdoor electric equipment,
including pumps, motors, subpanels, timers, satellite equipment, phone,
antenna and PV solar panels and to solar glycol systems including pipes
on roof. The ground wire is then attached to the ground rod using clamp.
Ground wire must be connected to
ground rod. If
the ground wire has come loose from ground rod ... or a bond has come
loose from panel ... danger ... do not touch until all power is turned
off. De-energize main breaker, and then reconnect ground wire and
secure very tight to prevent from coming loose. Do
NOT ground electric system to household water pipes. Stray current
corrosion can
cause
pipes to deteriorate, or cause uncertain bond to ground because of
plastic pipes. A poor grounding connection is not reliable. Resource: Safe electric wiring
Electrical subpanels
installed outdoors or in distant buildings can have a separate
ground rod ... local codes vary. For example, outdoor pool equipment
should have a separate ground rod. Satellite dish or antenna should
have ground rod.