Master Electrician Exam (NEC)Grounding and BondingMedium

A master electrician is installing a new 100A, 240V, single-phase motor in an industrial facility. The motor is supplied by a 1-inch rigid nonmetallic conduit (RNC) containing 3 AWG copper ungrounded conductors. What is the minimum size copper equipment grounding conductor (EGC) required for this motor circuit?

  1. ANo. 4 AWG
  2. BNo. 8 AWG
  3. CNo. 6 AWG
  4. DNo. 10 AWG
Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: B. No. 8 AWG

According to NEC 250.122(B) and Table 250.122, the minimum size EGC is based on the rating of the overcurrent protective device. For a 100A circuit, the minimum size copper EGC is No. 8 AWG.

Why the other options are wrong

  • A. This size is significantly larger than required for a 100A circuit.
  • C. This size is larger than required for a 100A circuit.
  • D. This size is too small for a 100A circuit.

Equipment Grounding Conductor Sizing

Equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) are sized based on the rating of the overcurrent protective device for the circuit, as per NEC Table 250.122.

  • Sized by overcurrent device rating.
  • Table 250.122 is the reference.
  • Ensures fault current path.

Memory trick: EGC size, fault current's demise.

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