Hello, I just completed a run of conduit powering a 220V compressor unit. I will be tapping into the circuit panel later today, but before I do I want to get an opinion.
I'm using #12 solid wire to the compressor. I ran red, black and green, with the red and black being hots, and green ground (obviously).
Should the conduit also be grounded? Right now the ground runs straight through, and will be grounded in the panel. I'm not using romex-type wire through the conduit, they're individual.
I really don't think this is necessary. If there happens to be a short, touching the conduit may persuade electricity in thinking you're the shortest path to earth (depending situation). I may be wrong though.
Also, are there any NEC restrictions when tapping into a flush-mount panel? The conduit is surface mounted and runs the length of the garage. At the panel end, I mounted an electrical box. I was planning on running 12-2 (w/ground) from that into the wall, then the box. So, there'll be some exposed wire (about 3").
I think this is OK, since NEC mandates conduit in areas of "high abuse", or "high traffic", which this small area is not.
Please share comments and suggestions.
Thanks!
Mike