I need to run six 12 ga circuits from the breaker panel to the new construction (4 bathrooms).
Do I need to run one 12 ga ground conductor for each of these circuits? Or can I share a single, larger ground conductor between all of them. For example, can I run a 10 ga (or larger?) ground conductor and branch that to four 12 ga conductors near the load?
Thanks, Dave
It is not a code violation to share a common ground. To use this solution you would need to use a raceway (conduit) wiring method. If it is rigid or EMT, you can use the raceway as the ground. If PVC or flex, then you run a ground sized per the largest circuit being served. In this case, they are all 20A, so a single #12 ground is all that is required from the panel. Once these circuits begin to split to each bathroom, you need to branch the ground too to follow each circuit keeping all conductors together.
Like Voltaic said, if using NM cable (romex), it will already have the grounding wire included in the cable and you can't buy it without it.
I don't think you can use EMT conduit as a ground. The conduit connections aren't good enough to provide the required ground. In EMT you have to run a separate ground.
Bill Gill
ditto in chicago and many burbs were romex is not allowed Mark H.
One ground, one neutral and one hot. The distinction IS important.
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