Denny Esterline wrote:

> If only it were that simple. I've done electrical work in two neighboring
> counties, they used different building codes {CABO vs BOCA, IIRC} One
> _required_ that the ground and neutral lines be connected at the service
> panel, the other _prohibited_ them from being connected. And when
> questioned both inspectors claimed the other way was unsafe.

I think the unsafe part when connected is that the ground wire may pick up
a potential if there is considerable current through the neutral wire to
ground. The unsafe part when not connected is probably that the ground wire
may be on a different potential than the neutral wire. 

But I don't really see what should be unsafe when not connected (assuming
that the ground wire is properly grounded). I guess if I were asked to
design the wiring, I'd ground the ground wire separately. IMO that's the
purpose of a ground wire.

Gerhard

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