On Sun, 28 Dec 2003 01:01:56 -0800, "\"PrecisionMachinisT\"" wrote:
If you like you could run a dedicated ground conductor alongside or inside
the existing conduit--bare or insulated copper should be fine..........It
then becomes your ground path--at this juncture, the conduit is simply
grounded, where this is a requirement in the case of metallic conduit
anyways.

Always a good plan.

As to the fifteen foot ceiling drop, not sure it would be to code, but if a
plug were installed in the ceiling it would technically be a disconnect at
that point. This places the machinery into the "portable "
classification........

Wouldn't be Code. The disconnect has to be in sight and *in reach* of
the operator. Unless you're very tall, or have extremely long arms, mounting
the disconnect 15 feet in the air wouldn't comply with the requirements.

The current trend is to avoid multiple ground paths.......a "star" grounding
system is preferred, whereas all grounds lead to a central point--that being
the service entrance grounding stake, via the entrance panel grounding
bussbar.

Yes. Star connection avoids ground loop problems, which can generate
EMI problems.

Gary