What is the maximum size of the GEC required for a system fed with 600 kcmil conductors?

The maximum size of the Grounding Electroconductor (GEC) is determined based on the size of the largest ungrounded conductor in the system, following guidelines from the National Electrical Code (NEC). For conductors rated at 600 kcmil, the NEC specifies a minimum GEC size to ensure adequate grounding for safety and performance.

When feeding a system with conductors of this size, the NEC Table provides a formula to determine the appropriate GEC size. For a 600 kcmil conductor, the required GEC size would typically be one of the larger sizes unless exceptions apply. According to NEC standards, a conductor size of 600 kcmil usually corresponds to a minimum GEC size of 4 AWG or larger; however, in many cases, the commonly used GEC size increases based on specific applications or regulatory guidelines.

In the context of grounding systems, the size of the GEC must be sufficient to handle fault currents without significant loss or melting. Therefore, selecting a GEC size that matches or is appropriately scaled to the size of the conductors being used is critical for ensuring safety.

In this case, the choice reflecting a GEC size of 6 AWG aligns with minimum requirements available in current electrical