All Questions
86 questions
13
votes
3
answers
271k
views
How do I properly ground my subpanel that only has one neutral/ground bar?
I am adding a sub panel in an unattached building. My sub panel has the connection for the 2 hot wires coming from the source panel (a 40 amp double breaker) In addition it has one neutral/ground bar ...
- 131
9
votes
1
answer
650
views
Do the EGC and GEC both terminate at grounding bar in new sub-panel in detached building (garage)?
Edit: My rough location: Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
There are a million questions and youtube videos on the topic, and I'm sure one of them clearly answers this question because it seems so ...
- 91
9
votes
4
answers
9k
views
How to add a gfci and surge protector to pool pump line?
I want to add a gfci and surge protector to the 240v circuit for my pool pump. The 12 guage power wires (red and black) and ground (green) run from the corner of yard directly to the main breaker ...
- 183
5
votes
3
answers
2k
views
Ground wire pass-through safety switch to sub panel?
I have an out-building 150+ feet from the main service panel with its own 240v 60 amp sub panel. It is powered via a four wire bundle going through underground conduit -- 2 x 120v feeders, 1 neutral, ...
- 870
5
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Replacing subpanel that was fed with 3 wires
A contractor replaced my subpanel with a new one, and will come back for other work and inspection. (Old subpanel is Federal Pacific.) My home is in California, built in early 1980s. The subpanel is ...
- 263
5
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Ground wires absent from circuits exiting apartment panel
I'm taking a look at the (only) panel in my apartment (7 apartments in building, NYC) and I'm noticing that out of all the circuits leaving the panel, not a single one of them contains a ground wire. ...
- 323
4
votes
3
answers
119k
views
Is it ok to use a ground rod at a subpanel instead of a fourth wire?
I understand running the neutral wire back to the main service panel and not bonding the subpanel... but running the equipment ground back to the main panel seems to get conflicting answers.
If ...
- 41
3
votes
2
answers
7k
views
Should a subpanel in the same building have its own grounding rod?
I'm installing a subpanel on the opposite side of my home. To be clear the subpanel will be attached to the same structure as the main panel (the main panel does have a grounding rod), just on the ...
- 161
3
votes
1
answer
619
views
Separating Ground and Neutrals in Mainpanel before installing sub panel
I'm planning to get a 100 amp sub panel installed in my garage but got conflicting opinions on a point from different master electricians. The point is one electrician is saying it's a must to ...
- 133
3
votes
1
answer
697
views
Square D QOC 12 125: Is it possible to bring this subpanel up to code?
I opened up this subpanel for the first time because when I opened the walls for contractors to install floor drains, I found a circuit with four splices that were any/all of:
not enclosed in ...
- 143
3
votes
1
answer
339
views
Should I oversize conduit and grounding wire size?
I'm getting ready to place my materials order and have a few last details/checks I could use help with. This is for installing a subpanel in a detached pump house. I'm putting a 60 amp two-pole ...
- 121
3
votes
2
answers
1k
views
8 AWG solid EGC in raceway for 100 amp subpanel
I'm adding a 100 amp subpanel to my detached garage and have a question about the EGC I've already pulled through the underground LFNC-B raceway.
Taking the advice from a similar post on this forum, I ...
- 33
3
votes
1
answer
648
views
Grounding branch circuits in gutter instead of in panel
Replacing a sub panel (with neutral from main panel and local ground rod). The branch circuits will come in via a Wiegmann gutter above the subpanel.
Is there an issue having a grounding bar in the ...
- 55
3
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Move grounds to subpanel when I moved 8 single pole breakers to same subpanel?
When I move 8 breakers from main panel to a subpanel (a few feet away) can I simply move the hot and neutral only to subpanel? The 8 breakers are grounded in the main panel already.
A 100 amp breaker ...
- 221
3
votes
7
answers
99k
views
Grounding requirements for main panel and subpanel
I recently had my main service professionally upgraded to 200A and had a 60A subpanel installed in my master suite to support future additions. All work passed city inspection, for whatever that's ...
- 133
3
votes
2
answers
303
views
Do multiple ground bus bars need to be tied on subpanel?
I'm adding circuits to a subpanel. For wiring neatness sake, I'm considering adding a second ground bus bar. Do I need to tie both ground bars together (if so, what size wire), or is screwing them ...
- 671
3
votes
1
answer
4k
views
100a Subpanel - Detached Garage Plan Review with Schematic
Previous Conversation below. Here is the revised plan - which now includes #6 Bare Copper wire throughout the run from main panel to new sub panel.
Is this plan good to go at this point? Would you ...
- 33
3
votes
2
answers
4k
views
subpanel ground requirement - attached vs unattached structure - what difference does it make?
Subpanel in the garage is currently fed by 10-2 w/ground romex and is grounded both at the main panel via the ground wire and to the plumbing next to the subpanel (underground iron pipe). I want to ...
- 31
3
votes
1
answer
1k
views
adding new circuit to generator subpanel without a ground bar
I have a main Square D panel with a post-installed Generac (Siemens) subpanel with automatic transfer switch to standby generator. I want to add a new 15A circuit to the subpanel so I can move a ...
- 361
3
votes
1
answer
573
views
Grounding subpanels located ~100ft from main breaker
Based on this question on EGCs in conduit (in the context of branch circuits) and this question on conduit as a sole ground source, I would like to know whether two subpanels, located ~100ft from the ...
- 2,218
2
votes
2
answers
475
views
Can I wire smart switch to two panels?
I've seen some similar questions but not my exact situation (forgive me if I missed it).
I am wanting to replace a switch that controls the light in my swimming pool with a smart switch.
Background...
...
- 23
2
votes
1
answer
408
views
Does Sub panel need ground rod?
Have a Outside Main Box that's Full. Want to add Outside Sub-Panel right next to it 12 inches to the right. I know the Sub-Panel uses separate Neutral Bar and Ground Bar. But, Does the Sub-Panel need ...
2
votes
1
answer
4k
views
Is #10 AWG sufficient to ground a sub-panel to the ground bar in the main panel?
Improving unfinished basement in 7 year old log home to have a small shop and a mancave
Installing sub panel 40 wire feet from main panel mainly because i don't want to home-run all my circuits to the ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
208
views
Can I use a 6AWG ground wire for a 100A feeder that has a section SER 1-1-1-3 and a section THHN?
I'm running a feeder to a 100A sub-panel. The total run is about 90 feet. 60 feet is in an attic, and I'm planning to use Aluminum SER 1-1-1-3, the other 30 feet is through a 1.5" PVC conduit on ...
- 707
2
votes
2
answers
2k
views
Grounding subpanel
I have a simple question, that I believe I already know the answer to, but just need confirmation before moving on.
I had an electrician install a 100 amp subpanel installed on a newly built ...
- 23
2
votes
2
answers
1k
views
Can I use an existing Ground Rod for Sub-Panel in Detached Garage (Meter box is using the rod currently)
Two buildings: Home and Detached Garage (circa '04 US). Service comes in through a Meter on the Garage to a PVC conduit into the Main box in the home (Single phase 240V with Neutral). In the main box ...
- 21
2
votes
2
answers
711
views
4awg Al on ground bar with 6awg max holes
Im adding a subpanel, I installed a tgl2 (GE) ground bar that take 6awg max, my ser is a 2-2-2-4. Is there a way I can use this ground bar with a 4awg Al ? Also do I need to use some type of grease on ...
2
votes
1
answer
1k
views
Replacing subpanel in detached building - yet another ground/neutral question
Here's the situation. I've added on to my detached shop/garage and need to upgrade the very small subpanel. The existing garage pre-dates the 2008 NEC by at least a decade, and is supplied by a 3 ...
- 2,358
2
votes
1
answer
297
views
Grounding Main Sub-panel Sub sub-panel
I have a 200A main panel installed in our garage on an exterior block wall (single family, residential, construction in 1980). A sub-panel was added next to the main panel supply via a 100A breaker (...
- 79
2
votes
3
answers
4k
views
Does the ground bar on a subpanel need to be bonded to the subpanel?
I had a lightning strike near my house that damaged the electric in my shed and now I need to replace the subpanel. I have a question about the groundbar.
In the subpanel I am replacing the grouond ...
user118344
2
votes
1
answer
45
views
Separate structure subpanel electrode grounding - Rod count and separation requirements
Having a subpanel replaced in garage (60 amp). No prior electrode grounding exists, which needs to be added. Most information I've come across cites use of 2 electrodes, minimally spaced 6 feet apart ...
- 21
2
votes
1
answer
424
views
Grounding a subpanel using existing wiring
I had a 60 amp breaker that was connected to an oven in the kitchen. Since this is no longer needed, I'm trying to re-purpose this #6 wire to connect to a new Electric water heater I'm putting in the ...
2
votes
1
answer
289
views
Safest way of temporarily working with a failed 4-wire outbuilding subpanel (one missing hot leg, neutral bonded ground on both ends)?
This is actually a multi-pronged question. I will ask it all and split out what I can as needed.
I am renting a remote out building in a rather rustic location on a farm. The power situation here was ...
- 23
2
votes
0
answers
1k
views
Ground Rod in Raised Garden Bed
My detached garage has a subpanel fed by 3-wire plus ground from the main panel on the house. It's 8AWG copper conductors plus 10AWG ground breakered at 50 amps. In the distant future I may run new ...
- 140
2
votes
0
answers
302
views
Where should I bond neutral to ground? [duplicate]
I have an old house that was remodeled with a bathroom addition added years ago. I have two breaker panels: the outside service entrance panel (A) and another panel in the garage (B). I found bonds ...
- 21
1
vote
2
answers
3k
views
How should a sub panel be grounded if next to the main breaker?
How should a sub-panel be grounded if next to the main breaker? Do the ground and neutral need to be isolated (separated) from each other in the sub? Sub-panel will be about 6 - 8 feet away from the ...
- 175
1
vote
2
answers
6k
views
How do you properly use metal conduit as a ground?
I have read here that metal conduit can be used as the ground and you needn't then pull a separate ground wire:
What are the NEC rules governing this?
How do you avoid "weak ground" links ...
- 1,215
1
vote
3
answers
134
views
No Ground wiring seen in Main Lug
So I just found out that the Federal Pacific Stab-Lok main lug in my apt has got to go. After opening the cover, I was surprised to see no ground wires at all in there. There is only a neutral bar. ...
- 41
1
vote
2
answers
159
views
Is my plan to update ground rods at my service panels reasonable?
My older home is currently grounded with what looks like two lengths of old rebar driven vertically in the ground. I know that the last time the grounding was touched was over 20 years ago, and I ...
- 439
1
vote
2
answers
762
views
Grounding conversion for 200 amp sub panel
My direct bury feed is a little over 200 feet. I used 4/0 4/0 4/0 4/0 wire. I understand I need to isolate the ground from the neutral. This requires a grounding bar addition to my 200 amp QO sub/...
- 11
1
vote
3
answers
30k
views
Should I use SER or URD cable for a 100 amp sub-panel?
I am running a new line from my main panel on the pole out to a sub panel in my shop. The sub panel will be 100amp. I have a 180' run and have buried 1-1/2" sch40 conduit. I'm planning on using 1/...
1
vote
3
answers
9k
views
Outlet tester shows "bad ground"
I have a brand new Square D sub-panel installed in my barn that replaced an old panel that had been there for many years and was deemed a fire hazard by the inspector. The new panel has a grounding ...
- 111
1
vote
1
answer
707
views
Subpanel or not? Neutral and ground bonded?
How do I fix the AC unit to be connected properly to its circuit?
How should the AC Unit/Garage/Subpanel be setup?
Maybe I can separate the neutral and ground, then ground by connecting to the garage ...
- 151
1
vote
1
answer
266
views
Where on the main panel do I put the ground wire for the sub panel?
The main breaker panel has the grounds and neutral hooked together and has bonding screw installed. Where do I put the ground wire for the sub panel? Do I put it on the neutral bare where the white ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
138
views
On a outdoor subpanel can the grounding rod wire be bonded directly to the inside of the metal electric panel?
On an outdoor sub panel with grounding rods can I bond the grounding rod's wire directly to the inside of the metal electric panel, and then attach all the other ground wires to a grounding bar. The ...
- 171
1
vote
1
answer
138
views
Grounding electrode conductor
I am installing a 125 AMP OUTDOOR MAIN LUG LOAD CENTER which will be protected by a 100Amp CB. The panel will support all the equipment for an inground pool. I have installed the pvc conduit ...
- 11
1
vote
2
answers
840
views
12/3 underground to garage multiple 14/2 wires to bare 12/3. No ground rod anywhere around 14 x54 detached garage
I've been in this house, built in 1941, for two years now. I've been working on replacing very old wiring in the basement for some uncomfortable issues I've found. But these issues pale in comparison ...
- 11
1
vote
1
answer
164
views
Running wire for new subpanel in garage, how to best utilize existing wiring considering the scope of my project?
I have a 200amp main panel in my home, and my garage has a subpanel fed by a two pole 50amp breaker by approximately 85' of 6/3 plus ground cable. I use my garage as a workshop, greenhouse, and office....
- 31
1
vote
1
answer
1k
views
Is a Redundant Ground at Sub-Panel Permitted? Useful?
I've searched the forum and haven't found an answer for this exact situation.
Here's the configuration: Main 200A service panel at one end of house (exterior), and 100A sub panel at opposite end of ...
- 123
1
vote
1
answer
342
views
Adding Ground Conductor from Service to Upgraded Sub-Panel
Upgrading electrical system with new 200 amp (main disconnect) service panel then underground 110 feet to house and a new 200 amp sub-panel. There is a 3 wire feed of 4/0 Au in 2" PVC conduit (with ...
- 11