I am replacing my existing load center with one relocated to the center of the house and on the first floor (rather than the crawlspace). Part of the process is to install an outside disconnect.

I'd like this disconnect connected to the existing load center so that I can transition the wiring over a long period as I renovate the home.

My question is, given the bus bar shown in the attached photos, can this bus bar be easily separated into two (one for neutral and one for ground) since neutral and ground will be joined at the meter/disconnect?

Obviously I would need to re-arrange some of the ground & neutral wires but the main question relates is whether this type of bus bar can be separated into two?

The load center is made by Bryant - I don't have a model number.

Tom

Need to find the Main Bonding Jumper to remove it and clear the connection of the neutral bar from the backbox. Then install a separate equipment ground bar using machine screws threaded into the backbox.

I cannot see a jumper. It may be a screw that threads through the neutral bar directly into the backbox, or may be a jumper wire.

I am sure something is there, just cannot see it under the jumble of wires.

I guess, then, that grounding bus bars that can be mounted separately are commonly available (no pun intended)? :p

And, to make sure I understand you correctly, the existing bus bar needs to be electrically separated from the enclosure (removing whatever bonding strap is in place) and all the ground wires need to be removed from the existing bus bar and moved to the new ground bus bar?

It appears that all the wires have enough service length to be able to do this fairly easily, once they're all dug out from the existing bus bar. How would you rate this task on a professional degree of difficulty?

Thanks, this helps a lot!

Tom

My answers are in Red:


I guess, then, that grounding bus bars that can be mounted separately are commonly available (no pun intended)? :p

Yes, they are sold as an accessory.

And, to make sure I understand you correctly, the existing bus bar needs to be electrically separated from the enclosure (removing whatever bonding strap is in place)

Yes, exactly.

and all the ground wires need to be removed from the existing bus bar and moved to the new ground bus bar?

Of course.

It appears that all the wires have enough service length to be able to do this fairly easily, once they're all dug out from the existing bus bar.

If the wires are short, extensions can be spliced using approved connectors, such as Scotchloks.


How would you rate this task on a professional degree of difficulty?

Um 2, no, maybe 6, no wait.. 5, aw hell I think 8, damn I can't take the pressure.

For a pro, easy. For a DIY'er, all depends.


Thanks, this helps a lot!

Tom

"...damn I can't take the pressure."
<g>

Might need to help you out with a beer some time... I'm going to be in Belfast in August.

Thanks. A professional will be doing this work as it will be part of replacing the existing service with a meter/disconnect.
Tom

Notice I said "Scotch" Loks.

Ah, Single Malt? Do you like it 'peaty'?

Got a special bottle that my sister in law picked up in Edinburgh, direct from a reserve cask.