I have a GE main breaker load center box in a separate building. It did not come w/ an equipment ground bar. Is it OK to:

1. Remove the cross bar and ground left side neutral to box w/ supplied screw.

2. Attach supplied lug to left side bar and 1/0 ground from SER cable, then all ground wires here.

3. Connect 2/0 from SER cable to right side neutral bar and all neutral branch circuits here.

4. Or, keep cross bar and add a separate equipment ground bar to box?

It is a 12/24 circuit box and I will not need more than 12 circuits.

Thanks!

Blueforester

Purchase the additional ground bar. Never alter the panel original configuration, it's unwise and it could affect the UL listing. The two neutral bars provide easier access when wiring, a neater panel and room for expansion... even if you think you won't need it. This is a sub-panel, correct? You know that it requires a 4 wire feed in addition to a separate ground rod... right?

Purchase the additional ground bar. Never alter the panel original configuration, it's unwise and it could affect the UL listing. The two neutral bars provide easier access when wiring, a neater panel and room for expansion....even if you think you won't need it. QUOTE]

Ground bars are cheap. I'll just add one. The reason I ask is b/c the instructions that came w/ box states:

" Optional wiring of neutral and ground
The neutral crossbar may be removed to provide optional neutral and ground. Right or left"

It came w/ grounding screw. There is a a grounding screw location on the right and left bar that goes into box. And it came w/ additional lug. Picture indicates insulated ground or neutral both sides.

[QUOTE=Missouri Bound;2481000] You know that it requires a 4 wire feed in addition to a seperate ground rod......right?

Yes. You helped me w/ this earlier. I got the 4-4-2-1 SER cable. I've completed all the wiring in the building and have the box and entrance conduit installed. I plan to pull the cable this weekend. I plan to pick-up #2 ground wire and ground rod tomorrow and install as well.

Thanks again.

Blue

Looks like you already had your answer... did you snooker me?

No sir! I was checking for understanding. In the same pic I mentioned above there is also an equipment ground. So this was confusing to me.

I had heard of this method before. But I'm a DIY'r and do not fool w/ service boxes often.

Thanks!

Well, one more thing. Since you admitted being a DIY... please proceed with caution. Have help from someone who knows the dangers involved with electrical work. You just can't be too cautious. Equipment can be replaced... your life cannot.