Ask Experts Questions for FREE Help !
Ask
    cmhomeinspect's Avatar
    cmhomeinspect Posts: 5, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Dec 19, 2007, 09:27 AM
    Connecting a sub panel and main panel
    When adding a sub panel to the main electrical panel, does the neutral bus at the bottom of the main panel have to be removed? If not, are there any specific examples you can offer? Or, should the neutral bus bar be removed at all times?

    Thanks & happy holidays,

    Mike
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #2

    Dec 19, 2007, 12:22 PM
    When you add a sub panel all the neutrals need to be insulated from the cabinet/panel (insulated neutral bar) and all the grounds need to be placed on a ground bar attached to the metal cabinet/panel. You will have to run 4 wires. Two to carry the two legs of 120 that equal 240 when used together a separate insulated neutral wire and a ground wire.
    Nothing attaches these two separate items to each other. The green grounding screw is not used on the neutral bar. It is left out unless used on the ground bar.

    Some panels will have a jumper bar between the neutral and the side you will use for the ground side. This has to be removed to comply with the above conditions.
    labman's Avatar
    labman Posts: 10,580, Reputation: 551
    Uber Member
    		  
    #3

    Dec 19, 2007, 12:40 PM
    You leave the neutral and ground bars in the main panel alone except for running separate wires from each to separate bars in the subpanel. They should be connected only in the main panel and also to the box with machine screws. Usually you have to buy and add a ground bar to the subpanel. Unlike the neutral, it needs to be connected to it if a metal housing. Buy the kit listed for your panel and install it like the directions say.
Not your question? Ask your question View similar questions
 

Question Tools Search this Question
Search this Question:

Advanced Search

Add your answer here.


Check out some similar questions!

Breaker size in main panel to support sub panel? [ 7 Answers ]

Hello, I am wiring a sub-panel to the outside of my home (50 feet from main 200 amp box). I ran 3 wire - 6 gauge. What is the largest 2 pole breaker I can put in the main panel to supply the sub-panel. TYPE NM-B 6-3 WITH GROUND 600 VOLTS CIRTEX-I EZ-STRIP (R) PLUS 17:11 2/5/07 SB/RC ...

Connecting main panel to sub-panel? [ 1 Answers ]

I have my sub-panel for my workshop all set up, plugs & lites all wired in. The workshop isn't attached to the house & I was wondering what the best way was to connect from the main panel in the house to the sub-panel in the workshop?

Main panel and sub panel breakers [ 1 Answers ]

I inspected a sub panel fed with a number 4 copper cable. The main panel breaker was a 90 amp breaker, but the sub panel breaker was a 100 amp breaker. Is this OK?

Main Panel to Sub Panel [ 2 Answers ]

I currently have a CH MBE4040B200BTS Meter main panel on my pump house drawing only power to run booster and well pumps, here is what I wish to do: Add a CH BRS225 (feed thru) to a CH BR4040B200 Main Breaker sub panel for my shop. Both panels are only 200 amp service, I will not be running more...

Main Circuit Panel to Branch Panel? [ 1 Answers ]

Hello experts, OK... My Main Load center in my home has a branch circuit connected to a 60 amp breaker. The branch feed wire is a 4awg copper wire. The branch panel is downstairs and it has a 100amp main cutoff breaker installed in it. It feeds the whole downstairs including... (1)...

View more questions Search