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    Laurenceio's Avatar
    Laurenceio Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
    New Member
     
    #1

    Dec 14, 2008, 10:43 AM
    Neutral/Ground bus bar?
    I am installing a sub panel in my basement to run some extra circuits for a bathroom, spare room etc.

    I am putting a 60 amp fuse in the main service panel, running a 6-3 wire with ground and back feeding the new sub panel.

    The new panel does not come with a ground bus bar, and suggests using the neutral bus bar for ground. This doesn't seem right to me, it also suggests putting a ground bus bar (not provided with the box) when necessary.

    So, should I install a new bus bar for the ground? Use the neutral for ground?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #2

    Dec 14, 2008, 11:48 AM
    There is a bond screw/strap included with your new panel. DO NOT install it.

    You must get a separate add-on ground bar for this sub-panel which screws right to the back of the panel. Only grounds must go on it.

    The neutrals must stay on the neutral bar
    Laurenceio's Avatar
    Laurenceio Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #3

    Dec 14, 2008, 11:59 AM

    That is what I thought, but why would they suggest using the neutral bus bar for the ground wire?

    Thanks for your response.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #4

    Dec 14, 2008, 12:02 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Laurenceio View Post
    That is what i thought, but why would they suggest using the neutral bus bar for the ground wire?
    If this panel were to used as service equipment (main panel) the neutral bar would be bonded to the panel box and the same bar be used for both grounds and neutrals
    Laurenceio's Avatar
    Laurenceio Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #5

    Dec 14, 2008, 12:16 PM

    I see (at least I think so). In short, I need to install a ground bus bar don't I. The Ground wire from the new wire (6-3 with ground) goes into this new bus bar and provides my ground then.

    However, does this mean that on my main panel ( I will go look when I get a chance too later) the ground and neutral share the same bus?
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
     
    #6

    Dec 14, 2008, 12:24 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by Laurenceio View Post
    I see (at least I think so). In short, I need to install a ground bus bar don't I. The Ground wire from the new wire (6-3 with ground) goes into this new bus bar and provides my ground then.

    However, does this mean that on my main panel ( I will go look when I get a chance too later) the ground and neutral share the same bus?
    Exactly. :cool:
    Laurenceio's Avatar
    Laurenceio Posts: 4, Reputation: 1
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    #7

    Dec 14, 2008, 12:58 PM

    Stanfortyman, Thanks for your help.

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