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Electrical Panel Grounding Methods


Can I connect the ground wire to the same slot on the neutral bar and the white neutral wire since the grounding rod wire is already attached?



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Electrical Panel Grounding Methods
Question: Can I connect the ground wire to the neutral bar?

Background: Pablo, a Homeowner from Mathis, Texas.
Thanks for your electrical question Pablo.

Home Electrical Ground System

Electrical Project: Electrical Panel Grounding.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install electrical wiring.
Precaution: Working in an energized panel is dangerous. Turn off the Main breaker before wiring or working or making connections. Components inside the panel may be still energized even when the main breaker is off.
Notice: Installing additional outlet wiring should be done through the local building authority, according to applicable local and national electrical codes, with a permit, and have required inspections.
Dave’s Reply:

Grounding System in Electrical Panels

Improper Methods of Grounding May Cause High Levels of EMF

CAUTION

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Sub Panel Electrical Wiring

Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about Grounding
Electrical Grounding

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring

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Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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FAQs Frequently Asked Questions and Comments

2 Responses to “Electrical Panel Grounding Methods”
  1. joe says:

    Is there ever a time when a residential sub-panel would require it’s own ground rod? Such as in a detached builing from the main panel at the house?

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Yes Joe,
    If a ground wire is not bonded back to the main panel, and there is an electrical service that is more than one branch circuit, (such as one 20 amp 120 volt circuit at a detached building), then a ground rod must be driven.
    NEC 250.32(A)
    Dave