Electrical Panel Grounding Methods
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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? |
Electrical Panel Grounding Methods
Question: Can I connect the ground wire to the neutral bar?
- House has old 2 wire cable with no ground. Electric panel only has one ground bar. White neutrals are connected here as well as the wire going to the grounding rod – both in main service panel and sub-panel.
- Question – if I replace the old wire with a new cable with ground wire 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? Or do I need to add a ground 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
- At the Main Panel the Grounds and Neutrals all terminate together on the same terminal bar. In sub-panels all grounds must be separated from the neutrals which requires a separate ground bar to be installed directly to the panel frame or enclosure. Most panels are pre-taped for a ground bar to be installed if there isn’t one already. Neutral bars in sub-panels must not be bonded to the frame of the sub-panel enclosure. 240 volt Sub-Panels require a 4-wire cable feed to provide this separation between the neutral and the ground.
Improper Methods of Grounding May Cause High Levels of EMF
CAUTION
- If the grounding methods are not performed correctly high levels of EMF may occur inside the home which can cause problems to the inhabitants of the home.
- Improper grounding may cause toxic levels of electromagnetic radiation inside the home.
The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes
For more information about Grounding
Electrical Grounding
This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical
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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.
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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?
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