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?

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

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

Make sure not to miss these Resources for: How-To-Videos
Electrical Videos

The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians 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 ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

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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