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Grounding an Electrical Panel

How to Ground a Electric Circuit Breaker Panel: Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels, National Electrical Code, NEC Article 250, Grounding a Main Panel, Grounding a Sub-Panel, Electrical Grounding Methods.


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Guide to Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels
[ad#block] Electrical Question: How do I ground a breaker panel to the ground bar.

Thank You.

This electrical wiring question came from: hector, a Handyman from St. Cloud, Florida.

Additional Comments: Its a very helpful site.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Hector.

How to Ground a Electric Circuit Breaker Panel

home-electrical-codes-for-grounding

Skill Level: Advanced – Licensed Electrical Contractor, Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools.
Estimated Time: Depends on the extent of the project, the panel make and model, and the grounding method to be used.
Precaution: If the only ground source for the electrical system will be removed or modified then the electrical service should be shut off until the new ground source can be reconnected.
Notice: Making changes to the Electrical Service Panel should be done with a permit and be inspected.

Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels

PLEASE NOTE: This question did not state if the GE 125 amp panel is a main panel or a sub panel, which makes a very big difference with the grounding method as outlined below:

Electrical Grounding Methods

More about Electrical Grounding Methods

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electric panel
home-electrical-circuits
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

For more information about Grounding

Electrical Codes
Electrical Codes for Grounding

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.


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Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
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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 “Grounding an Electrical Panel”
  1. William Schymick says:

    I have installed a 125 amp sub-panel, serviced with #2 stranded copper. I have a grounding rod implanted for use as a supplemental exterior ground.

    1. Can I use left over #2 insulated stranded wire for this ground? or, must it be exposed solid copper? (# 4 or #6)
    2. Can the ground wire be spliced?
    3. Can I attach other ground wires to the grounding rod, or must it be used only for the sub-panel?
    Thanks,
    BS

  2. Dave Rongey says:

    Hi William,
    Please refer to the Electrical Code section of this website for sizing your sub panel ground wire.
    A ground wire may not be spliced, but must be continuous.
    Attaching other wires to the ground rod would depend on what the system may be and how it is connected.
    I hope this helps,
    Dave