Grounding an Electrical Panel
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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. |
Guide to Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels
[ad#block] Electrical Question: How do I ground a breaker panel to the ground bar.
- I have a GE 125 amp panel.
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
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:
- When Grounding an Electrical Panel the following applies
- Grounding a Main Panel
- The ground bar is bonded internally when an external bond to earth is installed as described at the link for Electrical Grounding below.
- Grounding a Sub-Panel
- Sub-Panels are grounded through the cable that provides the sub-feed circuit power.
- This sub-feed cable will have 2 insulated power conductors, 1 insulated neutral conductor and one ground wire.
- The ground wire is bonded at the main panel to the ground system.
- The sub-feed wiring type and size will depend on the specific application and the applicable local building codes.
- Grounding a Main Panel
Electrical Grounding Methods
- National Electrical Code, NEC Article 250.5 Grounding and Bonding
- All grounding electrodes that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system.
- National Electrical Code,NEC Article 250-50 Premise’s Electrical Service
- A premise’s electrical service shall be connected to a grounding electrode system consisting of a metal underground water pipe in direct contact with earth for 10 feet or more, if available on the premises, and a supplemental electrode (a rod, pipe, or plate electrode.) An additional electrode shall supplement the buried water pipe electrode.
More about Electrical Grounding Methods
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electric panel
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
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.
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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
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