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. © By: Dave Rongey

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Guide to Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels
Electrical Project: 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.

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.

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