How to Ground a Panel for a Detached Shop
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Installing a Panel and Ground System for a Shop: Factors that Determine the Type of Bonded Grounding System, Detailed Questions and Answers about Installing a Shop Panel and Bonded Ground System. |
Shop Panel and Bonded Ground System
Electrical Question: How do I install a separate electric panel and ground system for a detached shop?
I have been doing a lot of reading and watching videos online to try and clarify some things but there is very few good electrical videos/information especially that address my issues.
Here is my Shop Panel Project:
- I need to install a 400 amp meter main on a pole because this is for a mobile home and a shop where neither are on a foundation, and this complicates the project. I will be doing this over the next month as I figure out the inspection process and those details.
- In the meantime to get temporary power to my shop I figured I could buy the 200 amp panel and wire and have it super easy to hook up to my 400amp meter main when that is installed here real soon.
- I have drawn a picture of my situation and can send other photos if needed. My questions are mostly geared towards the shop.
- Here are my specific questions
- In my situation should I put a new grounding rod in for the 200 amp shop panel?
- Do I leave the neutral bonded to the ground bar in the shop panel?
- Do I bond the panel to the ground bar?
- Is this called a main panel or a sub panel?
- Is there a better way to do this?
This electrical wiring question came from Richard, in Washington.
See more about Home Wiring for Washington
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Richard.
Installing a Panel and Ground System for a Shop
Application: Installing a Detached Shop Electric Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Best installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the specific method of electrical service installation.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type of panel, the location, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project. Working in an electric panel has possible arc flash and electrical shock hazards.
Notice: Installing an Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
Grounding a Shop Electrical Panel
Factors that Determine the Type of Bonded Grounding System:
Here are the basic factors that will help determine the type of grounding system for a detached building or work shop electrical panel:
- Examples of When a Ground Rod is Not Required
- When the panel circuit is installed using an approved metallic conduit system which is bonded at the main panel.
- When the panel circuit has a separate ground wire that is bonded at the main panel.
- When a metallic conduit or pipe is installed which is connected to the main structure and the detached building and bonded to to the main electrical ground system, and bonded to the detached building panel.
- Examples of When a Ground Rod Is Required
- When the electrical panel circuit does not include a separate bonded ground wire.
- When the electrical panel circuit is not installed in a bonded metallic conduit.
Summary: An electrical panel must be provided with an approved bonded grounding system which is provided by either a 4-wire panel circuit that has a separate bonded ground wire which originates back to the main panel, or an approved bonded ground rod system or foundation ground which is installed at the detached building and bonded to the panel.
REVIEW
Questions and Answers about Installing a Shop Panel and Bonded Ground System:
- In my situation should I put a new grounding rod in for the 200 amp shop panel?
- (Please see the above outlined examples about ground rod requirements.)
- Do I leave the neutral bonded to the ground bar in the shop panel?
- If a ground rod will be installed at the shop and bonded to the panel bonded ground bar then the ground and neutral must be separated.
- Do I bond the panel to the ground bar?
- The ground bar must be bonded to the panel.
- Is this called a main panel or a sub panel?
- In reality, there is no technical designation for the term Sub Panel, however the term sub panel is often referred to when describing an additional panel which is connected to another panel.
- With this shop project example where the main electrical utility does not feed to the shop panel then it is not referred to as the main panel, and the designation of sub panel would be appropriate.
- Is there a better way to do this?
- As with any electrical project such as this there are several different methods that can be used, however each project must refer to several specific local factors and most of all the applicable local and national electrical codes.
More about Grounding a Panel for a Detached Building
The following article discusses the topic of grounding for a detached building in detail:
Installing a Sub Panel for a Detached Building
More about Installing a Shop 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.
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing
Electrical Wire for the Home
Complete listing of electrical wire types and parts used for home projects with electrical code information serves as selection guidelines
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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