Sub Panel Grounding and Neutrals
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Understanding Grounding for Sub Panels: When you add a second electrical panel with separate neutral and common bars, do you ground the common to the box along with a ground rod connection? |
Understanding Grounding for Sub Panels
[ad#block] Question: When you add a second electrical panel with separate neutral and common bars, do you ground the common to the box along with a ground rod connection?
Thanks.
John
This electrical question came from: John, a Homeowner from Manitowoc, WI.
See more about Home Wiring for Wisconsin
Additional Comments: I have recently retired due to a disability. I just love this site thank you so much.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question John, I hope your doing well, and Thanks for the nice complement.
IMPORTANT:
This article refers to sub panels that are located in an attached building, or the same building structure. For information about a sub panel located in a detached or remote building please see the following article which discusses the topic of grounding for a Detached Building in detail: Installing a Sub Panel for a Detached Building
Grounding for a Sub Panel Located in the Same Building
- A second panel or sub panel should have the neutral and ground terminals or bars isolated from each other, this is why the main circuit feed to the sub panel must have 4 wires, with a dedicated insulated wire for the neutral and a separate wire for the ground.
- All the ground wires bond back at the main panel together with the neutrals.
- The sub panel neutral bar or terminal should not be bonded to the enclosure or the ground of the sub panel. The sub panel ground should not have a ground rod tied to it.
- The bonding for the main ground sources such as a ground rod is made at the main panel where all the grounds are bonded together as well.
The Following links will assist you with Grounding for Sub Panels
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 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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Please explain how 2 ground wires came in to being.
How do you ground something TWICE? It’s either grounded or it’s not.
Hi Texe,
In a home electrical system there is typically a main ground source, which is located at the main panel. The main panel is where all grounding methods are bonded together. This article about sub panels refers to the separation of the ground and the neutral which is required by the NEC electrical code.
Thanks for your question about electrical grounding,
Dave