Electrical Panel Ground and Neutral Bonding

How Grounds and Neutrals are Configured in Electrical Panels – Why Grounds and Neutrals are Bonded at the Main Electrical Panel – The main electrical panel or the main source of the electrical power is where the neutral and grounds are bonded together.

Why Grounds and Neutrals are Bonded at the Main Electrical Panel

Electrical Question: I have a home that was wired up for a 240v generator that I have converted to solar.

• The inverter has died and I looked at the circuit breaker and the input wiring is active one side & neutral & ground together on the other side. Is this right.

Thanks Bruce

This electrical wiring question came from: Bruce, a Handyman from Cowra, Australia.
See more about Home Electrical Wiring

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

How Grounds and Neutrals are Configured in Electrical Panels

Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the specific project.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type of panel and available access to the project area.
Precaution: This is an extensive project that should be performed by an experienced and knowledgeable person.
Notice: Making changes to the Electrical Service Panel should be done with a permit and be inspected.

Why Grounds and Neutrals are Bonded at the Main Electrical Panel

• Bruce, at the main electrical panel or the main source of the electrical power is where the neutral and grounds are bonded together.
• Sub-panels that are fed from the main electrical panel must have the neutral and ground separated using individual wires that are not bonded together.
• The neutral and the ground wires can only be bonded at the main electrical source or electrical panel because that is where the main source of the ground to earth is found and attached to the main electrical panel.

The Following will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Grounding

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

Electrical Code

home generators

• Home Generators
• This series covers a wide variety of topics all about home generators including sizing, selecting, connecting and safely operating this all important addition to your home.

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Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring: » You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more. Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring with my Online Video Course: Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

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