What to do When the Panel Neutral Bar is Full
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How to Expand the Capacity of the Neutral Terminal Bar in a Panel: If the terminal bar runs out of room then an additional terminal bar may be added. © By: Dave Rongey |
Expanding the Capacity of the Neutral Terminal Bar in a Panel
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I would like info on adding an additional neutral bar to my main service panel.
- I have a Cutler Hammer CH20CM100 panel with a 100 amp main breaker.
- I switched out the single breakers for tandems to get additional circuits however I ran out of space on the existing neutral bar with only 13 holes.
- I am adding a GBK21CS bar for extra spaces.
- I am using a #6 jumper wire from the original bar to the new one.
- My question is, does the new bar have to be isolated from the panel box or can I just use supplied self tapping screws and mount it directly to the box?
- The original bar is mounted in a plastic housing which I assume isolates it from the box.
- The main feed is 3 wire with 2 hot legs to the main breaker and an aluminum wire to the neutral.
- There is also a bare ground wire from the neutral bar to the water pipes.
- My question is, does the new bar have to be isolated from the panel box or can I just use supplied self tapping screws and mount it directly to the box?
This electrical wiring question came from: Richard, a Contractor from Keyport, New Jersey.
See more about Home Wiring for New Jersey
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Richard.
How to Expand the Capacity of the Neutral Terminal Bar in a Panel
- Both the Grounds and Neutrals are bonded together in the Main Electrical Panel.
- If the terminal bar runs out of room then an additional terminal bar may be added.
- Typically the additional terminal bar is available from the panel manufacturer and is designed for mounting to pre-drilled and tapped holes of the panel enclosure.
Please Note:
Home Owners or inexperienced individuals should not perform work in electrical panels, but rather locate a licensed electrical contractor to perform this type of panel work and wiring.
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