What to do When the Panel Neutral Bar is Full

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.

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.

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.

The Following will assist you with your electrical question:

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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.

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The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.

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