Wenatchee Home Inspections

One of the most common issues we see is double lugged neutrals on the grounding/neutral bus. Often this is a very easy correction but if the bus bar is crowded often adding an auxiliary grounding bar.

Link on why you cannot land more than one neutral on a terminal.
( Can I install more than one Neutral on a Panelboard terminal?)

                                    


Adding an auxiliary grounding bar is a simple and easy way to create more space. But when doing this you can only land grounding conductors on it.

What you cannot do is land neutrals on this auxiliary grounding bar. In doing this you are now using the enclosure to create continuity for the neutrals which are current carrying conductors, and this is a no no.

            

2017 NEC-

200.2 General

Grounded conductors shall comply with 200.2(A) and (B).

(B) Continuity.

The continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on a connection to a metallic enclosure, raceway, or cable armor.

Informational Note: See 300.13(B) for the continuity of grounded conductors used in multiwire branch circuits.

From the 2014 NEC Handbook-

“This section requires grounded conductors be connected to a terminal or busbar that is specifically intended and identified for connection of grounded or neutral conductors. Because grounded conductors are current carrying, connecting them to a separate equipment grounding terminal or bar (that is directly connected to a metal or enclosure) results in the enclosure becoming a neutral conductor between the equipment grounding terminal and the point of connection for the grounded conductor.”

"This alternating current thing is just a fad. It is much too dangerous for general use."

Thomas Edison

If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…  

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Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection-  Bellingham Technical College

WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board

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