Electrical Box questions

jdtox

Hello I am in the process of finishing my basement. I have installed new circuits in panels before with no issues to speak off. My plan was to add 3 new circuits, 1 for lights, 1 for plugs and 1 for bar area.

Upon opening my box I have noticed something that concerns me.

I have no more available slots in the grounding bars to add a circuit yet there is 6 empty slots open in the panel. It looks like there is room to add another bar though on both sides. Is this possible?

Thanks.

TarheelTerp

1) no problem
2) add another bar

electures

Equipment grounding conductors can be doubled or tripled under one screw per manufacturers installation instructions. Neutral conductors can only be one wire per terminal. You may have to do some re-arranging. Be sure to turn off the panel before working on it.

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jdtox

Ok well that should solve my issue. I really only need 2 slots so only 2 ground wires would be doubled. I had considered adding a bar but wasn't really sure what that involved.

It'd be nice if I had 125A or 200A service instead of only 100A, but since there are plenty of spaces this should be no issue correct?

Also when adding circuit for wetbar area would include some small lighting, a few receptacles and fridge. Does this need to be a 20A circuit?

Julius793

As mentioned if you do move around neutral close the MAIN. If your going to add another bar: if it will only be used for grounds the attaching it to the panel enclosure with threaded screws that engage at least 2 threads will be fine. However if you wish to terminate neutrals there as well, you must run a jumper of sufficient size between the two ground/neutral bars.

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Electricity will kill you if you give it a chance

wirenut1110

I'm sure you meant the OP needs to "open" the main.

electures

Responses in red.

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jdtox

I read the panel cover last night and it says I can do 2 or 3 ground wires together so thats reassuring.

Last thing..Do I really need to spend all the extra $$$ on AFCI breakers?

Thanks for all the info!!

PoleCat

That depends on who you ask and where you live. This type of breaker is supposed to suppress any arcing that may happen and reduce the fire hazard associated with it. Some communities were trying to make it code in Indiana and I don't know whether or not they ever did. Frankly, what good is it to have only one? If the rest of your breakers are not AFCI then don't waste your money on just one.

Jim Port

It doesn't matter if it is only one or not. The NEC is not retroactive to require the existing circuits to be upgraded, but would require new circuits to meet the current requirements.

I thought you said you were better than any over-priced tradesperson. This certainly doesn't show it.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

PoleCat

Do you know for a fact that they are code in this person's community? I don't. They are not here thank goodness.

Jim Port

No I don't, but you giving out advice that may conflict with code requirements is less than responsible by telling someone that it can be ignored.

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Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

PoleCat

I suppose advising someone to spend a fortune on a breaker that may not even be required is not irresponsible.

jdtox

How do you find out your local code requirements?

PoleCat

County or city will usually have jurisdiction. You can call the building department and ask them.