Gnd Buss

mr500 · 03-19-2008, 11:39 PM

i put in a 100amp sub panel. i know you have to keep neutral and ground separated in the panel.
their are two neutral bars one on each side in my GE panel.....

my question is can i take the bar out that connects the neutral bars together, use one for grounding and the other for neutral.

I think I can as along as im bonded to the panel with the GND Buss ONLY

micromind · 03-20-2008, 12:16 AM

I've done this many times, just remember to bond the ground bus to the panel box.

Rob

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 12:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by micromind

I've done this many times, just remember to bond the ground bus to the panel box.

Rob

OK I will attach with some self tapping screws. That should do the trick. Ill investigate it more tomorrow..

Stubbie · 03-20-2008, 01:18 AM

There should have been a green bonding screw either installed in one of the neutral bars or in package within the load center. Both the neutral bars will accept that green screw depending on which you want to bond. Install and bond the grounding bar with that screw do not use self tapping screws.

This drawing below is a a little different panel but same idea. In a GE split neutral panel the bar is at the bottom between neutral bars. There is a green screw as shown that is the main bonding screw. In a GE panel these usually install in the lower part of the neutral bar.... each bar will have a location for it. Use it to bond the bar you are using for equipment ground to the metal chassis of the panel. Note that the drawing shown is a panel being used as the service equipment not a subpanel as in your situation.

InPhase277 · 03-20-2008, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr500

OK I will attach with some self tapping screws. That should do the trick. Ill investigate it more tomorrow..

That will NOT do the trick. The screws need to grab by more than two threads of the screw. Most self tapping screws won't accomplish this. You either need to find some fine thread self tappers (like the kind they use to put steel buildings together) or you need to drill and tap the can.

InPhase277

wire_twister · 03-20-2008, 04:19 PM

Inspectors in my area will only accept drilled and tapped holes as a method for attaching ground bars.

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 05:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubbie

There should have been a green bonding screw either installed in one of the neutral bars or in package within the load center. Both the neutral bars will accept that green screw depending on which you want to bond. Install and bond the grounding bar with that screw do not use self tapping screws.

This drawing below is a a little different panel but same idea. In a GE split neutral panel the bar is at the bottom between neutral bars. There is a green screw as shown that is the main bonding screw. In a GE panel these usually install in the lower part of the neutral bar.... each bar will have a location for it. Use it to bond the bar you are using for equipment ground to the metal chassis of the panel. Note that the drawing shown is a panel being used as the service equipment not a subpanel as in your situation.

YES...I have that green screw you are referring too. Ill use that then and ill also remove the strap that connects the two correct? So that I am isolated on the gnd neutral...

Mike

Stubbie · 03-20-2008, 05:14 PM

Why not just leave the neutral bars alone and purchase the isolated ground bar kit for the panel?

jrclen · 03-20-2008, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stubbie

Why not just leave the neutral bars alone and purchase the isolated ground bar kit for the panel?

That is what I do. I would at the very least count the terminals remaining on that single neutral bus and compare the number to the maximum neutrals I might end up with. Don't cut yourself short mr500.

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 05:25 PM

Actually I DID buy a seperate equipment ground for the GE box. A friend of mine said I could just use the bar already installed in the panel. Guess Ill just attach the one I bought. Have to go out and get new screws though. The panel said that self tappers WONT work. And I dont have a tap/die set to thread up some new holes.

The "can" has threaded holes, but around here they don't sell the buss that fits these threaded holes in my GE box. There either too long or too short. I guess I can cut one to fit the threaded holes. What ya think>?????

Stubbie · 03-20-2008, 05:30 PM

What's the panel model # ...?

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 05:34 PM

Im not sure stubb. I am at work. I know the gnd bar is a TGK-12 or something like that. But as of now im unsure of the panel # Sorry

Mike

Stubbie · 03-20-2008, 05:50 PM

What I think you should do is get that ground bar kit. If you can't get it let me try for you at my electrical supply and I can ship it to you at cost. The shipping will be free. If you can get me the model # when you get home post it and let me check. I'll let you know tomorrow.

Ge is all over the place as to what ground bar fits what so you need to be specific as to the model. Is the panel a main breaker panel or main lug? 100 amp one or what....?

Do you mean the ground bar you bought is a TGK-12 or that is the one the panels needs?

TGK-12 is a common one shouldn't be a problem

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 06:33 PM

Main lug 125 amp. its one of those contractor value packs. I bought it because it came with breakers and at the time, I had not found this forum to ask any questions.

AND of course the so called lowes guy working did NOT tel me I needed an equipment gnd buss. Even though I told him what I was doing with the panel. Lowes carries GE busses, just not the one that will fit my panels' pre tapped holes. I have ONE place to check but ill get back to you on the model.

GE 125 Amp Contractor Kit Convertible Main Lug Load Center With Breakers
Model TLM1212CCUPL8

mr500 · 03-20-2008, 06:56 PM

pic of box