No Room in Ground Bus Bar in Box

mehaley

As I continue to wire a new half bath - I have to run 2 -20 amp circuits to the breaker box. I have the space for the 2 breakers but only room for 1 ground in ground bus bar in the breaker Box. It is a mid-80's GE box; can I swap out one of the 2 bus bars for the ground wires or put in one bigger on to accomodate it?

Thanks for all your continued help with the project.

theatretch85

Actually, it is my understanding that you are allowed to put two ground wires under the same screw in a bus bar provided that they are the SAME gauge wire and its ONLY the ground. Neutral wires I believe must all be under their own screw in the bus bar.

Termite

Neutrals have to be under their own lug. Most panels' listings allow multiple (often three) grounds under the same lug, provided they're of the same wire gauge. So, you might be able to combine some grounds to make some room. Or just combine the two new grounds under the same lug, provided the panel's listing allows it. The sticker on the panel cover will often have that information.

Neutrals and grounds do not ever go under the same lug.

It is usually possible to add a longer ground bar to the panel. You just need to get one that is made for that specific panel. An electric supply house should be able to order it based on the model number, or they might even have it.

mehaley

Thanks again for all the wisdom that I get from the forum.

Mary