[SixCs]

Hey Everyone,

Thanks for taking the time to read my post.

I am wiring a new room in the basement. In doing so I am adding three new AFCI circuit breakers to my box. As I have read other folks mention... I am low on spots on the ground bar.

Just some quick info on my what I have:
Breaker Box: SqD - QO120M100
New Breakers: SqD 20A (QO0120CAFIC) AFCI breakers
Picture of Ground Bar: http://www.c6-t.com/breaker.jpg

I also have pictured documentation labels on the inside of the box attached.

I do have a couple specific questions:
- There are some emtpy slots behind the top bar pointed out with the red wire. Is this an acceptable area to use being under the larger gauge wire?
- The blue box appear is just highlighting an area that another potential bar could be installed. It appears there are two screw slots (pointed to by green lines) there.

The box itself is about 20 years old so documentation is sparse. However, as mentioned before the box itself does give some information.

Any advise would be greatly appreciated and please let me know if any additional info is needed.

Best Regards,

Nate

 

[NJMarine]

If possible add another ground bar.
If not possible you can posible make room by putting to ground wires under 1 terminal or you can take 3 ground wires pigtail them and than put under terminal.
Take the three new grounds pigtail them and put under terminal that onhas none or 1 ground wire.

 

[oleguy74]

If possible add another ground bar.
If not possible you can posible make room by putting to ground wires under 1 terminal or you can take 3 ground wires pigtail them and than put under terminal.
Take the three new grounds pigtail them and put under terminal that onhas none or 1 ground wire.

all wires must be same size if putting more than one wire under one screw.then usually only two wires accepted.just twist 3 0r 4 together tightly and put under a single screw.

 

[SixCs]

Thanks guy, I appreciate it. All the wires that I would combine are the same size. When pigtailing does this have to be done outside of the breaker box in a junction box or can it be done inside?

 

[oleguy74]

do it inside.

 

[SD515]

Inside

 

[SixCs]

Thanks, that was my assumption but always wanted to double check. Again, I appreciate all of the help!

 

[WillK]

Just to note, maybe some here didn't look at the link you provided for your pic of your ground bar, but those are both neutral bars. And as long as this is your main service panel I believe you're fine for having ground attached to it. But the blue box is not where you would add a ground bar. Adding a ground bar would attach directly to the metal box, not the plastic.

My new Homeline panel I am using for a subpanel in my garage is generally similar, it did not come with ground bars. Because it is a subpanel, I can not bond neutral to ground, so I had to buy a seperate ground bar and attach it to the metal box.

I bought the largest ground bar they had, 23 spaces for $6.50.

 

[md2lgyk]

Why are you using AFCIs? They are quite expensive.

 

[McSteve]

Why are you using AFCIs? They are quite expensive.

Dunno where this guy is located, but here in Minnesota we're now required to use AFCI on just about everything.

 

[bassplayercliff]

abour groung room

You can double up two wires in one hole if it will fit, ground only,

 

[SixCs]

Thanks

Thanks everyone. Looks like I am going to have to go the pigtail route. I picked up the AFCI breakers for a couple of reasons. These new circuits are going into the office for my business which provides IT services. I have pretty heft electric demands so it seems to be worth the extra few bucks.