[Russell]

Adding on to house and need to add circuits. Have a Square D QO Panel that has all of the Neutral/Ground screws occupied. Can I pigtail 3-4 grounds together and put the pigtail under one screw to free up Neutral screws, or can I put 2 wires under one screw? Or does Square D make and extension for the Neutral/Ground bar?

Also am adding a subpanel (60 amp), is 8-3 with ground sufficent for 60 amps?

Thanks!!

 

[a7ecorsair]

You can put two ground wires under one screw but only one neutral under a screw. You could also add a second bar.

 

[NJMarine]

You can put two ground wires under one screw but only one neutral under a screw. You could also add a second bar.

I agree.
6-3 for 60 amp subpanel. In the sub make sure grounds and neutrals are on seperate bars. Most times you have to buy a seperate ground bar kit. The grounds will go on the ground bar kit

 

[electures]

Check the panel label for qty., sizes and combinations of ground wires per screw on the ground bar. Neutrals are one per screw. 6/3 romex is rated for 55 amps. You can put it on a 60 amp breaker as long as the calculated load does not exceed 55 amps.

 

[Russell]

Great, thanks for all the posts. I found a bar that fits the Square D panel and will install it. Do I need a bonding screw installed if I add the second bar and if so where does it go in a Square D QO Panel? I do know not to put a bonding screw in the sub-panel and keep grounds and neutrals separate, but didn't know about main panel.

Thanks again

 

[Russell]

After looking at the panel more closely it appears that there is a screw going through the neutral lug to the back of the panel box. I would assume that this is the screw that bonds the neutral bar to the panel and that when I screw the new bar to the panel that they would be bonded together.

 

[electures]

After looking at the panel more closely it appears that there is a screw going through the neutral lug to the back of the panel box. I would assume that this is the screw that bonds the neutral bar to the panel and that when I screw the new bar to the panel that they would be bonded together.

Be aware that the enclosure cannot be used to interconnect the neutrals. WHat this means is that all the neutrals (existing and new) have to be terminated on the neutral bar with the green screw (main bonding jumper). You may have to relocate some of the ground wires to the new ground bar to make room for the new circuit neutrals. Or you can install a jumper between the new and old bars.

 

[Jim Port]

Square D panels have raised bumps on the back of the panel. Typically there are 3 spots for additional ground bar kits.

 

[Russell]

Ok, then my plan is to install the new bar on the bumps in the back and move old and new grounds to new bar and leave old neutrals and put new neutrals on old bar.

If I do it this way I don't need a jumper between old bar and new one. IF I put ANY neutrals on the new bar I must add a jumper. Am I correct on this?

Plan on running #4's to new sub-panel.

PS: I AM having an inspection I just want things to be right.

Thanks again!!

 

[Jim Port]

You cannot use the add-on ground bars for neutrals.

 

[Russell]

OK, Thanks all for the great help!! Have a great night!!

 

[Russell]

Would like to re-open this post. I am installing a 60 amp sub-panel with #4-3 with ground. The problem is the #4 wire is too large to go under the screw on the neutral bar. Is there a trick or add on piece to allow a #4 to connect to the neutral bar. There is an additional screw where the neutral comes in from the meter but I see no other place to connect large conductors to the neutral bar.

Thanks

 

[Jim Port]

The #4 should fit in the bar. Back the screw out further.

 

[Techy]

http://www.drillspot.com/products/49799/Square_D_LK70AN_Neutral_Lug

 

[Russell]

Screw is completely out and still not even close. Are there different "sizes" of #4 wire? Neutral lug Techy is showing looks like a great option. Do you know if they can they be purchased at Lowes (Home Depot not an option right now, nearest one in Joplin was blown away)?

 

[WillK]

I have been working with SquareD Homeline panels, same ground bar kits. I've found that #4 solid fits but not #4 stranded. You can use the neutral lug kits. If you're buying your parts at HD or Lowes they should be right in where you found the ground bar kits. One style is like what Techy linked to, that uses 2 spots. Another style uses 4 spots.