[Chris130]

I'm running out of gnd/ntrl terminal slots in my main panel's bus bars, and I completely understand the best answer here is to add a bar extension (I'm working on that), but it got me thinking...

Though it's not pretty or any sort of best practice, is there really any limit to the number of grounds I could pigtail over to single bus-bar terminal slot/screw?

For giggles, let's say I have a total of 7 ground wires to deal with - a mix of #12 and #14. If I ran a single #12 ground wire from the bus-bar terminal slot and carefully pigtailed it into the other 7 grounds, is that pushing any sort of limit?

Again, this is mostly just a theoretical question here to satisfy my own curiosity - I do promise that my primary solution will be to extend the bar, but I suppose something like this would be a Plan B if it comes to that.

Thanks, Chris

 

[anyacolo]

in a pinch, i would put 2 neutrals under one screw, rather then do what you have proposed

 

[rjniles]

in a pinch, i would put 2 neutrals under one screw, rather then do what you have proposed

This is 100% wrong. Only 1 neutral per screw.

Pig tailing the grounds as the OP suggest is a totally compliant method as long as the wire nut is rated for that number of wires.

 

[AllanJ]

The pigtail has to be of the larger or largest wire size of any of the other wire ends coming together.

If one bare ground wire end is much longer than the others, then you can get (usually green) wire nuts with a hole in the small end and attach other ground wires to various places along the longer wire ends. So one wire nut does not have to hold that many wire ends.

 

[seharper]

I'm running out of gnd/ntrl terminal slots in my main panel's bus bars, and I completely understand the best answer here is to add a bar extension (I'm working on that), but it got me thinking...

Oftentimes on a job like that, unfamiliarity/intimidation can be 90% of the barrier. To give perspective, most panels have pre-drilled pre-tapped holes for accessory ground bars, and it's just a matter of finding out which ground bar will physically fit and getting it. Proper electrical supply/dealers can help, but the bars cost around $6.

That's *really* the way to go.

For giggles, let's say I have a total of 7 ground wires to deal with - a mix of #12 and #14. If I ran a single #12 ground wire from the bus-bar terminal slot and carefully pigtailed it into the other 7 grounds, is that pushing any sort of limit?

Yes, the wire nut limits. The maker publishes a detailed list of every combination of wires that a given wire nut size is approved for (e.g. 3 #14 and 2 #12). However they also generally have a summary (2-5 #12 which you can infer means 3#14 and 2#12 is OK).

If you need to put 8 wires together, you could try a Mac Block connector, but that'll cost more than the ground bar lol.

in a pinch, i would put 2 neutrals under one screw, rather then do what you have proposed

You must have a Pushmatic panel, which allows that. You need to read your panel's labeling. It will probably say 1 neutral per screw. *Some* panels permit 1 or 3 grounds per screw.

 

[Sparkyb60]

rjniles is correct , 1 neutral per screw , but 2 grounds per screw are allowed. Pigtails are also allowed.

 

[Chris130]

Thank you all!

I know never to double-up neutrals (like most panels, mine does not permit it), and I know my panel's rules for max #s of EGCs per terminal screw, but I couldn't find any details on pig-tailing EGCs (beyond the fact that it's permitted in general).

If I have to go that route, I'm fortunate that the ground wires in question all have plenty of length to work with and aren't tied up behind a tangle of other wires etc. I could easily do the big pigtail (with appropriate nut or block connector) in the clear space above or below the main array.

Well, I'm relieved to confirm it's a hip-pocket option - thanks again very much!