#2 copper terminating on ground bar--won't fit

[bimmer1980]

I was hooking up my #2 copper into a siemens 200amp main panel this past weekend. The #2 will be feeding a sub panel in the new garage. I was just temporarily wiring up a 50amp plug on the garage end in order to power a welder for the weekend.

My problem was that the opening on the ground bar was not large enough to accomodate the #2 copper. I ended up taking the 7 strands and putting it under 3 screws in the ground bar. 3 strands under one screw, andother 3 strands under another screw and 1 strand under the last screw. So each stand is securely attached to the ground bar. Is this an acceptable method? If not, is there a recommended method?

I did not get a chance to take a picture of it......

 

[Charles (in GA)]

DO NOT split up the wire strands between holes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Look on the paper glued on the inside of the door or the instruction sheet, it will list the Siemens part numbers of the accessory lug kits needed for larger wire. Look at this link, it will show several different lug kits, you need one that fits your ground or neutral bar.

http://www.sea.siemens.com/us/SiteCollectionDocuments/WSSResources/electricenter_accessories.pdf

It will generally look like this

Which bolts down on top of the bar, or this...........

Which is captured by two existing ground screws in the bar.

Use the correct approved part for your panel.

Here is what the paper on the inside of the door shows on my Siemens.

You see terminals listed as accessories, LK1-2, LK2, LK3, and LK4 depending on wire sizes it has to accommodate.

Charles

 

[kmacht]

I had a similar problem. Home Depot carries those lug kits. Just make sure you get the one specific to your box manufacturer as the width between the feet changes between box brands.

Keith

 

[bimmer1980]

Thanks guys! I knew there was a better way to do this.

I will go and get the correct lugs.