Ground Kit

[noslo04]

Some neutral/ground bar screws in my GE TM2020 200A main breaker panel are double-tapped and the box itself is pretty full. I am adding a subpanel for the garage and would like to add a ground kit to the main so the double-tapped neutrals can be rerouted.

Can I add a neutral bar to the right of the main breaker? What parts would I need? Also, where in the main panel can I connect the ground and neutral of the #1/4 feeder for the subpanel? More parts needed for that?

These little details can be tough to research (I've tried), so any help would be greatly appreciated.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Not sure about the GE, but my Siemens allows double tapping on the ground bar. Look at the chart on the inside of the door. See if it has allowable sizes listed for the various bars and lugs. My Siemens, under "Terminals" says Neutral/Ground and lists sizes allowed for the Neutral and Ground bars. One of the options listed is (2) or (3) 14-10 AWG. Thus I can install 2 or 3 wires, from 14 up to 10 gauge in Ground bar terminal.

Charles

Edit: Wrote the above late at night. Wanted to clairify, the double or triple tapping mentioned above is only applicable to the ground wires being used in the bars. Neutrals are not allowed to be double tapped. I knew that, just didn't get it typed that way.

 

[Norcal]

2 grounding conductors are allowed under 1 screw, 2 or more grounded (neutral) conductors are not allowed. Add a ground bar kit(s) + a jumper from the neutral bar, then move all the grounding conductors to the ground bar freeing up space on the neutral bar.

 

[Aceman]

I agree with the others, double up the grounds. Unfortunately, it looks like all the ground wires are buried behind the neutrals. Be absolutely sure you have all the power off on the circuits you're moving the neutrals on, if not, that'll be a surefire way to kill any electronics that are on the circuit.

 

[noslo04]

Seems like another ground/neutral bar or two is needed for best practices. Where could they physically be mounted, with respect to the main breaker? Could additional bars be simply connected anywhere in the grey panel box casing or would they need to be jumpered to the existing bars somehow?

 

[porschedude996TT]

I added a ground bar to my sub-panel. See the screw holes to the right of the main? I believe they are for the addition of these ground buss bars. Check with the manufacture.

 

[rockwithjason]

yes you can mount a ground bar to the right of the main. just be sure to maximize clearance. remove the paint and screw it right to the can.