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Subpanel Wiring Check

pitttrack

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Aug 28, 2017
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72
It's been a little while since I wired up a subpanel and I would rather have the inspector out once instead of twice so I thought I'd post here and see if I'm in the right frame of mind.

In the spirit of making an easy read here we go...

Overall Setup: 200A main panel in the utility room with a 100A breaker which is feeding a 100A subpanel in the garage via 1.25" PVC conduit. All wire is stranded copper, Red, Black & White wires are 3ga while Green is 6ga, Length of wires is ~27' total from lug to lug.

The Plan:
A - Neutral from the main panel
B - Neutral jumper to C
C - Neutral jumper from B
D - Black Positive from the main panel
E - Red Positive from the main panel
F - Ground from the main panel
Remove bonding screw

G & H - Neutrals from circuits ran from the subpanel
F - Grounds from circuits ran from the subpanel

Thoughts / Comments? Did I miss something?
 

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pitttrack

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72
Sorry, attached garage. I was trying to keep it short n sweet but good question.

Thanks for the feedback.
 

wyliesdiesels

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Location
Modesto, CA
The left and right neutral bars probably have a tie strap. Check continuity between them. If they do, you dont need the jumper

Also, having another ground bar on the left will help to keep the panel clean
 
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pitttrack

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Aug 28, 2017
Messages
72
I appreciate all of the feedback on this.

Regarding the comment about the hold down kit, the box came with a breaker retainer pre installed on the 100A breaker. It may be a little difficult to see in the original pic as it was head on but I took a snap from the side and circled what I am talking about. If that isn't sufficient please let me know as I may be thinking something different than what you were suggesting.

Onto the neutral bar comment, you very well may be correct. I'll pull out the meter when I am wiring it up this weekend and check for that to start. The last one I did (years ago) had the connection below all of the breakers and was visible, most likely as it was a different panel setup and different company. My thoughts were if the lugs were there use it and if by chance the inspector decided that was their thing to nitpick then it's easy to pull it.

Originally I purchased a 12 hole ground bar with the same thought you had while I was in the store. The reason I shied away from it was when I got it home and saw where the sticker was I wasn't sure if there was an issue with installing it over the box sticker. I had a buddy get some grief from an inspector one time about doing something similar so I just figured there are 14 ground screws already which is more than I need as the box only has 12 usable slots and I refuse to use the tandem breakers. I may ask the inspector their thoughts on the sticker and install it afterwards with a jumper as I've got about 5' extra of the 6ga ground wire.
 

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sparky 1971

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Oct 9, 2018
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Central Iowa
I appreciate all of the feedback on this.

Regarding the comment about the hold down kit, the box came with a breaker retainer pre installed on the 100A breaker. It may be a little difficult to see in the original pic as it was head on but I took a snap from the side and circled what I am talking about. If that isn't sufficient please let me know as I may be thinking something different than what you were suggesting.

Onto the neutral bar comment, you very well may be correct. I'll pull out the meter when I am wiring it up this weekend and check for that to start. The last one I did (years ago) had the connection below all of the breakers and was visible, most likely as it was a different panel setup and different company. My thoughts were if the lugs were there use it and if by chance the inspector decided that was their thing to nitpick then it's easy to pull it.

Originally I purchased a 12 hole ground bar with the same thought you had while I was in the store. The reason I shied away from it was when I got it home and saw where the sticker was I wasn't sure if there was an issue with installing it over the box sticker. I had a buddy get some grief from an inspector one time about doing something similar so I just figured there are 14 ground screws already which is more than I need as the box only has 12 usable slots and I refuse to use the tandem breakers. I may ask the inspector their thoughts on the sticker and install it afterwards with a jumper as I've got about 5' extra of the 6ga ground wire.
You're good to go. Also, I'm not all that familiar with GE panels, but I doubt you need the neutral jumper. There is probably a factory installed bar running behind the bus bar. I wish all panels came with that many larger neutral lugs.
 

andyvh1959

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Feb 15, 2020
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2,598
Location
Green Bay WI
Good job. I'm no electrician, but I have wired three garage builds over 40 years, no issues. Many of those that posted on this thread directed me to properly wiring a 100amp sub panel for my detached shop build and to make the 100 amp drop off the main breaker panel. Which, by the way was a friggin mess done by some electrician back in 1973. With the guidance gained here, the city electrical inspector looked it all over and said "good job."
 
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pitttrack

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Aug 28, 2017
Messages
72
If the OP had posted a good photo of the panel interior might be able to tell.
I got it all wired up and before doing so I pulled the two screws at the top and found no connection between the neutral bar on the left to that on the right. A quick continuity test confirmed this as well so I proceeded with the proposed setup and connected the two lugs at the top via 4ga white sheathed wire.

As for the lighting it's hard to take pictures of metallic items as some glare always seems to occur. I apologize if you had difficulty in viewing things. Thanks to everyone who chimed in and confirmed the setup. I have an inspection setup for next week and then I'll move on to the next project (y)
 
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