Ground/Neutral Question

[JohnC]

Can a ground wire and neutral wire be connect to the same screw on a panel bar. If not which is what I think is the right answer,why not?

John C

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[charlieb]

NEC 408.21 Grounded Conductor Terminations. "Each grounded conductor shall terminate within the panelboard in an individual terminal that is not also used for another conductor."

But! There is more to be said here.

[Scottpat]

If it is the service equipment, they can be connected. If it is a downstream panel they need to be separated with the neutral isolated or floating. But, no matter the type of panel they need to be under their own lug or terminal.

[elgato]

Is that a fact? I always wondered why neutrals and grounds could be attached to the same bus bar, but not to the same terminal. I was mis-understanding this I guess. However, two neutrals in one terminal is an offense. Correct?

[hausdok]

Correct.

OT - OF!!!

M.

[PAbernathy]

[Jim Katen]

Originally posted by elgato

Is that a fact? I always wondered why neutrals and grounds could be attached to the same bus bar, but not to the same terminal. I was mis-understanding this I guess. However, two neutrals in one terminal is an offense. Correct?

Yes, it's a fact. The UL standard for CTL panelboards has always prohibited this unless the terminal is marked for more than one grounded conductor (neutral).

Remember that neutral wires carry current during normal operation. Grounding wires do not.

- Jim Katen, Oregon