Neutrals and Grounds On Same Bar in SubPanels

Should you be placing neutrals and grounds on same bar in subpanels, the short answer is no. Read on to understand more about why. Neutrals and ground wires do the important job of providing a safe path for electrical current to follow in the event of a short circuit or another electrical failure. In your home’s main electrical panel, these two types of wires are usually connected to separate bus bars. However, in some cases are permissible to connect the neutral and ground wires to the same bus bar. Here’s what you need to know about this option.

What is a ground wire for?

Homeowners everywhere should be aware of the importance of a ground wire. It is a copper wire that is used to create an electrical path back to the ground when power is lost or compromised. It helps protect another wiring within the home from potential damage by redirecting electricity. Homeowners should ensure that all electrical equipment within the house has its own proper dedicated ground jack so that their families and homes are safe from possible electrocution or shock-related accidents. Though ground wires aren’t always necessary for each appliance or fixture, they are one of the primary safety mechanisms for your home’s system as a whole – making it essential for homeowners everywhere to understand what a ground wire is and why it matters.

What is a neutral wire for?

A neutral wire is an electrical wire that serves as a safe grounding for electric current. It ensures that any uneven voltage between the two legs of a one-hundred-and-twenty-volt circuit reaches the ground and avoids any potential shock hazard. Neutral wires are crucial safety components in residential wiring, as they keep our homes safe from electrical surges and distribute electricity efficiently. In particular, when equipment malfunctions, a neutral wire will carry most of the unwanted load to the ground and away from the user to protect against electrocution. It is important to be familiar with neutral wires for your electrical safety and proper use of electrical devices.

So when you are reviewing your electrical panel, all the white wires(neutrals) should be connected to a dedicated bus bar and all your bare copper wires should be the same on their own bus bar.

Here is a great video explanation of neutrals and grounds on same bar in subpanels.

Source

Summary: Neutrals and Grounds On Same Bar in SubPanels

We are incredibly grateful for the readers who have taken the time to read our explanation of should neutrals and grounds on same bar in subpanels. Understanding the differences between these two wires, as well as why they should never be connected on the same bus bar is essential for ensuring that our homes remain safe and free from potential hazards.

As always, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We would be happy to help clarify anything that may still be unclear. 

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