Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Location
    Erwin, TN
    Posts
    330

    Default Bonding to enclosure ?

    Inspecting this 200 amp service panel, my question is what is the copper thing behind the bus bar called? Is it the bonding strap. Is it supposed to be connected to the bus ?

    Similar Threads:
    ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images ***IMPORTANT*** You Need To Register To View Images
    Inspection Referral

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Yes that bonding strap should be connected between the enclosure and the neutral/grounding terminal bar, but ... with all those grounds and neutrals in the same terminals (which is not allowed, never was) ... and being as that is a Zinsco panel ...

    ... that lil' ol' missin' bondin' strap ain't really nutin' much ta wory 'bout.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  3. #3
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Clarkesville, Georgia
    Posts
    41

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    ... with all those grounds and neutrals in the same terminals (which is not allowed, never was)
    Were grounds and neutrals ever allowed in the same terminal on bars where terminals were listed to accept 2 wires?


  4. #4
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Not in accordance with the panel label instructions.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    May 2011
    Location
    Clarkesville, Georgia
    Posts
    41

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    Not in accordance with the panel label instructions.
    I remember a few years ago when NEC added rule requiring only one "neutral" in a lug. But I don't remember seeing such a prohibition on labels of panels (before then). UL evidently required panel manufacturer to provide enough lugs for each "neutral" to have it's own, but was it against rules to put 2 in the same hole (on bars where more than 1 wire was allowed in a hole)?


  6. #6
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Even under the panel label instructions it was one neutral per hole.

    - - - Updated - - -

    Even under the panel label instructions it was one neutral per hole.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Plano, Texas
    Posts
    4,245

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Sam Morris View Post
    Inspecting this 200 amp service panel, my question is what is the copper thing behind the bus bar called? Is it the bonding strap. Is it supposed to be connected to the bus ?
    Forgetting about the other issues already mentioned, the panel enclosure and grounding terminal bar should be bonded to the neutral terminal bar with the strap you asked about "IF" this is the service equipment.
    "IF" it is NOT the service equipment then the strap should NOT be connected.

    Jim Luttrall
    www.MrInspector.net
    Plano, Texas

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Fletcher, NC
    Posts
    28,032

    Default Re: Bonding to enclosure ?

    Quote Originally Posted by Dave Ruth View Post
    Were grounds and neutrals ever allowed in the same terminal on bars where terminals were listed to accept 2 wires?
    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    Not in accordance with the panel label instructions.
    For decades, the panel instructions did not address the issue, nor did the code address the issue, however, UL Standard 67 (I think it is UL 67) to which the panels are tested and listed addressed the issue and it was not permitted ... the problem was this: What inspector, electrical contractor, or electrician read the UL standards? Eventually some did, and that is when the issue started being addressed by some inspectors, and it eventually was added into the code.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

Bookmarks

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •