On 11/18/2012 10:28 AM, wrote:
On Sun, 18 Nov 2012 06:54:30 -0800 (PST), noname
wrote:

In this load center are the ground bar and neutral bar interchangeable?

I have the model in the picture, he

http://i1321.photobucket.com/albums/...8at94903AM.png

No,
Even in the main panel (Service disconnect enclosure) you should hook
the white wires to the isolated neutral bus(s) and hook the grounds to
the grounding buses.
If you ever decided to make this a sub, all you would have to do is
remove the bonding screw/clip and add a 4 wire feeder but most
importantly, it is a NEC violation to use the grounding bus for
neutral wires (250.6) because you are using the enclosure as a circuit
current path.

"250.6 Objectionable Current.
(A) Arrangement to Prevent Objectionable Current. The grounding of
electrical systems, circuit conductors, surge arresters,
surge-protective devices, and conductive normally non€“current-carrying
metal parts of equipment shall be installed and arranged in a manner
that will prevent objectionable current."


You can get a ground bar kit for that panel and keep both neutral bars
but I have seen the bottom buss removed in order to use the left side as
a ground. What I've done in the past is to install can mounted ground
bars on either side connected together with a #4 bare copper
which will keep the wiring a lot neater but everything depends on the
local inspectors. Around here, the city engineering department has their
own stricter requirements than the NEC but the county is much less
strict in their interpretation. Oh yea, what's seen in my area is a #4
bare copper attached to the ground bar going to the ground rod and cold
water pipe then a bonding screw at the main breaker panel tying the
neutral bar/s to the can or a specially made jumper supplied by the
panel manufacturer. The inspector may want a piece of #4 bare copper run
to the ground bar from the neutral bar in addition to the factory
supplied bonding method. It really depends on the local inspectors. O_o

TDD