Essential Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels

How do I ground a breaker panel to the ground bar.

• I have a GE 125 amp panel

Thank You

This electrical question came from: hector, a Handyman from St. Cloud, FL
Additional Comments: Its a very helpful site.

Dave’s Reply:

Thanks for your electrical question Hector.

Grounding Requirements for Electric Panels

PLEASE NOTE: This question did not state if the GE 125 amp panel is a main panel or a sub panel, which makes a very big difference with the grounding method as outlined below:

• When Grounding an Electrical Panel the following applies
  • The Main Panel
    • The ground bar is bonded internally when an external bond to earth is installed as described at the link for Electrical Grounding below.
  • A Sub-Panel
    • Sub-Panels are grounded through the cable that provides the sub-feed circuit power.
    • This sub-feed cable will have 2 insulated power conductors, 1 insulated neutral conductor and one ground wire.
    • The ground wire is bonded at the main panel to the ground system.
    • The sub-feed wiring type and size will depend on the specific application and the applicable local building codes.

Electrical Grounding Methods In General

• National Electrical Code, NEC Article 250.5 Grounding and Bonding
  • All grounding electrodes that are present at each building or structure served shall be bonded together to form the grounding electrode system.
• National Electrical Code, NEC Article 250-50 Premise’s Electrical Service
  • A premise’s electrical service shall be connected to a grounding electrode system consisting of a metal underground water pipe in direct contact with earth for 10 feet or more, if available on the premises, and a supplemental electrode (a rod, pipe, or plate electrode.) An additional electrode shall supplement the buried water pipe electrode.

The Following links will assist you with Electrical Grounding Methods
Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electric panel

House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

For more information about Grounding
Electrical Grounding

Electrical Grounding Methods and Requirements
Listing of electrical codes for grounding with examples of electrical grounding codes for home electrical wiring.

This link is helpful as a Handyman
Do-It-Yourself Electrical