Multiple Conductors In Same Hole

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Got an inspection on a new service yesterday.

Like for like panel change, so it’s already full.

Inspector mentioned that multiple grounds are allowed in the same hole on a N/G bar, but neutrals need to be 1 per hole. He didn't call me on it or make me change it, just mentioned it.

The manufacturers instructions on the panel cover show the quantities and sizes of conductors allowed per hole, and makes no exceptions for neutrals.

I’ve never seen that in the NEC either.

 

[Little Bill]

EGCs can occupy more than one per hole if the panel mfg allows. Neutrals can never occupy more than one per hole. Someone can post the NEC as I don't have it handy.

 

[infinity]

This has been in the NEC for many code cycles. Neutrals one per hole. EGC's as many as the listing allows.

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

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

This has been in the NEC for many code cycles. Neutrals one per hole. EGC's as many as the listing allows.

Thank you.

It is so commonly done that I wasn’t sure it was true.

 

[LarryFine]

When there is more than one set of rules to follow, the more restrictive generally applies.

 

[augie47]

For reference in '17 it's 408.41

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This has been in the NEC for many code cycles. Neutrals one per hole. EGC's as many as the listing allows.

And many years before that in the listing instructions making is a 110.3(B) rule. The substantiation for putting into the code was that many installers were not following the requirements of the listing instructions.

 

[jim dungar]

For reference in '17 it's 408.41

It had to be added explicitly in the NEC because for decades installers regularly ignored manufacturer instructions based on UL Listing requirements.

 

[tom baker]

This has been in the NEC for many code cycles. Neutrals one per hole. EGC's as many as the listing allows.

This was long a UL requirement but was not known by electricians so it added to NEC. Ops Jim said the same!

 

[Little Bill]

Ops Jim said the same!

And Don before that!

 

[jim dungar]

And Don before that!

Yeah, but Don and I posted at the same time.

 

[Little Bill]

Yeah, but Don and I posted at the same time.

You still came in 2nd

 

[CoolWill]

When I started, it was common practice in my area for the ground and neutral of a circuit to be in the same hole, if it was the main panel. It looked so nice and neat.

 

[jim dungar]

You still came in 2nd

Story of my life.
Or has someone already said that?

 

[letgomywago]

When I started, it was common practice in my area for the ground and neutral of a circuit to be in the same hole, if it was the main panel. It looked so nice and neat.

That specific install should've been continued. The issue of losing a multiwire nuetral isn't as big of a deal in that then having 2 multiwire nuetrals incase one is moved and the other has a load.

 

[Little Bill]

Story of my life.
Or has someone already said that?

Maybe!

 

[kwired]

When I started, it was common practice in my area for the ground and neutral of a circuit to be in the same hole, if it was the main panel. It looked so nice and neat.

I used to do that as well. Didn't realize (like many others) that the instructions didn't allow it. Did see that most neutral bars were rated for multiple conductors but somehow missed that it only applied for EGC's when they are permitted to land on the neutral bus