Siemens 3 lug neutral bar

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RICK NAPIER

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Location
New Jersey
I've been asked to send Siemens some information explaining why 3 spaces on neutral bars at main disconnect panels do not provide enough spaces for the standard dwelling installation in the hope they will expand to 5 spaces on their neutral bar. Normally you would have 2 neutrals, 1 ground and either a ground rod or concrete-encased electrode for 1 and metal piping as either an electrode or simply bonding as another 1 for a total of 5 connections. I have required electricians to install an additional bar per 250.24(4), or bonding 2 electrodes together and bringing the ground to an installed lug on the panel, or going from one electrode to the other then to the main panel again bringing the ground to an installed lug on the panel.
They have told me that they have only had this issue come up from some inspectors and contractors in New Jersey and think it may only be a local issue. I am hoping that this issue has come up in other locations and would like to hear from you so that I may pass this on to Siemens in hope of having them add 2 additional spots on their neutral bars. Thank you.
 
I think in all my years as a contractor I have used a main breaker only panel about 3 times. We also use GE and I don't believe that is an issue especially since we can install the grounding electrode conductor in the meter base.

I think that is great that you are taking the initiative to contact Siemens but I bet they would rather sell the extra ground bar.
 
RICK NAPIER said:
I am finding this generally on outdoor main panels without spaces for additional breakers.
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Yes, that is what I figured but as I said we rarely use those panels. Instead, we use a 200 amp 8 circuit feed thru panel and we don't have an issue with the equipment ground bar.

Where we are we often need to come back and add stuff so having the external panels with extra circuits is a great alternative and it doesn't cost more either.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
Yes, that is what I figured but as I said we rarely use those panels. Instead, we use a 200 amp 8 circuit feed thru panel and we don't have an issue with the equipment ground bar.

Where we are we often need to come back and add stuff so having the external panels with extra circuits is a great alternative and it doesn't cost more either.
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This is what I am used to for a outside panel.
 
You could run the largest GEC to the neutral bar and then split bolt the additional bonding jumpers to the GEC.
 
Square D - 100 amp or less single breaker enclosures only have three terminals IIRC - grounded in, grounded out, GEC, plus a hole for a bonding screw - any additional EGC's and you can install a grounding bar to the enclosure, though a fourth terminal would be handy. Seems like their 200 amp single breaker enclosures do have a 4th terminal from what I can recall.
 
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