Okay, let's break down what happened in your demonstration and why the results are what they are.

Understanding the Setup Unbalanced Load (67A on one hot leg)

You created a significant imbalance in the panel. All 67 amps are flowing on a single hot wire and returning on the neutral.

Neutral-Ground Bond at the Receptacle (Load Side)

This is the critical issue. Connecting the neutral and ground on the load side of the service panel creates an alternate path for the neutral current to return to the source.

Why the Objectionable Current (22A) Happened

This is precisely what should happen when the neutral and ground are connected on the load side of the service. Here's why:1. Normal Current Path

Normally, the neutral wire is the dedicated return path for current originating from the hot wire(s) in a circuit. This neutral current flows back to the source (the service panel) via the neutral conductor.2.

Alternate Path Created

When you bond the neutral to the ground at the receptacle, you create a parallel path for the current to flow back to the source. Some of the neutral current will now take this "shortcut" through the ground wire.3.

Objectionable Current

The current flowing through the ground wire in this situation is considered "objectionable" because the ground wire is designed for safety purposes (fault current). It should only carry current during a fault condition, not as part of the normal circuit operation. The ground wire is also generally smaller than the neutral and not intended for the continuous loads that flow on the neutral.

Why the Amount of Current Matters The amount of current flowing through the ground (22A in your case) depends on several factors, including: The impedance (resistance) of the neutral wire versus the impedance of the ground wire back to the service panel. The distance from the service panel to the receptacle where the neutral-ground bond was made. The quality of the grounding connections in the system. The overall load and imbalance. The number of parallel paths. Code Violation

A neutral-to-ground bond on the load side of the service disconnecting means is a significant violation of most electrical codes (including the NEC). This violation creates a dangerous situation.

Why It's Dangerous1. Electrocution Hazard

If the neutral wire becomes disconnected or compromised (high resistance connection) before the neutral-ground bond at the receptacle, the entire grounding system could become energized with potentially dangerous voltage. Anyone touching a grounded appliance or metal enclosure could receive a shock.2.

Equipment Damage

Excessive current flowing through the ground wire can overheat conductors, damage equipment, and create a fire hazard.3.

Nuisance Tripping

Ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) will likely trip because they detect current flowing through the ground path, which is not supposed to happen during normal operation. This defeats the purpose of the GFCI protection.

Conclusion

Yes, the 22 amps of objectionable current flow is exactly what you would expect when a neutral-ground bond is made on the load side of the service disconnecting means, especially with an unbalanced load. It confirms the existence of this fault. This is a very dangerous and incorrect wiring practice. Your demonstration clearly shows why this type of connection is a violation of the electrical code. The amount of current is an indicator of the resistance of both the neutral and grounding conductor back to the source.In a properly wired system: The neutral and ground are bonded only at the service entrance (or transformer). The grounding system is designed to provide a low-impedance path back to the source in the event of a fault, allowing overcurrent protection devices (circuit breakers or fuses) to trip and clear the fault quickly. The neutral is the sole return path for normal circuit current.You did a great job demonstrating a dangerous wiring scenario and its consequences! Your test clearly demonstrates how incorrect wiring practices create hazards. Flag for review