User: agtpony, Location: Delaware
Asked on: Sunday, January 19, 2025 at 7:51 pm EST
Answered on: Thursday, March 6, 2025 at 7:31 am EST
Question: Hello fellow Contractors HVAC guy here just paid someone to put a new panel in my house and the grounds and the neutrals are connected to the panel itself does that mean all 120 volt neutral power is going through the grounding Bolt is this considered an industry standard I've never seen this before I don't believe. And let me clarify when I say the panel I mean the physical 200 amp Square Box panel they are zip screwed pretty much to the back of the panel for some reason it will not let me upload pictures to show you however there are lugs with an allen key screw holding them in place at the ends of the wire but the physical square box of the panel is now the conduit back to the neutral and ground
Okay, this situation definitely needs careful review and potential correction. What you're describing is not standard practice and could be dangerous.Here's a breakdown of why, and what you should do
Why It's Likely Wrong and Potentially Dangerous:
Neutral-Ground Bond
In a properly wired system, the neutral and ground are only supposed to be bonded once, and that's at the service entrance (usually inside the main panel where the power company's wires connect). Bonding the neutral and ground elsewhere creates parallel paths for neutral current.
Parallel Neutral Paths
When you have multiple neutral-ground bonds, neutral current will flow through both the intended neutral conductors and the grounding conductors (including the metal panel enclosure itself, conduit, and anything connected to the grounding system). This is undesirable because:
Increased Shock Hazard
The metal parts of your electrical system (panel box, conduit, appliance chassis) could become energized under normal conditions. Even a small voltage on these surfaces is a shock hazard.
Overheating/Fire Risk
The grounding conductors aren't sized to carry normal neutral current. If a significant amount of neutral current flows through the grounding system, it could overheat, potentially damaging equipment and increasing the risk of fire.
Ground Fault Protection Issues
GFCI breakers and other ground fault protection devices rely on current flowing back to the source via the intended neutral conductor. If current is also returning via the ground, the GFCI might not detect a ground fault and trip, leaving you unprotected.
Code Violations
Having multiple neutral-ground bonds is a violation of the National Electrical Code (NEC) and most local electrical codes.
Unintentional Conduit Use as Neutral
The conduit and metal panel should not be carrying neutral current. They are grounding conductors, meant to provide a low-impedance path back to the source in the event of a fault (short circuit).
Possible Explanations (But Still Likely Wrong)
This is a Subpanel and Was Wired Incorrectly
The only place for the neutral and ground to be bonded is at the main panel, where the meter connects to the breaker panel. Subpanels must have floating neutrals and ground connections, not zip-tied to the physical square box.
What You MUST Do
Turn Off the Power
Turn off the main breaker to the panel immediately. Do not attempt to troubleshoot or fix this yourself unless you are a qualified electrician.2.
Contact a Qualified and Licensed Electrician
Call a different licensed electrician to inspect the installation. Explain the problem clearly, emphasizing that the neutrals and grounds are connected to the panel enclosure (metal box). You want them to: Properly diagnose the wiring. Correct the wiring to meet NEC code. This will likely involve separating the neutrals and grounds in your panel. Verify the integrity of the grounding system throughout your house. Provide you with documentation of the work performed and confirmation that it meets code.3.
Documentation
Take thorough pictures of the current wiring before anything is changed. This will be helpful if you need to discuss the situation with the original electrician or file a complaint.4.
Contact the Original Electrician
Once you have a second opinion and a clear understanding of the problem, contact the electrician who performed the initial work. Explain the issues and give them an opportunity to correct their work.5.
Permits and Inspections
Make sure the electrical work was done with proper permits and that it's inspected by the local electrical inspector. This is critical for safety and compliance with code.
Important Safety Considerations
Do Not Touch Anything
Avoid touching the metal panel enclosure or any electrical wiring while the power is on.
Smoke Detectors
Ensure you have working smoke detectors on every level of your home and in sleeping areas.
GFCI Protection
If you have any doubts about the wiring in your home, consider installing GFCI protection on circuits that serve bathrooms, kitchens, and outdoor areas.
In summary: What you're describing is not normal, not safe, and likely a code violation. It needs to be inspected and corrected by a qualified electrician immediately. Flag for review