Double Lug on Ground bus and no crimp sleeves

Specific Inspection Topics Electrical Inspections
1

Can someone confirm that the double conductors under the lugs on the ground bus are incorrect and that the twisted conductors should have a crimp sleeve and then one conductor only under the lug. With the number of available lugs I am not sure why the conductors were doubled. Photos are attached. Thanks

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2

Most ground busses are listed for use with multiple grounding conductors. Check the label inside the panel for sizes, materials. Stranded conductors do not need anything added before they are terminated in the buss.

3

Thanks. I looked at the label. (2) #14 on grounding bus allowed.

4

Multiple ground conductors may be allowed, but is that the best practice? I think if there are open lugs, they should be used… there’s no reason to double or triple up on conductors if there are open lugs.
I realize that is not for me to decide, and is not necessarily an issue to call out, but it does make me look harder for other shortcuts in the panel…

5

I would not consider using a panel part as it was designed to be a shortcut. Leaving other buss holes open also allows for future circuits to be added without affecting any other part of the panel wiring. Heck, if this is a service panel the use of the auxullary ground bar would show extra effort and cost vs using the neutral buss for both grounded and grounding conductors.

6

I found these today.

7

Now why would you call it a short cut if the manufacturer allows the installation to be done. If Eaton Cutler Hammer has a panel tested that allowed multiple equipment grounding conductors to be terminated under a single screw of a UL approved terminal buss then why is it a short cut or a problem?

Again what one person may fine as a shortcut another finds as thrifty, all under the eye of perfectly compliant. As an inspector I try to leave personal preferences out of my inspection process and inspect to compliance.

8

Now see…these are some GREAT examples of non-compliant installations and yet another reason why even meeting the minimum standards of the National Electrical Code are critical starting points.

Great Pics !

9

Good advice…:wink: