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Electrical panel : Ground/Neutral bus bar question

Hi,

In CH type panel CMBE4242B200BTS ( main bus is Copper) , I am trying to replace AL ground/neutral bus bar with

http://www.dinrailwiringduct.com/12-inch-long-ul-listed-copper-ground-bar-or-earth-bar-w-screws-included-and-pre-inserted/

My concern is, most of the Eaton mounting holes are 1-3/4" whereas the Ilsco mounting holes are 2.566".

Should that be concern ? Can I use wire hole as mounting holes ( whichever is aligned to panel holes) ?

Are there any other options for copper Ground/Neutral bus bar ?

Do you guys think if it worth pursuing changing Ground/Neutral bus bar to copper from Aluminum ?

Thanks
diwakarv
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Hi Jim,
It is always educational to read your response. I takes me an hour to read/understand your post and additional couple of hours to reply :-) I surely appreciate your feedback.

CH panel CMBE4242B200BTS uses part no. N-8108-86 , catalog no. NBAE-0924-2 , which tin plated aluminum (6061-T6) for ground/neutral bar.
http://www.ilsco.com/documents/PDF/TechnicalDrawing/N8108.pdf.
I still don't know the whether the bus is AL or 6061-T6.

"Food for thought, the CH 200 amp main breaker in the panel has mechanical lugs made of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy"

I didn't know that, thanks for info.

It seems , my goal of having a all copper panel is unrealistic. Every panel ( including QO) uses 6061-T6 extensively, this alloy is 43-45% conductive compared to copper.
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jea48
4,709 posts
 

8 (qty) 30 amp breakers feeding 8 (qty) dedicated receptacles. ($80,00)
One 30 amp single pole sub-panel breaker for each metal box duplex receptacle. See 125 amp 2-pole description for more info.

Does not meet NEC code or local AHJ. I bet Krell said it was OK though.

Per NEC Code the maximum breaker size for 2 or more NEMA 5-15R 15 amp rated receptacles is 20 amp.

For a NEMA 5-20R 20 amp rated receptacle the breaker shall be 20 amp, period!
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Thanks Cdrc. I am using copper SE cable & 4 AWG solid copper GND wire terminated to 8 feet solid copper bar ( about 50 feet from Main panel) and to water mains. I have bought Cardas in wall AC for two dedicated circuit, 10/2 romex for subwoofer, 10/2 as spare. My outlet are Oyaide R1 with wallplate. Lugs in my meter are copper, not aluminum ( special order from Flexcenter).

I am sort of disappointed that I couldn't get all copper panel anyways , knowing that AL is just 40% conductive to copper.

I wish I could post picture on Audiogon to expain my situation further. Lug for GND ( where 4 AWG attaches in the panel) can accept copper and AL ( it is 6061-T6) and GND strap which connects to GND/NEUTRAL bus bar (BSSUSE Bonding Strap) is also 6061-T6. Ideally, I should be able to replace GND/neutral bus with N174 copper bar.

Again since bonding strap is also 6061-T6 ( Tin plated), copper bar screw to it, should not cause any harm. I am bit skeptical/reluctant after Jea48 comments.
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
Here is picture of the panel that I discussing about
https://www.flickr.com/photos/131393447@N08/17442124326/in/shares-S47X7U/
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