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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
128x128diwakarv
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/
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
In my opinion ( as an circuit engineer), if the resistance is introduced in source path ( breaker contact, OR main distribution bus) or return path ( to GND via Ground/Neutral AL bus), it is bad. It is definitely worse in return path since all the current from refrigerator/washer/dryer/oven and all electrical appliances are dumped into this. Having this path as AL instead of CU is not the best.
Sure, according to NEC perspective, it is enough to carry current ( whatever rating it is designed for ) but it is definitely not desirable from audio application.
diwakarv's avatar
diwakarv OP
42 posts
 
This is response that I got from eaton

My question

Hi,

Can I replace neutral/Ground (Tin plated aluminum) in
CMBE4242B200BTS panel with ILSCO copper bars ?

Thanks

Reply from Eaton

Since it’s a service entrance panel, the neutral/ground is bonded, so I don’t see any issue with changing to a different ground bar. However if any inspector noticed the difference and called you out on it, we don’t have anything official documentation to back you up in doing this. So I would suggest you hold onto the original neutral/ground in case the inspector says you can’t change it.
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