Dedicated Line

No, don't separate them. In general, the only time that the neutral and ground do not share the same bar is when you're installing a subpanel.

Michael

Multiple grounds can be dangerous & are against the electrical codes in most areas. If you have homeowner's insurance, you give the insur. co. a good reason to void any fire or damage claims. You also leave yourself open for liability in case of damage to other's property.

The bars are connected for a reason. Leave them alone. To answer your questions:

1. If you seperate the bars, then each and every circuit breaker in the panel might not trip properly on fault. Self-explanatory as to the danger.

2. No. Only one ground is permitted for the whole house electrical system by code.

Strongly suggested: talk to an electrician or your local BD inspector before you touch anything, regardless of what you read here.

If you have to ask you don't know enough to do this. Hire a competent electrician.

GS5558, I recently had a a new 200 amp service installed and the electrician told me they had to install a backup ground wire from the breaker box to a water pipe in addition to the ground that went to the stake they drove in the ground near where the service comes into my house. Does this violate the "one ground" rule cited above?

Thanks for all input