A "terminal bar" used for the termination of equipment grounding conductors is shown here on the right side of this cabinet.

This cabinet encloses a panelboard, and is usually called a "subpanel," and the panelboard's grounded conductor (neutral concuctor with the white identification) is "isolated" or "floating from the metal cabinet, or so called "can" and the EGC terminal is "BONDED" to the can.

This is a "terminal bar" and this is where the EGC's are to be secured under each terminal, some of which may only allow two of the same size per terminal.

The panelboard cover will include this information.



[This message has been edited by Joe Tedesco (edited 03-31-2005).]

Joe, if someone needs to look at the cover on the panel in order to "recognize a terminal bar" and determine which is for the grounding conductors and which is for the grounded conductors do you think they should be in the panel in the first place?

Not to say the labeling is unimportant but this is some basic electrical knowledge.

Bob

What is the black wire connected to the white wire? If this is a shunt trip the colors are not right.

Roger

iwire

Exactly, I posted this message and the images from my gallery just for that reason because some people are not sure of what was meant by a "terminal bar" and with 408.20 in mind this is offered to clear up the confusion.

Too many are under the impression that the rules for boxes in 250.148 is applied in a panelboard!

Roger:

I didn't notice that!

Thanks for the reminder!

Joe, I know I got off topic, but it just caught my eye.

Roger

I am in agreement with iwires post of 06-14-2003-08:13AM.

It is apparent that many electrical people, including electrical inspectors, do not know the various terminal bars in Service Equipment, or Panelboards supplied by Feeders.

Some seem to know when it is in diagram(s) of circuit(s) but when looking into a panelboard full of wiring they are "lost" as to the identification of the various terminal bars.

Thanks for the clarification, Joe.
Now, all we need is more exact wording, e.g., "..one or more terminal bars for terminating all non-isolated grounding conductors shall be secured inside the cabinet." This would better represent the actual practice of using multiple terminal bars, as well as specify the apparent intent of landing ALL the non-isolated equipment grounding conductors at the terminal bar.
Anyone have easy access to a panelboard cover that has specific wording that EGC's have to land on the terminal bar? Or, does the wording just specify that the bar is provided for the EGC's (with no mandatory usage implied)?

OK, I can't resist any longer...
How do you recognize a terminal bar?
By the drunks waiting for their flight!

LOL Redsy, bless your heart, it's obvious you held that in as long as you could.

Roger