Unified Neutral and Ground

Was your home built in the 1950s or before? If so, your breaker box may be against code.

Today we're talking about unified ground and neutral breaker panels.

On August 4, 2016 the NEC added a code regarding unified neutral and ground sub panels because an improper neutral to ground connection can create a fire hazard, electrocution, improper operation of devices, and power quality issues for electronic equipment.

What do the neutral and the ground do in a circuit?

A ground wire provides a path from the metal to the electrical device that could become energized and a shock hazard to the breaker panel. The grounding conductor provides a safe path for the wayward electricity to flow back to the panel to trip the breaker and kill the power.

The neutral and grounding wires connect together and to a grounding electrode, such as a metal ground rod, which is there to handle unusual pulses of energy, such as a lightning strike.

We offer free thermal imaging because if the wiring becomes too hot, it poses a large threat to you and your family. We at Breaker Box Boys care about our community and your households.

Thermal Imaging & Safety

By MacKenzie Taylor

Thermal Imaging & Safety At breaker box boys, we see all sorts of electrical connections. Some are residential panels, some are large commercial transformers and electrical main breakers. Many of these connections were not made by us, but have been…