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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
Post removed 
jea48
2,944 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/
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.
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