Ran out of grounds/neutral slots in my main breaker box.

[RNeumann]

Looking at the new box next to the current one, it doesn't look like my mains will reach even if I stick more of the main coming in at the bottom. The main ground is my concern now. I may have to step down to a 30 circuit, 60 space box since they are about 5" shorter. If I hand the box upside down, the neutrals will not reach to the bottom of the box where the neutral bus is located. I'm scheduled to have the meter pulled this coming Friday so I want to be prepared.

View attachment 521223

I am confused what you are saying. If you are saying the main comes in the bottom put the main lugs at the bottom- flip the panel over. If you are worried the wires in the top aren't long enough, push the panel in the photo up close to the ceiling. The panels side by side show the breakers etc are nearly identical in length- it's the box itself that is longer but you have the room top and bottom to make it work fine.

 

[RNeumann]

I don't think the mains are going to reach by the time they go up the side of the box. Here is a pic of the current box. The main ground on the right is going to be an issue reaching to the new box in the center.
View attachment 521243

I'm sure you are aware your current panel is a rats nest- maybe previous homeowner? Google "clean electrical panel install" and shoot for that. A few small zip ties help get things in the corners.
Sorry Tapatalk isn't allowing me to attach photos at the moment....

 

[buickanddeere]

My new box is all GFCIs and Arc Faults. The only issue I had was the new fridge circuit was tripping the GFCI, but the electrician came back and swapped that out for a regular breaker and it has been good. The fridge itself is a pain, ices over the fan for the icemaker if we use it, so it has been disabled from the front panel, but the breaker has been fine since.

Overall very happy since I got a subpanel in the garage out of the deal.

No GFCI or AFCI on fridges in kitchens , freezers in kitchens and sump pumps according to code here . Even if code called for them O still wouldn't on those essential circuits .

 

[buickanddeere]

I don't think the mains are going to reach by the time they go up the side of the box. Here is a pic of the current box. The main ground on the right is going to be an issue reaching to the new box in the center.
View attachment 521243

I have drilled new holes in the back of panels when the factory knockouts were not in the desired position.

 

[GLyford]

No GFCI or AFCI on fridges in kitchens , freezers in kitchens and sump pumps according to code here . Even if code called for them O still wouldn't on those essential circuits .

Apparently here they are "Recommended" but allowed to be swapped out "if they cause problems."

 

[lzicc]

aczlan, thanks for the link. I like those.

RNeumann, if I raise it high enough, some still won't reach and you are right, the current box is a nest. That is another reason I can't wait to swap it out. I'm trying to mark all the wires prior to swapping the box and it is very difficult to trace the wire.

I ended up getting a different panel where the neutral and grounds are right next to each circuit. I also added a ground bar on each side just to give me more alternatives.

 

[lzicc]

Here is a better picture of the neutral/ground bus next to the circuits. That's a great idea.

 

[GLyford]

That looks like the best fit for your situation, good luck with the install.

 

[hr3]

Ok easy enough. The main panel can accept the second bus bar and that bar should be grounded directly to box. It is ok (by code) to commingle neutral and ground in the main panel bus bars- however some would still separate the grounds and neutrals for future diagnosis and looks.

If you wanted to add a jumper between the two bus bars you can. It is a nice thought and shows your desire to do the best job possible and be conscientious about your work.

The separate ground and neutrals in sub panels helps with diagnosis. I know it's a bit strange having to run the extra wire and have separate locations for the neutral and ground in sub panels. But it is code.

Perfect do what he says forget the rest..

 

[hr3]

OK now you have a main lug panel and are replacing it with a main breaker panel.. that means 4 wire coming in and I see the ground screw in place in your new panel.. What gives ???