I am installing a standby generator. I am using a service entrance rated automatic transfer switch with a main breaker/disconnect. With this arrangement, my current main panel becomes a subpanel. This is a picture of the neutral/ground bus bars in the main panel.
As you can see, they are all mounted to the same bare metal plate, so are bonded together. I have installed subpanels before where the panel was threaded to mount a ground bar directly to the panel, but I do not see any provisions in this panel to mount a separate ground bar. All three of the existing bus bars are mounted to the metal plate with screws, so any one could be removed to use as a ground bar. This is a Square D panel, Box # QOB40MW200-2.
My question is: Would it be acceptable to drill and tap holes in the back wall of the panel to move one of these bars to be a separate ground bar. Even easier would be to use self drilling screws. The bare metal plate that the three bars are mounted to is mounted to plastic, so mounting one bar to the metal of the panel would separate the neutrals from ground.
It seems the logical thing to do, but I want to know if there is any reason I shouldn't.
Thanks in advance.
As you can see, they are all mounted to the same bare metal plate, so are bonded together. I have installed subpanels before where the panel was threaded to mount a ground bar directly to the panel, but I do not see any provisions in this panel to mount a separate ground bar. All three of the existing bus bars are mounted to the metal plate with screws, so any one could be removed to use as a ground bar. This is a Square D panel, Box # QOB40MW200-2.
My question is: Would it be acceptable to drill and tap holes in the back wall of the panel to move one of these bars to be a separate ground bar. Even easier would be to use self drilling screws. The bare metal plate that the three bars are mounted to is mounted to plastic, so mounting one bar to the metal of the panel would separate the neutrals from ground.
It seems the logical thing to do, but I want to know if there is any reason I shouldn't.
Thanks in advance.