How to Bond a Subpanel

The process of bonding means that all metal items in a room or structure are connected properly to avoid an electrical shock. Subpanels should be bonded to the ground bar in the main power panel to maintain the integrity of the grounding system. Wherever the subpanel is placed, a ground wire must be run to that location from the main power panel. This helps to ensure that the ground system can do its job properly.

Wire cutters
Wire strippers
Subpanel
Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Shut off the power at the main power panel. Ensure that the subpanel is securely mounted into position. Remove one of the knockout rings in the bottom of the subpanel, using a screwdriver and hammer.
- 2
  Run a ground wire from the bottom of the main power panel to the bottom of the subpanel. Strip 1/2 inch of insulation off of both ends of the ground wire. Connect the ground wire to the ground/neutral bar in the main power panel. Tighten the connection with the screwdriver.
- 3
  Go to the subpanel and connect the other end of the ground wire to the subpanel's ground bar. if the subpanel does not have a ground bar, add one. Tighten the connection using the screwdriver. The subpanel is now bonded to the main power panel.

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