How Are Neutrals Wired in the Three Phase Breaker Panel?

Three-phase breaker panels are very common in homes and businesses. Of the components inside a three-phase breaker panel, the neutral wire is one of two "hot" wires carrying current, with the neutral shunted to ground. The neutral wires have their own distribution block or "bus" inside the panel. As with anything electrical, correct wiring is essential for safe and expected operation.

Wire strippers or razor knife
Screwdriver (Allen, Torx, standard, or Philips)

Instructions

- 1
  Turn off the main power at the panel by lowering the handle inside or next to the box.
- 2
  Locate the three primary wires entering the panel. Look for the wire or conduit with a white line, stripe or other indication.
- 3
  Strip 1 1/2 inches of outer insulation from the neutral wire, using heavy-duty strippers or carefully rotating a razor knife around the outer jacket.
- 4
  Identify the neutral bus on the opposite side as the hot bus. This is normally found by looking for a thin bar with set screws. Locate the larger Torx or hex-shaped screw at the end of this bus. If the hot (black) wires are already wired, the neutral bus is on the opposite side for easy identification.
- 5
  Insert the bare wire up to the insulation inside the neutral terminal. Tighten the screw securely with the appropriate screwdriver.

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