Can the branch neutral bars be cut or disconnected in a QO or Homeline load center to form one neutral on one side and one ground bar on the other side?

Issue:
Application

Product Line:
QO and Homeline Load Center

Resolution:
No, The neutral system in the QO and Homeline load centers are considered a split branch neutral system. Half of the branch neutrals are on the left and half on the right, with both branch neutral bars connected to the main neutral bar at the top of the interior. So it is not acceptable to modify the neutral bar from the way it was designed, tested, and manufactured. The neutral bar was not designed to have the left side separated from the right side.

Whether or not the neutral bar can be used to terminate equipment ground wires is dependent upon the application of the load center. The neutral bar is rated to accept neutral conductors and ground conductor (in unused neutral spaces) ONLY if the load center is used as service entrance equipment. If the load center is NOT a service entrance load center (installed as a subpanel downstream from the service entrance equipment), then a separate ground bar needs to be purchased and installed for ALL ground conductors. Do NOT cut or separate the existing neutral bar to form a separate neutral and ground bar. This modification is not allowed per UL procedures and would VOID the UL listing and warranty.

Released for: Schneider Electric Canada