Looking for a neutral lug?

[farrellaa]

I need to connect a #6AWG neutral to my main panel. There are no open spaces (all spaces on the neutral bar are already doubled up -two wires per lug) except a large lug next to the main lug coming in from the power company. Would this be acceptable to use? What is it normally used for?

 

[dpc]

Yikes - you're scaring me! What is this large lug connected to?

It may be time to think about new main panel -- and calling in an electrician. If you're out of neutral lugs, you're probably getting the panel pretty well loaded up.

 

[farrellaa]

The open lug is on the same base plate as the neutral lug from the meter. It looks like a secondary lug. This is a Square D QC panel.

 

[itsmoked]

Any chance for a picture?

If you are sure that lug is connected to the neutral bus then it is fair game. But as dpc said, the number of un-doubled up neutral points is about the rating of the panel. If you have doubled them all up and want to add yet another #6 you could end up with a very expensive meltdown...

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[electricpete]

or more likely a main breaker trip, right?

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[itsmoked]

We would hope.. But I would put in even money on a M.D.

Keith Cress
Flamin Systems, Inc.-

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[waross]

I would expect to find a lug for a ground connection in the location that you have described.
Is your system grounded at the meter enclosure?
Is the spare lug small enough to grip the #6 wire securely?
A good connection to the neutral bar is all that is required, however, the description of all the neutral lugs having doubled up wires is worrysome. Are the wires doubled up on the breakers as well?
A picture will help.
Is this post a little non-commital? It is meant to be.
yours

 

[farrellaa]

After looking more closely at the box last night I realized that the large spare lug is connected to the neutral from the main line to the neutral bar and also the ground bar. I connected my #6 to this and it seems to fit OK and I could probably put 2 #6 wires in it. The clamp screw held it very tight and did not splay the conductors out. There are about 8 piggy back breakers in the box (those having two breakers in a single case) which explains why so many spaces are taken on the neutral and ground bars. I won't turn power on to the breaker until I have the electrical inspector check it out. I really appreciate the response to my question and to your concerns for safety, which is why I posted this.
Thanks again to all.