Showerthought: is it better to land grounds first or last on a panel swap?

I always did grounds last to keep things tidy, but a j-man told me he lands them first so he doesn't forget any - now I'm wondering if one way is actually safer or just habit. What do you guys think, does order really matter on a 200 amp changeout?

3 comments

3 Comments

caseythompson14d ago

Landing grounds first is like putting your clean socks on before your boots, it just makes sense. But honestly, if you're the guy who forgets a ground if you don't do it first, maybe just stick with your method so you don't leave some poor homeowner with a floating neutral. I've seen j-men do it both ways and neither one blew up a panel yet, so who really cares as long as everything's tight? Me, I land grounds last because I like to keep my wires neat and that's just how my brain works. But if you're the type who needs the safety net of doing them first, go for it, just don't blame me when your panel looks like a rat's nest.

umar4914d ago

Honestly, you said 'floating neutral' but you meant ground, not neutral. Mixing those up on a job could get ugly fast, but I get the point you're making. Tbh, as long as it's bonded right at the main, who cares the order you do it.

shane_clark14d ago

Real talk, I've seen guys do it both ways for years and somehow nobody's killed the power yet.