Breaker panel question

Old-Biscuit wrote:
From your questions......electricity is NOT your strong suit.
Here is some basic electricity info......LINK

The 'white' wires can connect anywhere on that neutral bar that you can properly install them. The 'bar' is solid so it is one continuous electric connection.

Just curious...WHY are you having to run a new wire?

You are certainly correct in assuming that electricity is NOT my strong suit. That is why I am asking all these "elementary" questions. The reason I am running a new wire is because my transfer switch overheated a couple of weeks ago and I am replacing it. The old wire from the switch to the breaker panel was discolored from heat and some of the insulation had "bubbled up" so I went ahead and replaced that wire as well. Better safe than sorry. I have checked and rechecked all the connections inside the breaker panel and they are tight.

Thanks to you all for your great information. I will check out the link on basic electricity as I sure have a lot to learn.

You can separate them. They don't need to stay together.

That neutral bus is aluminum. It is -supposed to- have tin plating to avoid the dreaded direct copper to aluminum syndrome. I don't take chances, I'll use the stuff they sell at Home Depot to make sure the connection is sound and stays sound. The compound is for "oxidation". An ounce of prevention is worth at least one four-alarm oops.

Also, while your at it make sure ALL connections are tight! Make sure ALL POWER IS OFF of course. Easy for a screw to loosen up, bad connection = heat. Inspect all wires for signs of damage or discolor.
You might want to fill us all in on what your doing. Got to be VERY CAREFULL what your doing and knownedge of how it all works is very important!

From your questions......electricity is NOT your strong suit.
Here is some basic electricity info......LINK

The 'white' wires can connect anywhere on that neutral bar that you can properly install them. The 'bar' is solid so it is one continuous electric connection.

Just curious...WHY are you having to run a new wire?

Thanks for the information. One more question - the white wire from the transfer switch is in the same "hole" as another white wire. Do these two wires need to be connected in the same "hole" again, or can I separate them if necessary? Thanks again for your responses.

No need to fight it. Just cut it close and abandon in place.
Connect the new white wire anywhere on the same bus.

I suspect that the wire from the transfer switch to the panel is NOT stranded, but solid. Any hole in the bus bar will do.

Yep, every hole on that buss bar is equal, electrically. The only possible difference is the size of the hole may vary to accommodate different gauges of wire.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
If the correct size wire from the utility to the neutral bus will fit the alternate "hole" then there is no difference. No copper wire strands can be trimmed in the process to reduce the wire to fit.

^X2