Upgrading sub panel in shop to QO816L100DF but existing neutral feed is too short to reach neutral bar. How do I relocate neutral bar?

youcancallmejim · Jan 30, 2021

Megawatt · Jan 31, 2021

youcancallmejim said:
Upgrading sub panel in shop to QO816L100DF but existing neutral feed is too short to reach neutral bar. How do I relocate neutral bar?

Just splice the neutral long enough to get to the neutral bar. If it’s outside the panel it must be spliced in an approved box and water tight

youcancallmejim · Jan 31, 2021

Megawatt said:
Just splice the neutral long enough to get to the neutral bar. If it’s outside the panel it must be spliced in an approved box and water tight

Yes - splicing is one option and yes the #4 aluminum neutral would have to enter the bottom of the new panel, then exit into a correct sized j-box, then back into the sub panel. Any splice inside the sub panel is out of the question due to space limitations. The new sub panel is flush mount since the shop is insulated, heated and weather/water tight - my second home. So why a watertight j-box?

Darkwood · Jan 31, 2021

Why would you have to exit and re-enter the panel again, crimp an inline lug onto the N and heat-shrink sleeve it, it takes up next to no room at all, maybe a few mm wider circumference on the joint itself.

Megawatt · Jan 31, 2021

Megawatt said:
Just splice the neutral long enough to get to the neutral bar. If it’s outside the panel it must be spliced in an approved box and water tight

You stated that the neutral is not long enough to make it to the panel. Having said that and your using aluminum wire you will need a 6x6x4 inch junction box approved for outdoor use.