Blew a panel swap last Tuesday because I missed a bonding jumper

I was swapping out a 40-space panel in a basement remodel down on 18th street. Got everything landed, turned power back on, and the GFCI breakers would not hold. Took me 40 minutes of checking neutrals before I realized the bonding screw was still in the new panel. Never had that happen before because I always check, but I got in a hurry. Anyone else have a stupid miss like that cost them time?

2 comments

2 Comments

riley_coleman1mo ago

That bonding screw thing is an easy miss for sure. What worked for me was taping a big orange sticker right on the panel cover that says "CHECK BONDING SCREW" before closing it up. Also started keeping the screw itself in my pocket until the very end so I can't put the cover on without physically holding it. Saves me from that same 40 minute hunt when I get distracted. Another guy I know writes it on the panel label with a sharpie before he starts. Simple stuff but it stops the headache.

the_logan1mo ago

Mike Holt actually mentioned a similar trick in one of his code update seminars. He said he saw a guy who would wire the bonding screw to a zip tie that looped around the panel door hinge. Smart idea because you literally can't close the panel without dealing with it. That mechanical reminder forces the habit better than a sticker on the cover.