Where did the all the neutral pigtails go? If you can’t figure out if the wiring to the GFCI and AFCI breakers in the photo above is a problem or not, then you haven’t heard about the new “plug-on neutral” panels. They provide a concealed neutral bus bar under the breakers. Each breaker snaps over and then locks onto it. So pigtail neutrals, like the ones shown below, have been recently eliminated by the new plug-on neutral panels and breakers by Square D, Siemens, and Eaton.

    If there are any open slots in the panel, you will be able to see the neutral bus, located a little inward of the outside edge of the breakers, after removing the dead front. You can also confirm a plug-on neutral panel from reading the data plate on the inside of the door.

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Here’s links to a collection of our other blog posts about AFCI and GFCI RECEPTACLES AND CIRCUIT BREAKERS:

• Does a septic pump or sump pump require a GFCI-receptacle?

• What is the difference between what trips a GFCI (ground fault) receptacle and a circuit breaker?

• Are Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) really necessary and worth the trouble? 

• What is the code requirement for GFCI protection for receptacles near a wet bar sink?

• When was GFCI-protection for kitchen dishwasher receptacle outlet first required? 

• When did arc fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) breakers first become required?

• Does a washing machine receptacle outlet require GFCI protection?

• My spa tub stopped working. What's wrong?  

• How do I identify a combination AFCI (CAFCI) circuit breaker? 

• What does "listed and labeled" mean for an electrical component? 

• What electrical hazards does a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) NOT protect against?  

• What is the difference between GFCI and AFCI circuit breakers? 

• Where are GFCI receptacle outlets required?

• When were GFCI receptacle outlets first required?

• What happens when you press the "TEST" button on a circuit breaker in an electric panel?

• What is the difference between the electric service to a mobile home and a site built home? 

• Why is there a wall switch next to the furnace or indoor unit of the air conditioner in the garage?

• What is a Dual Function Circuit Interrupter (DFCI)? 

• How I can tell if a receptacle outlet is tamper resistant?

• What is the difference between a Combination Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (CAFCI) and an Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) circuit breaker?  

• What is the difference between "grounded" and "grounding" electrical conductors? 

    Visit our AFCI AND GFCI and ELECTRICAL PANEL pages for other related blog posts on this subject, or go to the INDEX for a complete listing of all our articles.