Wiring recptcl & switch technique -- legal?

[lordofpi]

I've started doing a few old-work residential projects lately and quite a few times I have come across the following practice. When two or more switches and or duplex receptacles exist in a box fed from the same circuit, the original installer stripped a portion of the incoming ungrounded conductor about half-way along its length in the box, probably about 3 inches now exposed in the segment. This portion was then looped around the screw terminal, and then the very same wire continues to feed the other switch/receptacle in the box.

This just seems to be laziness which could result in a definite danger should the first device ever be removed. Am I being too harsh about this? Do any of you do this and can defend it as safe? My impression is that all wire is to have two points of termination where insulation is removed -- its beginning and its end. Anything else must be through a splice of a new wire. Thoughts?

[augie47]

it's a good technique to avoid a connection, one less trouble-point

[Dennis Alwon]

I have often done it that way. If the device is removed usually another will go in its place or you could tape the exposed area.

[M. D.]

110.3(B) I doubt that the temination instructions would allow it and certainly not bare between devices

[iwire]

Originally Posted by M. D.

110.3(B) I doubt that the temination instructions would allow it

I will have to think on that one.

and certainly not bare between devices

Sure would like to see a code section you can cite there.

[tallguy]

I've seen it recommended ("Wiring Simplified" for one), and would probably do it myself if I had the manual dexterity to pull it off!

If done properly, no more copper should be exposed than if making two separate connections. It is not bare between the two yokes -- that's what makes it difficult (for me anyway). How do you do it Dennis??

[iwire]

I just use my linesmen and strip about 3/4" of copper and wrap it around the first one then strip another 3/4" etc.

But really there is no code reason it could not be bare between the devices, not my style but it can be done.

[M. D.]

Originally Posted by iwire

.

But really there is no code reason it could not be bare between the devices, not my style but it can be done.

What about
310.2 (A) insulated Conductors shall be insulated.

aren't they conductors ??

[iwire]

Originally Posted by M. D.

What about
310.2 (A) insulated Conductors shall be insulated.

aren't they conductors ??

Well with that interpretation I can not strip the conductor at all.

[M. D.]

yes you can , you just don't get to strip it willy nilly ,.. the instructions for the device require it ..Most equipment requiring electrical connection does, not all though ,.. got to read the instructions if it says stip it, strip it , but only as instructed.