Intermediate wire splicing - Contract issue

[sunguy]

My first post in this great forum!!!

We are currently installing few solar projects and using NRTL listed cable reducers at the combiner termination lugs. Our contract with client clearly indicates "Intermediate splicing is forbidden". My question is, does the usage of cable reducer mean that we are splicing the wire? Our argument is that the cable reducer is used at the termination lugs and it doesn't act as splicing device. What are your thoughts on this and any suggestions on winning this argument are highly appreciated?. I tried to lookup the definition of wire splicing or cable splicing or splicing in NEC art 100 but couldn't find anything. Thanks.

 

[gk351]

IMO, I feel youre not splicing anything. Splicing to me is, joining two pieces or wire, pipe, etc. I would say you are "connecting" the terminal ends, but not splicing. But ultimately your customer has to feel the same.

 

[Smart $]

A cable reducer, when used properly, is for conductor termination... and their use does not by itself constitute a splice.

For the sake of client argument, PV-circuit combiners are an industry standard. Electrically speaking, they are simply an enhanced splice box. Perhaps they'll want to reconsider the wording of their specifications???

 

[steve66]

What else would they have you do? If the lugs don't match the wire size, you have to do something.

Can you get termination lugs listed for the combiner that fit the wire you have?