splicing entrance conductors

[keith gigabyte]

An inspector failed a job to reintroduce power to a home that utility had shut off for 2 years. All looked good except the neutral had been spliced in panel box. It had cadmium split bolt and proper size wire. Inspector said can't splice entrance conductors I cited 230.46 splicing entrance conductors. He said that refers to trough mounted blocks feeding multiple panels..ie 300 amp service with two 150 amp panels. Those are taps from my point of view. How would you handle it?

 

[Smart $]

The inspector is incorrect.

Ask him to reconsider.

If he does not change his mind, go over his head if he has an electrically-knowledgeable superior. Otherwise, your best course will likely be to replace the SE.

 

[iwire]

I cited 230.46 splicing entrance conductors. He said that refers to trough mounted blocks feeding multiple panels..

The inspector is nuts.

 

[Smart $]

An option in asking him to reconsider is to provide him a link to this thread.

 

[kwired]

He said that refers to trough mounted blocks feeding multiple panels..ie 300 amp service with two 150 amp panels. Those are taps from my point of view. How would you handle it?

Ask him where it states such install must be mounted blocks.

If you want to call it a tap, fine. In your install you have a tap situation with one incoming and one outgoing conductor. Tell him you could splice the ungrounded conductors if it makes him feel better about it - though it won't really change all that much.

 

[jumper]

An option in asking him to reconsider is to provide him a link to this thread.

Sure and when he sees this:

The inspector is nuts.

he will be most cooperative.

 

[keith gigabyte]

Pretty much what I thought thanks guys. But some other info. I didn't wite the joint i do work for a real estate company and they gave me task of getting power back on and I don't fix anything unless it needs it

at at least I know I'm not crazy

 

[iwire]

Sure and when he sees this:



he will be most cooperative.

Besides the fact there is no code section saying we can't splice service conductors the inspector was shown a code section explicitly allowing service conductors to be spliced I am fine with my response.

 

[kwired]

Besides the fact there is no code section saying we can't splice service conductors the inspector was shown a code section explicitly allowing service conductors to be spliced I am fine with my response.

Most of us agree with what you said (both times), but outside the inspector seeing that several think he is wrong, it may not even begin to change his opinion here.

 

[iwire]

Most of us agree with what you said (both times), but outside the inspector seeing that several think he is wrong, it may not even begin to change his opinion here.

Wow, such a deep understanding of human nature.

 

[kwired]

Wow, such a deep understanding of human nature.

Seems like we both agree he is wrong, and that he also is stubborn about changing his initial assessment...and he wants to be right just like both of us:happyyes:

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Those are taps from my point of view.

These are not taps IMO. It is a splice because the wire size is the same. A tap conductor is reduced in size and must follow the rules of Article 240.

 

[kwired]

These are not taps IMO. It is a splice because the wire size is the same. A tap conductor is reduced in size and must follow the rules of Article 240.

NEC doesn't have a definition for the word "tap". You can have taps that are outside the scope of art 240.21(B).

What is covered by 240.21(B) is what the NEC refers to as "feeder taps", though it does't actually have a definition in 240 or in art 100, so the term "feeder tap" sort of only applies when using 240.21(B).

 

[Smart $]

These are not taps IMO. It is a splice because the wire size is the same. A tap conductor is reduced in size and must follow the rules of Article 240.

Not so for service entrance conductors. Following the requirements of Article 230 will result in an installation quite similar.

 

[meternerd]

I wonder if the inspector has ever looked up at a weatherhead. How would he think we, as a POCO, go from our service drop to the customer's riser conductors. Splices...they are usually insulinks or side by side one-bolt or two-bolt clamps. Goes to different size wire, aluminum to copper, etc. Weird.