Is the application of 312.6 mainly for where you can install terminals and lugs. Is its main application for installing equipment into cutout boxes or cabinets? I imagine the issue being solved was people field installing equipment too closely to the sides of box.
312.6
- Thread starter Pinnie
- Start date
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
Imo, it is for what you mentioned as well as for manufacturers who are making electrical equipment. It keeps the stress off the lugs when the bends have enough room. I can remember try to install 4/0 alum into some panels where you had to be pretty strong to make the bend and get the wire into the lugs.
Gotcha thank you Dennis. Do the manufacturers consult the NEC when designing equipment or do they consult the standard? I assumed they consulted the standard and the NEC follows the standards suit. I imagine the standard for manufacturers is stricter than the NEC.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
- Occupation
- Retired Electrical Contractor
I don't know how it works but if the product doesn't meet the NEC then they wouldn't be able to sell it. I have seen a product that wasn't NEC compliant but the manufacturer said that it was tested for the situation and it wasn't a problem.
Specifically, the 400 amp meter main that was sold by Cutler Hammer, at one time had a compact 3/0 copper conductor that fed the 400 amp panel part. There were no busbars just the conductor. I saw it and called the state engineer and he went ballistic and said "don't install it till I get back with you." He contacted the manufacturer and they said they had been getting calls from all over the country and assured us it was safe and tested for the purpose. He called me and said it was good to go....
Specifically, the 400 amp meter main that was sold by Cutler Hammer, at one time had a compact 3/0 copper conductor that fed the 400 amp panel part. There were no busbars just the conductor. I saw it and called the state engineer and he went ballistic and said "don't install it till I get back with you." He contacted the manufacturer and they said they had been getting calls from all over the country and assured us it was safe and tested for the purpose. He called me and said it was good to go....
Gotcha. Thank you sir
- Location
- Illinois
- Occupation
- retired electrician
The same table is in the product standards, but you have to be careful as the manufacturer will often have instruction specifying the maximum size conductor and the space required is based on the maximum size conductor.