352.46

[texie]

352.46 seems to indicate that a bushing is required if you have, say, a 1" male adapter attached to a j box with a locknut even if the conductors are smaller than #4. ???

 

[infinity]

Yes that is what it says but it also says " unless the box, fitting, or enclosure design provides equivalent protection." Does a PVC terminal adapter provide equivalent protection? Who gets to decide? #4 and large no question it's required. Less than #4 open to interpretation.

 

[texie]

Yes that is what it says but it also says " unless the box, fitting, or enclosure design provides equivalent protection." Does a PVC terminal adapter provide equivalent protection? Who gets to decide? #4 and large no question it's required. Less than #4 open to interpretation.

I agree. This came up on a job with an inspector and I'm not sure what the answer is. I will say that if a bushing is required there a lot of violations out there and that includes me.

 

[infinity]

FWIW I never use them on 1/2" and 3/4" TA's. 1" maybe with something like #6 conductors. They are cheap insurance even if they're not required. Mike says that you don't need them smaller than #4.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Many of the male adapters have very sharp edges, sharp enough to strip the wire insulation as you are pulling the conductor, but the product standard requires that the adapter have smoothly rounded edges.
If the edge is sharp to the touch, I would require a bushing as I would not see it as providing equivalent protection.