An A for effort and a red tag too or not

[Jim W in Tampa]

This looks like a job where the fix would be easier than writing a tag. That #6 would fit under lug and saved time and a split bolt. Hackers can always make an easy job hard and more costly.

 

[mivey]

For a start,

Parallel neutral conductors smaller than 1/0

3 conductors in the split bolt

So a stranded conductor (smaller than the white, like a #8) going from the kearney to the bar would have been ok?

 

[480sparky]

So a stranded conductor (smaller than the white, like a #8) going from the kearney to the bar would have been ok?

Yep.

 

[mivey]

Yep.

Then you go from 21 wires under the kearney to 38 (or 9 to 14 depending on the stranding).

Other than the ugly factor, I did not see the big deal with "3 wires". I'm thinking you could apply adequate torque to provide acceptable performance. Some split bolts are rated for 3 solids. I wonder what makes them so special?

 

[480sparky]

Then you go from 21 wires under the kearney to 38 (or 9 to 14 depending on the stranding)...........

No. I go from 3 to 2. The strands are not individual conductors. They are strands in a conductor. No matter how many strands there are, it is still ONE conductor.

If you want to make the argument that they are individual conductors, then every stranded wire smaller than 1/0 would violate 310.4(A).

 

[mivey]

No. I go from 3 to 2. The strands are not individual conductors. They are strands in a conductor. No matter how many strands there are, it is still ONE conductor.

If you want to make the argument that they are individual conductors, then every stranded wire smaller than 1/0 would violate 310.4(A).

Not making a conductor argument but a mechanical observation. Eventually it comes down to how many things are being crushed together in the connector. What makes one bundling superior to another? Maybe just what was actually tested but I could see a reason to test more configurations and see no reason why some non-listed configurations would be inferior.

 

[480sparky]

Not making a conductor argument but a mechanical observation. Eventually it comes down to how many things are being crushed together in the connector. What makes one bundling superior to another? Maybe just what was actually tested but I could see a reason to test more configurations and see no reason why some non-listed configurations would be inferior.

I agree with you.... I don't see the difference. It's just that's the way the Code is written, and it is what it is.

 

[iwire]

Not making a conductor argument but a mechanical observation. Eventually it comes down to how many things are being crushed together in the connector. What makes one bundling superior to another? Maybe just what was actually tested but I could see a reason to test more configurations and see no reason why some non-listed configurations would be inferior.

You are preaching to the choir but it's all CYA listing BS. (IMHO):grin:

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

We are applying NEC , has nothing to do with logic or what will work. Perhaps he could saved money and used a big blue wirenut and some number 8. Really don't see a hazard from what he did but it is ugly, violates code,and was never needed.