Exposed Copper on Power Wires

[JFletcher]

1/16th-1/8th" copper exposed is what I use for breakers, and wrapping screw terminals: I dont want insulation under the connection or it can cause a loose connection. Wagos/push-in connectors, backstabs, wirenuts, butt splices, and fork/ring terminals, I dont want any exposed copper.

On neutral and ground bars, and things like disconnects I prefer to see a tiny (1/8th") bit of wire coming out the other side so that I know the connection is solid and the screw isnt tightened down on just the tip of the wire. On blind connections like the inside of a disconnect ground bar, I loosen one screw only with the other tightened down so that the 1st ground wire doesnt wind up under 2 screws.

I dont think there is a 'one size fits all' measurement for all connections, and there is no NEC specs/rules afaik.

 

[jaggedben]

Neither.

In several systems of English Long Measure, a "hair's breadth" has a formal definition. Samuel Maunder's Treasury of Knowledge and Library of Reference, published in 1855, states that a "hair's breadth" is one 48th of an inch (and thus one 16th of a barleycorn)

Does that book define a 'tad? :lol:

 

[Jraef]

Does that book define a 'tad? :lol:

... or an "RCH"?

 

[JFletcher]

... or an "RCH"?

:jawdrop:

oh boy!