I can't seem to find in the NEC how much exposed wire is allowed on a neutral conductor when it terminates at a neutral bus bar. For instance, if you see an installation where 1/8" of bare neutral wire is exposed at the connection (too much insullation was stripped), is this a problem as long as all minimum spacings to ground and hot conductors are acceptable? Does anyone have any thoughts on this? Thanks.
Exposed neutral wire at neutral bus bar
- Thread starter teej
- Start date
- Status
bphgravity
Senior Member
- Location
- Florida
Re: Exposed neutral wire at neutral bus bar
Typically, devices and equipment will indicate by marking insulation strip lengths. I've never noticed if panelboards or meter equipment does as well?
1/8" exposed at the connection doesn't seem to alarm me at all.
Typically, devices and equipment will indicate by marking insulation strip lengths. I've never noticed if panelboards or meter equipment does as well?
1/8" exposed at the connection doesn't seem to alarm me at all.
- Location
- Windsor, CO NEC: 2017
- Occupation
- Service Manager
Re: Exposed neutral wire at neutral bus bar
I generally strip nearly an inch or more.
Better "too much" than too little - insulation shouldn't get in the way of a good connection, IMO.
I generally strip nearly an inch or more.
Better "too much" than too little - insulation shouldn't get in the way of a good connection, IMO.
Flatbed
Member
- Location
- P.E.I. Canada
Re: Exposed neutral wire at neutral bus bar
The local inspector, likes to see exposed wire coming out of the lug, or busbar. By seeing the exposed portion, and the lug/screw is tight, then you can be assured of a good connection. An 1/8 to 1/4" exposed is not oncommon. As long as it is not too long.
The local inspector, likes to see exposed wire coming out of the lug, or busbar. By seeing the exposed portion, and the lug/screw is tight, then you can be assured of a good connection. An 1/8 to 1/4" exposed is not oncommon. As long as it is not too long.
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