Forming wire

[Smart $]

I believe the issue is electric field lines. The sharper the bends, the tighter is the field potential gradient surrounding the conductor. If it is too tight and the field is very strong it can break down the dielectric of the air when the voltage on the conductor is high. I understand that this is the principle behind lightning rods; their tips are very sharp to break down the air dielectric and dissipate charge before it reaches arc strength.

You and Don are getting to the technical side of it regarding a lightning protection system... but not lightning surge current on the electrical system. Many homes and facilities out there do not have a lighting protection system. Even those that do can be subject to surge current, and it isn't always on grounding conductors.

In short, I'm saying if such occurs on or through any sharply bent conductor(s) especially those intentionally bent, that is like sending an invitation for where one wants the air gap to break down... and a panelboard is one of the places you do not want perhaps several to occur concurrently.

JMO

 

[kwired]

You and Don are getting to the technical side of it regarding a lightning protection system... but not lightning surge current on the electrical system. Many homes and facilities out there do not have a lighting protection system. Even those that do can be subject to surge current, and it isn't always on grounding conductors.

In short, I'm saying if such occurs on or through any sharply bent conductor(s) especially those intentionally bent, that is like sending an invitation for where one wants the air gap to break down... and a panelboard is one of the places you do not want perhaps several to occur concurrently.

JMO

In panelboard is better then in concealed portion of a cable in walls, ceilings, etc.

 

[Smart $]

In panelboard is better then in concealed portion of a cable in walls, ceilings, etc.

True, but it's better to not have sharp bends anywhere.

 

[GoldDigger]

True, but it's better to not have sharp bends anywhere.

Put in a sharp bend wherever there will be a 90 in the raceway and then pull the wires.:angel:

 

[infinity]

I see 90° bent conductors jammed into LB conduit bodies all of the time and so far not one has had a problem due to a sharp bend in the conductor.

 

[mgookin]

How many 180's are in a box when you shove it all back in?
3?