Is splicing #6 wire with wirenuts forbidden?

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ChrisGS

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Hi everybody ,

I was at a job yesterday where pole lights were installed in a campus parking lot . All wiring was run in #6 xhhw and spliced in the opening in the pole with large blue Scotchloks .

We were told that it is unacceptable because an outside consultant told a project manager that wirenut splices are forbidden by code to be used on wires #6 or larger , and that the splices must be re-done with "Bugnuts"

I'm looking through my code handbook now , and I can't find any such rule...Am I missing something ?

Thanks for any advice ,

Chris.
 
Have him give you a code reference. I've never seen any limitation based on wire size. As long as the Wirenut is "identified for the use" (110.14(B)), you're fine.

Personally, I don't like to use Wirenuts when the gauges get that large, but it's legal as long as you use the proper size Wirenuts.
 
#6 is OK

#6 is OK

Scotchlock B is okay for 2-#6 , google it and you can find the chart that shows this.
 
ChrisGS said:
Am I missing something ?
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Yes, but you won't be anymore ;)

3M? Scotchlok? Electrical Spring Connectors B 3-6#12, 2-6#10, 2-3#8, 1-2#6 stranded AWG, 50 per box, Blue


http://products3.3m.com/catalog/us/en001/electronics_mfg/esm/node_GSVDQY3RD6gs/root_GST1T4S9TCgv/vroot_DPB1Q1MJ7Nge/bgel_GSMLYYYX83bl/gvel_TXCRZFP8MHgl/theme_us_electronicsesm_3_0/command_AbcPageHandler/output_html

Before you "spring" (I crack myself up :D ) this info on him...
ChrisGS said:
We were told that it is unacceptable because an outside consultant told a project manager that wirenut splices are forbidden by code to be used on wires #6 or larger , and that the splices must be re-done with "Bugnuts"
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Ask them where to find the article in the NEC so you won't make the same "mistake" again ;) ...unless of course they are using some other code or it's a design spec.
 
dcspector said:
Ideal "Big Blues"
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Yeap those are Ideal 454s.

Work great and can be removed.
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ChrisGS said:
Hi everybody ,

I was at a job yesterday where pole lights were installed in a campus parking lot . All wiring was run in #6 xhhw and spliced in the opening in the pole with large blue Scotchloks .

We were told that it is unacceptable because an outside consultant told a project manager that wirenut splices are forbidden by code to be used on wires #6 or larger , and that the splices must be re-done with "Bugnuts"

I'm looking through my code handbook now , and I can't find any such rule...Am I missing something ?

Thanks for any advice ,

Chris.
Click to expand...

This should be easy ,tell them to have that so called consultand to give you the code number.That should shut them both up.
 
Consistent enforcement of 250.50

Consistent enforcement of 250.50

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computer screwed this one up, I thought I hit the new thread button
maybe I screwed up
 
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Size Blue Wirenuts and Scotchloks

Size Blue Wirenuts and Scotchloks

However, classis Wirenuts and Scotchloks are for use in DRY LOCATIONS ONLY. Last year, I was shocked by a classic wirenut in an outdoor junction box where the wirenuts had been installed on a 480 volts circuit. The wire spring consequently rusted and split the shell. I had to tape up the shell.

You need to use silicone filled Dryconn wire connectors - I believe the the Ideal Me Too silicone wire connectors have been taken off of the market or at least that is the situation over a Lowe's here in the Cleveland, Ohio area.

However, the Aqua/Blue Dryconn aboveground wet area connectors can accept two #6s but not a third wire for that large of a wire size. You would need to use insulated splice bars such as the Ilsco PCT series among other configurations.

Mike Cole
 
Didn't we determine ages ago that things like poles are "structures"?

When a splice is inside a "structure" is it still a "wet location"?
 
Wet Location: Installations under ground or in concrete slabs or masonry in direct contact with the earth; in locations saterated with water or other liquids, such a vehicle washing areas; and in unprotected locations exposed to weather. NEC Article 100

Go Big Blue!!!!
 
tonyi said:
Didn't we determine ages ago that things like poles are "structures"?

When a splice is inside a "structure" is it still a "wet location"?
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LOL, Very nice Tony.
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It's non-weather tight structure.
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#6 Wire in Wirenuts

#6 Wire in Wirenuts

Classic wirenuts and scotchloks are not for use in damp locations such inside a type 12 box that is out of doors. How fast the wire spring will rust enough to split the shell depends on a number of factors. At least classic scotchloks have a steel shell between the spring and the plastic shell. On top of that, this place has trace amounts of ammonia gas which accelerates corrosion of everything. 10 year old electrical equipment and structural steel at this place looks like it is 40 years old.

The ammonia gas comes from reprocessing of foundry wates from aluminum foundries. The nonsand molding compound that foudries use gives off some amount of ammonia gas in proportion to how much moisture contacts it. The nonsand molding compound is a semisynthetic powdered clay ( aluminum oxide ) product and I never got any information from the chemical engineer as to what in it releases ammonia gas.

The reason why sand was abandoned for sand casting is that sand enclosures in the surface of a casting will destroy machine tools. The nonsand product is not quite so hard on machine tools.

Mike Cole
 
I looked at the original post and I was wondering if they used Al or Cu for the #6 XHHW? If they used Aluminum then I don't believe that the wire nuts are rated or listed for aluminum connections unless specified by the manufacturer. If they used copper and the wire nut can accept 2 #6 wires, what about the fixture wire connection. Will that not exceed the number of conductors that the wirenut can accept? your thoughts gentle people.
 
dcspector said:
Good point memyself re. al connections. However, the Ideal 454 will handle 2-#6 and 1-#12 (cu) which is typical for site lighting.
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Well that answers my question. Is that Ideal 454 the Magnum or the Hemi? Just kidding. I, myself, would rather use a split bolt, it may take longer but I like the connection. But me and i are split as to which one is more suitable for the environment to where it is being used. I hate these multiple personalities.
 
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memyselfandI said:
Is that Ideal 454 the Magnum or the Hemi?
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6 Pack Hemi.

I would rather use a split bolt, it may take longer but I like the connection.
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I understand and agree to a point, however the added time and material gets unacceptable when your looking at a lot of terminations.
 
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