Junction Box vs. Splice Kit?

Status
Not open for further replies.
R

raycharles

Member
Location
Florida
Hello all,

Does anyone know what the NEC requirements are for connecting multiple submersible lights?

My lights are usually 12VDC LED lights. However, I also sometimes use 120VAC halogen lights. All lights are rated for submersible use.

Currently I am using a junction box complying with 680.52 (brass box, cord seals, potting compound). I am wondering if I can use a resin splice kit instead? Instead of connecting my 3 lights with wire nuts inside a junction box, I want to connect them inside a splice kit (3M 82-A1 is what I would use). I don't really see the difference other than the fact that a junction box has a ground lug for grounding the AC lights. If the box is submerged in water, does this ground even matter? The incoming power feed to the box is grounded via a grounding rod connected to a control panel outside of the water on the shore. So, I would connect the green wires from the lights to the green wire from the power feed (which is grounded in the method I just mentioned).

Is the case any different with DC lights because they have no ground?

I can't really find anything in the NEC about underwater splices so any help would be much appreciated, thanks!
 
I do not see where the NEC allows what you are wanting to do. It may effective do what you want but it is not allowed, IMO.
 
It is a fountain, yes. And yes, the splice kit is rated for submersible use.

It would fall under Article 682 because it is a natural body of water.

However, there are also submersible lights to illuminate the water display, so I was referencing Article 680 for submersible luminaires.

I am curious because the submersible pump/motor we are using is connected to the power feed via an underwater splice kit. This method and heat shrink are actually the two recommended methods of connection by the pump/motor manufacturer. There are 4 single strand cables coming from the motor (ground included) which I am splicing to a 4-strand SEOOW power cable (grounded inside a control panel on the shore) via an underwater splice kit. So why should the lights be any different? Can't I just wire nut them all together and connect to a similar power cable inside a splice kit?

I have asked a couple local electricians and so far everyone seems pretty stumped.

I was hoping someone here might be able to help...thanks again guys!
 
680.50 is an architectural fountain like you would see inside a mall or outside a hotel. This is a permanent fountain that cannot be moved.

682 (which is what I am installing) is for a floating fountain typically installed in a lake or pond. These fountains can be moved because they are not fixed in place and only attached to the shoreline via ropes and electrical cables.

From what I've gathered from the NEC, 680 seems to be for smaller bodies of water (like a small fountain basin) that can become dangerously energized. The bodies of water in 682 are "artificially made bodies of water" (such as a storm water retention pond); these are much larger bodies of water. In Florida, it is quite common for residential communities to put decorative fountains in these types of ponds.

Either way, I'm not sure if any of this even matters. The root of my question is whether or not it is acceptable to connect multiple wires together via wire nuts inside a splice kit.

My question would apply above ground too. For instance, with landscape lighting, is it acceptable to connect 4 lights together inside a splice kit instead of via a junction box? What about grounding?

Thanks for your replies!
 
Does your company hold an EC license in order to be doing this work? And are these jobs permitted?

Roger
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top