Keeping shared neutrals together with zip ties. Does the inspector care or not?

[Zelos Ravioli]

1. Will an inspector look for, need to see, or even care at all, if I keep shared neutrals together with zip ties. I was wiring a 3 phase panel at work and someone said the code now requires us to keep the neutrals zip tied with their respective hot conductors/circuits. I figure it was just good/smart practice - and not 'code'.

2. Are zip ties allowed/expected, or just a preference in your panel make up?

(Note, I try to use as few as possible and keep them clean trimmed and turned with zipper hidden)

 

[jumper]

200.4(B), new in the 2014 NEC


Multiple Circuits
Where more than one neutral con ductor associated with
different circuits is in an enclosure,
grounded circuit conductors of each circuit shall be identi-
fied or grouped to correspond with the ungrounded circuit
conductor(s) by wire markers, cable ties, or similar means
in at least one location within the enclosure.

Exception No. 1: The requirement for grouping or identi-
fying shall not apply if the branch-circuit or feeder conduc-
tors enter from a cable or a raceway unique to the circuit
that makes the grouping obvious.

Exception No. 2: The requirement for grouping or identi-
fying shall not apply where branch-circuit conductors pass
though a box or conduit body without a loop as described
in 314.16(B)(1) or without a splice or termination.

 

[tom baker]

Don't know on inspector question, but for me I use zip ties, group the neutrals, and then a second color to group all together, and then Brady cloth markers on the end of each wire at the breaker.
I use lots of zip ties at work I buy bags of 1,000. I get colored zip ties from Grainger.... for different types of circuits.
So my theory is the inspector sees this neat job and figures this guy knows what he is doing. At least thats what he said on my house rewire recently. At home I get the inexpensive ones, I like the T&B Ty Raps but too expensive for home

 

[LarryFine]

So my theory is the inspector sees this neat job and figures this guy knows what he is doing. At least thats what he said on my house rewire recently.

I like it when that happens.

Years ago, I wired a gutted farmhouse for my then-father-in-law. He insisted that I install the meter in the screened porch, despite my warning that we would have to relocate it to the back of the house.

He told me that the inspector looked in the panel and said he didn't need to look at the rest of the house. But, we would have to move the meter. He was both annoyed and impressed that I was right.

 

[jumper]

Don't know on inspector question, but for me I use zip ties, group the neutrals, and then a second color to group all together, and then Brady cloth markers on the end of each wire at the breaker.
I use lots of zip ties at work I buy bags of 1,000. I get colored zip ties from Grainger.... for different types of circuits.
So my theory is the inspector sees this neat job and figures this guy knows what he is doing. At least thats what he said on my house rewire recently. At home I get the inexpensive ones, I like the T&B Ty Raps but too expensive for home

Bag of 1000! Barely last me a week....maybe two if I am conservative.

 

[ActionDave]

I use lots of zip ties at work I buy bags of 1,000.

Bag of 1000! Barely last me a week....maybe two if I am conservative.

The first thing I do when I start to troubleshoot a panel or control box is cut off as many zip ties as I can snip easily, as things progress I move on to the ones that are hard to get to.

 

[infinity]

1. Will an inspector look for, need to see, or even care at all, if I keep shared neutrals together with zip ties. I was wiring a 3 phase panel at work and someone said the code now requires us to keep the neutrals zip tied with their respective hot conductors/circuits. I figure it was just good/smart practice - and not 'code'.

2. Are zip ties allowed/expected, or just a preference in your panel make up?

For commercial panels we individually number the conductors. Initially numbers in lieu of the zip ties or tape were not permitted but was added in the subsequent code cycle because the zip tie or tape can easily be lost in a bundle of conductors.

 

[jap]

At least thats what he said on my house rewire recently. At home I get the inexpensive ones, I like the T&B Ty Raps but too expensive for home

With all of the new residential Arc Fault and Ground Fault requirements, Just how many shared neutrals did you have to group together with wire ties Tom ?

or,

Is there something you're not telling us.

JAP>

 

[lordofthisworld]

1. Will an inspector look for, need to see, or even care at all, if I keep shared neutrals together with zip ties. I was wiring a 3 phase panel at work and someone said the code now requires us to keep the neutrals zip tied with their respective hot conductors/circuits. I figure it was just good/smart practice - and not 'code'.

2. Are zip ties allowed/expected, or just a preference in your panel make up?

(Note, I try to use as few as possible and keep them clean trimmed and turned with zipper hidden)

Preference, but its a code to identify the neutral that belongs to the multi-wire branch circuit either by taping, zip tying, or brady mark the neutral

 

[jaggedben]

Forget the inspector. Do it because the guy who follows you needs them to stay safe and save time. Do it because that guy could be you. Do it because it helps you avoid mistakes, and to trouble-shoot others.

 

[tortuga]

Striped wire has come down in price.
Most supply houses stock various types.
Still a good idea to zip tie as well.