Loop wire service entrance

[lakee911]

Sometimes (but not always) out in the field I see an extra loop of wire, just before the termination, in a service feed to a panel.

I figured that it must be some slack so they can re-terminate (if necessary) a connection later w/o splicing or pulling new wire.

Is that what it is?

Thx,
Jason

 

[mcclary's electrical]

I believe they think it leaves slack for a re-term. But it actually always exceeds bending radius. I think it's wrong.

 

[lakee911]

I believe they think it leaves slack for a re-term. But it actually always exceeds bending radius. I think it's wrong.

Oh really? Maybe I'll have to start adding it to the punch lists ... what is code ref?

 

[curt swartz]

I believe they think it leaves slack for a re-term. But it actually always exceeds bending radius. I think it's wrong.

What bending radius would you be exceeding?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

What bending radius would you be exceeding?

My guess is he is talking about T.312.6(A)

 

[curt swartz]

My guess is he is talking about T.312.6(A)

Hi Dennis, That only applies to the bending space for the terminals. Looping the conductors would not change this space. There is no bending radius issue with conductors under 600V.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Hi Dennis, That only applies to the bending space for the terminals. Looping the conductors would not change this space. There is no bending radius issue with conductors under 600V.

376.23 (a) mentions nothing about 600 volts. It talks about bending more than 30 degrees. Which a loop definately is. It applies only because the conductor has insulation, and Dennis is correct, thst then refers you to the article he mentioned. 600 volts has nothing to do with it

 

[iwire]

IMO 376 does not apply to the OPs question.

I would bet it is 312 that applies.

 

[One-eyed Jack]

376.23 (a) mentions nothing about 600 volts. It talks about bending more than 30 degrees. Which a loop definately is. It applies only because the conductor has insulation, and Dennis is correct, thst then refers you to the article he mentioned. 600 volts has nothing to do with it

This is still talking about wire bending space. The more than 30 degrees is still an acceptable bend. You can make a 360 degree loop as long as you have the required bending space. One 4/0 only requires 4 inch. Most 200 amp panels have that and more. Meter enclosure is another story.

 

[One-eyed Jack]

IMO 376 does not apply to the OPs question.

I would bet it is 312 that applies.

Still bending space. Suppose you enter from the bottom of panel which is very common. How can you terminate at the top without making a 180 degree bend in the wire. David Copperfield may can create the illusion but no one can actually do it.

 

[Cow]

I don't leave loops in bigger gear, probably only 60 amp disconnects(#6 wire, etc.) and smaller. Makes it a lot easier if you need to change rotation too.