maximum wires in a splice

dima

Member
Location
Chicago
Occupation
technician
what is the maximum amount of wires that can be spliced together, butt or parallel splice, and deference/preference. from what i found it looks like 3 wire is a limit but i cant find an official reference.
I understand it will depend on a gauge and splice size, but are there any official references regarding this, not just word of mouth.
 

roger

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Fl
Occupation
Retired Electrician
As many as the device is listed for. The one below would allow 14 wires in each block

1727778721243.png
 

dima

Member
Location
Chicago
Occupation
technician
For a twist on wirenut type splice the most I've seen is 7 conductors (link below). As Roger stated it's based on the listing of the connector.

Thank you for info, my question was not regarding wire-nut type splice but a "butt splice" and/or a "parallel splice"; are there any regulations or official instructions about it and what is a recommended
1a42cf6797fd8e049db760bfef5a191d.jpg
 

roger

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Fl
Occupation
Retired Electrician
Where are you getting those pictures and information from? It's doubtful it's a manufacturer but it's possible. Once again, you need to look at the instructions and listing information.
 

LarryFine

Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
Location
Henrico County, VA
Occupation
Electrical Contractor
For those, I would twist all of the strands into one twist and use the smallest splice that fits.
 

don_resqcapt19

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Illinois
Occupation
retired electrician
Thank you for info, my question was not regarding wire-nut type splice but a "butt splice" and/or a "parallel splice"; are there any regulations or official instructions about it and what is a recommended
1a42cf6797fd8e049db760bfef5a191d.jpg
Just like any other electrical termination, the number of conductors is based on the product listing.
 

dima

Member
Location
Chicago
Occupation
technician
Where are you getting those pictures and information from? It's doubtful it's a manufacturer but it's possible. Once again, you need to look at the instructions and listing information.
those pictures are some we have on aircraft (airline)
 

AC\DC

Senior Member
Location
Florence,Oregon,Lane
Occupation
EC
I would think the airline industry covers this quite extensively.

Boeing might be a source.🤔
Are you sure you trust them now. Maybe that’s why they have all those issue. It’s the improper use of butt splices making the doors fly off.
Maybe I’ll come up dead after talking about Boeing
 

qcroanoke

Sometimes I don't know if I'm the boxer or the bag
Location
Roanoke, VA.
Occupation
Sorta retired........
I dont think I've ever seen a split bolt or c-tap listed for more than 2 conductors and a butt splice was listed for 1 on each end.
 
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