NEC 110.14 D Torquing conductors on residential projects

[Larrysharron]

I’m an electrical inspector in Lake County Florida. On new projects residential and commercial including service change outs, PV systems and etc., I have been enforcing torquing the conductors in accordance with the panel manufacturers specifications for years. I encounter loose conductors on approximately 90% of the jobs that I inspect. We recently hired a new building official who was at one time an electrician. Today he informed me that his previous building official and himself in his 12 plus years as a building official have never enforced torquing conductors on residential projects. I didn’t know that conductors knew the difference if they were installed on a residential project or a commercial project. He wants to discuss this issue when I get back in the office. What do you Gentleman think about this issue?

 

[retirede]

I find it incredible that find loose conductors 90% of the time. Especially once word gets out that you check them.

 

[Elect117]

I think you are good to check. I have found neutrals and grounds that haven't been "tightened" down. Though, a tug test might be all that's needed for most wire sizes in residential.

 

[infinity]

What do you Gentleman think about this issue?

It's in the NEC for a reason, because often the connections are not tight enough. Now with just about every installer tightening them with a cordless tool there is no guarantee that they're anywhere near the specified torque level. At least back in the day when we tightened everything by hand you could feel when it was tight. Not scientific by any means but still better than the mystery torque level provided by a power tool. We've been using torque tools for decades even when no one else was using them.

 

[TealHeals]

I had my facility sub-panels IR scanned a couple months ago. One of the flagged circuits showed a 23.5 degree (F) difference; it was definitely a hot spot. The wire had not been properly torqued to the circuit breaker. What is there to discuss about the issue? That it's spelled out plainly in the NEC? That the fast-and-loose guys who can't/won't/don't check their terminations are setting up a warmer situation?


* image pulled from interwebs