New One For Me….

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I got this comment stamped on the plans I submitted for a generator install.

This is my drawing of the load side feed from the main disco, to the transfer switch, then back into the panel to be split bolted or Polaris connected to the feed to the house. Pretty standard and simple set up.

I think the plan checker must have been confused, didn’t actually look at my diagram, thought I was feeding off the line side of the main, and confused the requirement for splices to be rated for use on the line side of service equipment, with a made up requirement for them to be rated for used with “ungrounded conductors”.

Best I can come up with.

Already got inspected and the inspector is really cool. He rarely even looks at the plans, except for setbacks.

 

[wwhitney]

Is there perhaps a different UL listing standard for general purpose wire connectors vs grounding connections, and are there perhaps split bolts only listed to the latter standard? Just guessing here.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[James L]

I think maybe his understanding is backward.

Because what you're doing, in essence, is extending the wires going into the house.

I would almost bet he has in mind somebody extending a GEC (ground wire) with a split bolt (which is a no-no). Then wrongly applying it backwards to ungrounded conductors.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I wonder if he is thinking of 230.46 in the 2020 code?....that would not apply here as you are splicing feeder conductors and no service conductors.

 

[letgomywago]

I wonder if he is thinking of 230.46 in the 2020 code?....that would not apply here as you are splicing feeder conductors and no service conductors.

That's what I thought when I first clicked on this thread.

 

[Strathead]

I bet he meant "underground"

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

I wonder if he is thinking of 230.46 in the 2020 code?....that would not apply here as you are splicing feeder conductors and no service conductors.

That was my guess.

I think the plan checkers in my area are getting worse. A lot of kids that came out of a training program, with no real world experience.

Everyone wants a supervisory, and advisory, office job, without putting in the time in the mud to get the knowledge and experience to warrant having one.

 

[wwhitney]

Is there perhaps a different UL listing standard for general purpose wire connectors vs grounding connections, and are there perhaps split bolts only listed to the latter standard?

Following up on this, the quote below is from: https://code-authorities.ul.com/wp-...Reconditioning_Sept2019_TCA_EC_Newsletter.pdf

UL product category Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs (ZMVV) covers single-polarity wire connectors for use with copper, aluminum or copper-clad aluminum conductors or all three for the purpose of providing contact between current-carrying parts. The Standards used to investigate products in this category are ANSI/UL 486A-486B, the Standard for Safety of Wire Connectors, and ANSI/UL 486C, the Standard for Safety of Splicing Wire Connectors. These connectors may be uninsulated, or supplied with integral insulation or separable insulation. However, these connectors have not been evaluated for environmental ratings. Wire connectors intended for direct burial, below-grade use, or similar damp or wet locations are covered under UL product category Sealed Wire-Connector Systems (ZMWQ).

UL product category Grounding and Bonding Equipment (KDER) covers the following:
• bonding devices
• ground clamps
• grounding and bonding bushings and locknuts
• ground rods
• armored grounding wire
• protector grounding wire
• grounding wedges
• ground clips for securing the ground wire to an outlet box
• water-meter shunts
• and similar equipment

So the question is whether there are commercially available split bolt connectors listed only under KDER and not listed under ZMVV? If so, then the point of the plan checker's comment is that for splicing the ungrounded conductors, KDER is not appropriate and you must use a split bolt listed under ZMVV.

If, however, all split bolts are listed under ZMVV, then I don't understand the plan checker's comment.

Cheers, Wayne

P.S. This ZMVV vs KDER distinction is, I believe, the reason for the apparent redundancy in NEC 250.8(A), where item (1) is "Listed pressure connectors" and item (3) is "Pressure connectors listed as grounding and bonding equipment." Item (1) would be listed under ZMVV, while item (3) would be listed under KDER.