Panel Change outs

O

olly

Senior Member
Location
Berthoud, Colorado
Occupation
Master Electrician
I am dealing with a picky inspector. When doing a breaker change out can you put a 2" romex connector in the top and run all of the wires through it. Also is Ok to install the pictured romex connector upside down so the larger portion is in the enclosure?
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If you want to use multiple cables in a connector it has to be listed for the number and size of the cables that you're using. Unless the instructions that are part of the listing say otherwise I cannot think of a code section that would prohibit the connector to be reversed in the KO. They do make specific NM connectors for reverse installation.
 
olly said:
I am dealing with a picky inspector. When doing a breaker change out can you put a 2" romex connector in the top and run all of the wires through it.
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Have the documentation for the fitting you are using ready to show the inspector. If I am not familiar with a fitting and doubt it is listed for the use, I fail the inspection and tell them to either replace it in a way I know is compliant or get me documentation to prove it is correct. Either way works for me equally well... actually I like them sending me documentation better so that I can learn something. Oddly, I have found that most electricians would rather go back, tear something out and replace it, rather than looking up the product listing info, even when they know the product is listed for the application they are using it for.

olly said:
Also is Ok to install the pictured romex connector upside down so the larger portion is in the enclosure?
Click to expand...
infinity said:
Unless the instructions that are part of the listing say otherwise I cannot think of a code section that would prohibit the connector to be reversed in the KO. They do make specific NM connectors for reverse installation.
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I would lean on the instructions from the manufacturer.
 
NEC Inspector said:
I would lean on the instructions from the manufacturer.
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I've never seen manufacturer instructions with an orientation for installing a NM cable connector through a KO. I really dislike when someone installs a metal squeeze connector with the locknut on the outside and think that the practice of doing so should be prohibited.
 
I know it's not the same thing but I had a box of space saver EMT connectors once. I think it was a promotional thing.

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rack-a-tiers.com

Wire Waffle - Multiple NM Cable Connector - Rack-A-Tiers Since 1995

Installed in 2.5” panel knockouts to connect up to 16 different cables through a single hole. Cut labor time down by reducing the number of KO’S electricians will have to open. This one-of-a-kind connector will reduce wear and tear on tools, clean up panels, make panel upgrades significantly...
rack-a-tiers.com rack-a-tiers.com
 
What of the connector doesn't state any specific allowed quantity/type? I just looked at an Arlington 849S and could not find any "allowed" cable size or quantity.. The way it works is it would have to state a prohibition , ot doesnt have to geant you permission.
 
I think the relevant code section is 312.5(C) each cable must be secured to the cabinet,
Unless you meet the exceptions that read like the instructions for the game 'twister'.
A senior NFPA CMP member Fred Hartwell once commented that 312.5(C) was one of the most debated controversial code sections under his committee, the CMP reports are littered with dead and rejected proposals to change that section over the last 30 years.
The idea is sparks and molten copper can happen in a panel and be pushed out of holes by air pressure and or rodents / dust or flammable materials can enter surprisingly small holes.
Now many manufacturers have come along with solutions, I think SQ-D had a weird panel you could just lay the wires in the top and then there are these:

1765843957949.png
rack-a-tiers.com

Wire Waffle - Multiple NM Cable Connector - Rack-A-Tiers Since 1995

Installed in 2.5” panel knockouts to connect up to 16 different cables through a single hole. Cut labor time down by reducing the number of KO’S electricians will have to open. This one-of-a-kind connector will reduce wear and tear on tools, clean up panels, make panel upgrades significantly...
rack-a-tiers.com rack-a-tiers.com
 
I used to like the "one piece" emt connectors" They always worked.

Nothing much is more frustrating than a lock nut that won't grab and keeps spinning. They were nice like the ones Roger posted above for putting a pipe between two existing boxes.

I am sure a pipe with two EMT connectors, two rigid couplings and two chase nipples won't fly in this day and age.
 
olly said:
I am dealing with a picky inspector. When doing a breaker change out can you put a 2" romex connector in the top and run all of the wires through it. Also is Ok to install the pictured romex connector upside down so the larger portion is in the enclosure?
Click to expand...
These are made to install from the inside.
SKU_1838785_ATT_ItemImageURL_1-h1200-w1200.jpg
 
Eddie702 said:
I used to like the "one piece" emt connectors" They always worked.

Nothing much is more frustrating than a lock nut that won't grab and keeps spinning. They were nice like the ones Roger posted above for putting a pipe between two existing boxes.

I am sure a pipe with two EMT connectors, two rigid couplings and two chase nipples won't fly in this day and age.
Click to expand...
7849c7620e094b4295f390c9f0deeb5cc92f8222-large.png

Like this? I kept a box of them all the time in my truck. Got me out of many a tight spot.
 
roger said:
I know it's not the same thing but I had a box of space saver EMT connectors once. I think it was a promotional thing.

View attachment 2581103
Click to expand...
I know that you are not allowed to install chase nipples ( straight thread ) into what us old timers always cal!ed a heavy wall coupling ( NPT tapered threads ) but have done it numerous times especially on undersized pecker heads on IEC fractional HP motors with 6 or 9 flimsy studs to save room. Any way wonder what type of of threads are on Chase nipple looking piece. Believe T & B and other manufacturers made seal tite fittings that used what appeared in catalogues to use a chase nipple.Supply houses that I used never stocked them.
 
garbo said:
I know that you are not allowed to install chase nipples ( straight thread ) into what us old timers always cal!ed a heavy wall coupling ( NPT tapered threads ) but have done it numerous times especially on undersized pecker heads on IEC fractional HP motors with 6 or 9 flimsy studs to save room. Any way wonder what type of of threads are on Chase nipple looking piece. Believe T & B and other manufacturers made seal tite fittings that used what appeared in catalogues to use a chase nipple.Supply houses that I used never stocked them.
Click to expand...
It's not a chase nipple, it's a listed EMT connector
 
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