panelborad or load center as j-box

[jmshiller]

Our local inspector recently asked me to show him where in the code we could use a panel as a junction box?

 

[Kessler4130]

Show me where it says you cannot ?

 

[iwire]

Our local inspector recently asked me to show him where in the code we could use a panel as a junction box?

Actually I believe they would have to show where it says you can't.

Do you mean just splicing some conductors in a panel or ripping out the interior and using it only as a junction box?

 

[jeff43222]

Actually I believe they would have to show where it says you can't.

Do you mean just splicing some conductors in a panel or ripping out the interior and using it only as a junction box?

Both are fairly common practice around here. I've never seen anything in the code that prohibits either.

That's a pretty lame inspector if he thinks the burden of proof falls on us.

 

[iwire]

I've never seen anything in the code that prohibits either.

I agree.

I was asking only because if it's just adding splices in a panel we could cite a code section that specifically allows it.

 

[infinity]

I agree.

I was asking only because if it's just adding splices in a panel we could cite a code section that specifically allows it.

That would be 312.8.

 

[chrisrosado]

splices in the panel

splices in the panel

I'm sorry Trevor, but does that mean that you can splice the ungrounded conducters, the grounded conducters, and the grounding conducters?

 

[celtic]

...does that mean that you can splice the ungrounded conducters, the grounded conducters, and the grounding conducters?

Yes, but not all together

You can splice any conductor within the panel as long as you do not exceed the fill requirement.

 

[Rockyd]

408.55 and 408.56 will get you as close as it will say in the code. Strange not to have the 40% and 75% spliced language not in this section. I think 75% is as much a you can shove in with the rubber end of the hammer and not have an explosion isn't it? /sarc>

 

[stickboy1375]

I don't think I would enjoy service upgrades If I had to install j-boxes for all the old BX's that were an inch short of hitting the breaker.

 

[celtic]

I don't think I would enjoy service upgrades If I had to install j-boxes for all the old BX's that were an inch short of hitting the breaker.

Me neither..that's why I plant a 12x in a convient location

 

[stickboy1375]

Thats alot of extra work... then a splice in a panel I mean... but I suppose if you install a conduit from your 12x to the panel whats the difference in labor, actually probably faster...would be alot neater, I really don't like the look of splices in a panel if I can help it...

 

[celtic]

Thats alot of extra work... then a splice in a panel I mean... but I suppose if you install a conduit from your 12x to the panel whats the difference in labor, actually probably faster...would be alot neater, I really don't like the look of splices in a panel if I can help it...

It's all the rage nowadays...I did it my own home

A 12x off to the side, 5 x 3/4"EMT, each pipe with 6 circuits +/- in them...most are "spares" aka, will be used when I reno the kitchen, add landscape lighting, etc.

The "beauty" of it is...I will never have to open my panel...all the wires (spares too) are already landed.

..being as it's my own home...overkill is an under statement.

 

[stickboy1375]

Yeh, I can see someone do this and not mark the neutrals though...

 

[ibew441dc]

Our local inspector recently asked me to show him where in the code we could use a panel as a junction box?

Code speaking , the inspector would be correct if he said that you could not use a panel as a junction box........

 

[ibew441dc]

But it is legal to use a cabinet enclosing a panelboard as a junction box if adequate space is provided.

Show your inspector the definitions, panelboard and cabinet in 100 , then take him/her to 312.8 in the 2005 NEC.

hope this helped


ibew441dc