Permissible wiring methods

[Spark_797]

Came upon a contractor, who instead of running conduit and wire for a 20A 3Phase Air Compressor, decided to use an abandoned set of 4/0 cables in the Distribution Panel for his conductors. He split-bolt connected #12 awg. in the D.P. to a 20A breaker and did the same thing on the other end to the starter. We didn't allow this installation, but can't seem to find a code or logic to back us up.

 

[iwire]

There is no NEC reason at all to prohibit this safe and efficient installation.

 

[Buck Parrish]

It sounds okay.
Although you may have him on the listed wire size for the split bolts.

 

[infinity]

It's fine as long as the split bolt is listed for splicing a #12 to #4/0. I'm not so sure that it is.

 

[iwire]

Good point on the listing, I had not thought about that.

 

[JohnJ0906]

At least voltage drop won't be a concern..... :wink:

 

[chris kennedy]

It's fine as long as the split bolt is listed for splicing a #12 to #4/0. I'm not so sure that it is.

This one is.


..KS34 : Split Bolt:500 kcmil to 12

 

[TOOL_5150]

I would have done the same thing except - I would have megged the existing conductors before using them. I am not saying he didnt, but there was no mention of it.

~Matt