Receptacle torque values

[Willie B]

I've been an electrician 54 years. I tighten receptacle & switch screws by hand & never had a loose connection, though in youth I sometimes stripped one. In Code update schools taught by the inspector he has stressed the recent requirement to use a torque screwdriver. It seems cumbersome, I don't always do it. Yesterday, I was checking myself & I recalled a specification of 35 inch pounds on a #8 wire binding screw on a receptacle. That seems too much, I feel I'll strip at that much.
Where in Code is this found?
Annex I doesn't seem to address these with any clarity.

 

[rc/retired]

I don't think that applies to switches and receptacle outlets. You can still back stab devices with #14 copper.

Ron

 

[Willie B]

I don't think that applies to switches and receptacle outlets. You can still back stab devices with #14 copper.

Ron

Not that I will, I realize it is acceptable. Inspector makes a big deal about it when screw terminals are used.

 

[jim dungar]

Torque vales are not found in the NEC. You can get them from the manufacturer or UL.
Most torque values are based on the size, material, and style of fastener and are not manufacturer specific.

When I built control panels the terminal block screws were torqued to around 6.5 in/lbs.

 

[Fred B]

Torque values established by the mfg. If product has a listed torque value, that is what you use, if there isn't one listed tighten to snug. Annex not enforceable. Enhanced content for 110.14 indicates tightening to full contact then an additional 1/2 turn of 12 inch lbs., again not enforceable. Code states related to torque:

110.14(D) Terminal Connection Torque.
Tightening torque values for terminal connections shall be as indicated on equipment or in installation instructions provided by the manufacturer. An approved means shall be used to achieve the indicated torque value.

 

[AdamTeeScott]

@Willie B As an example of overtightening versus undertightening of a screw that I found when checking one of my apprentices panels. She has been in the trade 8 yrs and still didn’t have the muscle-torque-memory yet.

Some receptacles will have their torque values marked in the device itself or somewhere on the package. Others I’ve had to look up online which is even more of a PITA.

Breakers have it marked on them and of course will change depending on the wire size - although, like you, when I set my torque screwdriver to 40 in-lbs for a #8 or whatever it is, the screw can’t handle it. Kinda crappy of the manufacturers to use materials that can’t handle their own specs.

I use a Wiha torque screwdriver kit. Pricey but I like it a lot.

20 Piece Insulated TorqueVario-S (10-50 In/lbs) and SlimLine Blade Set

20-Piece Insulated Deluxe SlimLine Set Insulated 20-Piece Tool Set Includes 10-50 in/lbs. TorqueControl handle, Torque adjustment tool, PicoFinish® SlimLine handle, SoftFinish® SlimLine handle, SlimLine blade holder & 15 SlimLine blades in a pouch.

www.wihatools.com

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I don't think that applies to switches and receptacle outlets. You can still back stab devices with #14 copper.

Ron

It applies to screw terminals where the manufacturer has specified a torque value in the instructions...if you don't want to torque just purchase wiring devices where the manufacturer has not provided a torque specification.

 

[rc/retired]

It applies to screw terminals where the manufacturer has specified a torque value in the instructions...if you don't want to torque just purchase wiring devices where the manufacturer has not provided a torque specification.

Yes, sir. I got it. Thanks

Ron

 

[Fred B]

It applies to screw terminals where the manufacturer has specified a torque value in the instructions...if you don't want to torque just purchase wiring devices where the manufacturer has not provided a torque specification.

True, haven't seen torque specs listed on a 15/20A receptacle or switch, but does seem common an 30A plus devices.

 

[Willie B]

In apprenticeship 50 years ago I often overdid it to strip the wire binding screw. That DID NOT go well with my father. I taught myself over the years to be very tight but not strip. Much of our work is not inspected, & I consider my track record of never having a loose connection to serve as proof I've got it right. We've had the same inspector on inspected work 25 years & his pet demand these days is prove you used a calibrated torque screwdriver. I'd have sworn it was in article 110, but that is only aluminum it addresses.

 

[Fred B]

In apprenticeship 50 years ago I often overdid it to strip the wire binding screw. That DID NOT go well with my father. I taught myself over the years to be very tight but not strip. Much of our work is not inspected, & I consider my track record of never having a loose connection to serve as proof I've got it right. We've had the same inspector on inspected work 25 years & his pet demand these days is prove you used a calibrated torque screwdriver. I'd have sworn it was in article 110, but that is only aluminum it addresses.

No 110.14(D) is not limited to Al wire in requiring torque tool. But does limit the requirement to Listed by MFG either on product or installation instructions.

 

[kwired]

I've been an electrician 54 years. I tighten receptacle & switch screws by hand & never had a loose connection, though in youth I sometimes stripped one. In Code update schools taught by the inspector he has stressed the recent requirement to use a torque screwdriver. It seems cumbersome, I don't always do it. Yesterday, I was checking myself & I recalled a specification of 35 inch pounds on a #8 wire binding screw on a receptacle. That seems too much, I feel I'll strip at that much.
Where in Code is this found?
Annex I doesn't seem to address these with any clarity.

35 is a lot, when using a screwdriver style tool. Maybe more than many care to be doing on a regular basis without using a wrench style tool.

And yes it also seems way too much for a #8 screw.