Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

[harbertjim]

Hey all,

I have a question. I was once told by an inspector, whom shall remain nameless, in Michigan that I HAD to splice my grounds, neutrals, and hots, leaving only pigtails for my receptacles (and switches) for my rough inspection. I was also told that I could NOT use my receptacles as a splicing means. I had one of my apprentices question me on this, and I am having a hard time finding this in the code.
Anyone got an answer. I have found possible references, but nothing that states this plainly.

 

[gary]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

I think the code requires pigtails when a multi-wire branch circuit is involved, so that the integrity of the neutral connection isn't disturbed when someone replaces the device. It is generally considered good practice to do this for all devices but is certainly not a NEC requirement and in my experience is not widely observed.

 

[karl riley]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

Last time I looked this up the only requirement for pigtailing was the neutral of a 3-wire circuit. But wait for other opinions.

Karl

 

[iwire]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

In this area the inspectors expect the grounds and the Neutrals (if part of a multiwire circuit) to be pigtailed on the rough.

Both of those items are NEC requirements, however regular 2 wire circuits (other than the ground wire) do not have to be pigtailed (at least by the NEC).

Here is what the UL white book has to say about feeding through receptacles.

UL White Book

Single and duplex receptacles rated 15 A and 20 A that are provided with more than one set of terminals for the connection of line and neutral conductors may be used to feed a single set of branch circuit conductors connected to other receptacles on a multi-outlet branch circuit. These devices have not been tested for tapping off more than one circuit from the receptacle by utilizing both the side-wiring and back-wiring terminals on an outlet.

[ September 16, 2003, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[karl riley]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

Gary, our posts were simultaneous. I believe only the neutral of multi-wire circuits needs to be pigtailed, not the hots. Right?

Karl

 

[gary]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

That's the way I understand it Karl, but I couldn't find the code reference.

 

[iceman2610]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

iwire is correct. As long as you only have two wires (NM **-2 for example) entering the box, one feed and one branch, there is no NEC requirement to pigtail the conductors. However, if you have a multi-wire circuit, then the neutral is required to be pigtailed. Along with this the phase conductor which continues through the box without connecting to a device should be pigtailed. If there are three wires entering a box, then at least two of them must be pigtailed so there are only two connections on the device, ect...


I personally make up all of my boxes before rough inspection. By doing this, I can be free from the job until trim. I know before hand if there was a missed wire, and I spend only a fraction of the time during trim and have little to no troubleshooting after powering up.

Hope I didn't confuse you, a little easier to show you what I am trying to say than explain in writing.

P.S. - The inspector is ALWAYS RIGHT!!!!!
(I have heard this time and time again)

[ September 16, 2003, 11:24 PM: Message edited by: iceman2610 ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

300.13(B) Device Removal. In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on device connections such as lampholders, receptacles, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would interrupt the continuity.

It is not required to pigtail the hot and 250.148 covers the gounding conductors.

Bob

[ September 16, 2003, 11:27 PM: Message edited by: iwire ]

 

[Guest]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

It's easier to ring out a job if it's all pigtailed. I like to pigtail. And I never backstab (quickwire). But you knew that about me

[ September 16, 2003, 11:33 PM: Message edited by: awwt ]

 

[iwire]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

Wayne the company I work for requires us to pigtail everything, including Fire Alarm wiring just so we can "ring it out".

The pigtails on the the fire alarm devices get cut out when we install the devices.

Bob

 

[Ed MacLaren]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

I never back-stab, but I believe that the side terminals on a receptacle provide a better connection than a wirenut.

Pig-tailing where it isn't required adds to the box fill, which can mean more contact between wire insulation and sharp metal edges in the box.

I believe that connections are the "weak link" in any circuit, and the fewer the better.

Ed

 

[flightline]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

We require this by local amendment. We are a pipe and wire area, but this will vary from village to village. The reason is so that we may confirm that the 20 amp circuits, [required in those places in a residence], are there, and correct. We also do not allow the insertion of cardboard to protect the conductors and splices until AFTER the rough has passed. Given the time allowed to make an inspection, we can't take all the time required to check every box -AND- remove the cardboard. Then too, I've almost shredded my fingers on the edges of the rings. so if they are there the inspection will not be approved. Most contractors are familiar with this and it is in the handouts we provide.

Just what we do.

 

[ryan_618]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

We ask for the boxes to be made up at the rough inspection. It would be very difficult to determine what kind of circuit the installer is using otherwise. Examples would be switches for switched outlets (determining if they are a multi-wire feed), determing if a white wire is used as a switch leg or traveller, bonding of metal boxes, etc...

 

[Guest]

Re: Residential Splicing(Pigtailing) on Rough Inspection

Originally posted by Ed MacLaren:
I never back-stab, but I believe that the side terminals on a receptacle provide a better connection than a wirenut.

Pig-tailing where it isn't required adds to the box fill, which can mean more contact between wire insulation and sharp metal edges in the box.

I believe that connections are the "weak link" in any circuit, and the fewer the better.

Ed

Good points. The less wire in the box the better.

One loose wire nut can bring down a whole circuit.

The more wire nuts, the more chances for a dud.

One plus for pigtailing is it avoids miswiring mistakes when somebody replaces a device.

Another plus is it's easier to shove a device into a box and align it properly with fewer wires attached to it. When you have five #12 solids coming into a device you really need to eat your Wheaties to push it into the box. Using the device as a terminal strip adds to the number of wires that must be fished back into the box when the device is attached to all those "extra" wires.

Maybe we should go back to soldering our pigtails and then capping them with non-tapered caps?

Using deeper boxes is helpful to me-- even if I don't need the cubes.

Wire routing strategies can help keep things tidy. I do grounds, then neutrals, then hots. It's still not as pretty as I'd like it, but it's the best I can do. Stranded wire can be helpful for pigtailing-- but you have to use extra precautions or tin the wire ends to avoid end fray.

I really enjoy your posts Ed-- you take craftsmanship and wiring integrity to a whole new level. I would enjoy seeing some more pictures of your beautiful handiwork.

../Wayne C.