SE cable neutral

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shputnik

shputnik

Senior Member
Location
Utah
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Expert wirenut installer
Technically, is there a correct way to twist the neutral conductor when making up a meter?
 
I get all the strands parallel, then bend a 90 on the end, and twist them together. However, I have seen others that don't twist them at all, but simply tape them up into a bundle. I think either way is fine.
 
hbiss said:
Same as Peter except instead of bending a 90 "handle" I grab it with Channelocks.

-Hal
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Same here and I make sure that it's at least 18" longer than needed because the twists at the end always get a little messed up so they end up getting cut off.
 
infinity said:
Same here and I make sure that it's at least 18" longer than needed because the twists at the end always get a little messed up so they end up getting cut off.
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I have been doing it like that for years.

I'm just surprised that there isn't a rule that states it as such. In theory someone could leave the strands loose and put under the lug??
 
shputnik said:
I have been doing it like that for years.

I'm just surprised that there isn't a rule that states it as such. In theory someone could leave the strands loose and put under the lug??
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Does it really matter? They get flattened out when you tighten the lug anyway.
 
peter d said:
I get all the strands parallel, then bend a 90 on the end, and twist them together. However, I have seen others that don't twist them at all, but simply tape them up into a bundle. I think either way is fine.
Click to expand...


I was taught the parallel (to the backside of the cable), 90, twist method. Cut to length and terminate.

Oddly, I use the same method at the panel/splice end also :angel:
 
When it's a short length, like inside the meter enclosure, I use the 90 degree manual twist method that Peter D mentioned. When I'm leaving 24" out of the weather-head I usually insert the end into a battery operated drill and pull the trigger for a few seconds
 
goldstar said:
When it's a short length, like inside the meter enclosure, I use the 90 degree manual twist method that Peter D mentioned. When I'm leaving 24" out of the weather-head I usually insert the end into a battery operated drill and pull the trigger for a few seconds
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:D

images
 
kwired said:
Does it really matter? They get flattened out when you tighten the lug anyway.
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Maybe it doesn't...That's why I ask you guys! ?. Thought perhaps a tighter wrap would be better as oppossed to a looser wrap.
 
jaylectricity said:
If I want to get fancy I divide them into three groups and braid them.

/not really
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I had a helper do that to all the grounds in a 600A ATS. No kidding: Fench braids to each lug.

Some day another contractor is gonna work on it and end up posting pictures on an electricians forum for everyone to laugh at.
 
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