SEC connection into panelbox

[tonype]

Should there be some type of loop (to allow for wire "play") when connecting the SEC to main breaker? Occassionally I see straight in routing (see photo).

Thanks

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/100_8548.jpg

 

[mdshunk]

Nothing particularly wrong with either method. If you believe that the NECA NEIS documents are your guide to "neat and workmanlike", then they aren't permitted to have any excess other than what would be necessary to permit thermal movement.

NECA 1, Article 9, Section N:
n) The length of conductors within cabinets and
cutout boxes shall be sufficient to neatly train the
conductor to the termination point with no excess
(see Figure 11). Allow sufficient cable length for thermal
contraction of conductors to prevent damage of
insulation or dislodging connections.

The following picture demonstrates compliance with that workmanship requirement. Note that the requirement will not permit "loops" of excess conductor before the termination:

Photo courtesy of the International Association of Electrical Inspectors (IAEI)

 

[RUWired]

NECA 1, Article 9, Section N:
n) The length of conductors within cabinets and
cutout boxes shall be sufficient to neatly train the
conductor to the termination point with no excess
(see Figure 11). Allow sufficient cable length for thermal
contraction of conductors to prevent damage of
insulation or dislodging connections.

I wonder what they say about parallel runs stuffed in a panel.

It looks like an equipment bonding jumper on the neutral bar below the iso ground in the sub section of the panel.Is that correct.

 

[infinity]

IMO the use of "mouse ears" is unnecessary and unsightly. The photo in the OP is fine. Any amount of slack left in the panel would just unnecessarily take up room.

 

[chris kennedy]

NECA 1, Article 9, Section N:
n) The length of conductors within cabinets and
cutout boxes shall be sufficient to neatly train the
conductor to the termination point with no excess
(see Figure 11). Allow sufficient cable length for thermal
contraction of conductors to prevent damage of
insulation or dislodging connections.

'Sufficient cable length" is a little vague IMO.

 

[mdshunk]

IMO the use of "mouse ears" is unnecessary and unsightly.

Yes, I agree. The following pictures would not comply with NECA 1, Article 9, Section N. The installation was done by a very conscientious, well-meaning, and competent installer. I have, myself, left slack in conductors in panels to facilitate future panel change-outs or re-termination of the conductors, should that ever become necessary. I don't really go as far as these crazy loops, however:

Photos courtesy of George Stolz

 

[mdshunk]

'Sufficient cable length" is a little vague IMO.

Not really. The thermal characteristics of wire is fairly well documented.

 

[rob1kva]

I see this ALL THE TIME at my facility. The mouse ears in the S E are in every apartment panel I've worked on in over 2yrs {to date thats about 75}.Same goes for the 60amp cable feeding electric ranges, 2' more cable than is needed in the panel & only 10" or less to a receptacle.I dont know how the contractor ever got the job. I could go on for pages with the some of the lousy workmanship I come across on a daily basis