Some main panel questions

[tonype]

I am confused about several items with respect to stuff I have read here and in other forums. Attached photo shows a few of these:

1. Is there any maximum about that NM sheathing can penetrate into a panel - I believe that 1/4" minimum - once thought that 1" or so should be the max, but I now have doubts.
2. Wire slack in panel - what is considered "normal" or acceptable?
3. Grounded neutral conductor termination to terminal bar - is it ok to separate the wire strands into small groupings (shown in photo) to terminate into 4 small screws? Or should there be a provision to allow the entire wire to be connected to one lug?

The photo is a 1985 install (though there appears to be some addition since).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP3973_edited-1.jpg

Thanks

 

[augie47]

I am confused about several items with respect to stuff I have read here and in other forums. Attached photo shows a few of these:

1. Is there any maximum about that NM sheathing can penetrate into a panel - I believe that 1/4" minimum - once thought that 1" or so should be the max, but I now have doubts.

No Maximum.

2. Wire slack in panel - what is considered "normal" or acceptable?

I've seen everything from close to banjo-string tight to what your photos show.
Normally there is an inch or two of slack.

3. Grounded neutral conductor termination to terminal bar - is it ok to separate the wire strands into small groupings (shown in photo) to terminate into 4 small screws? Or should there be a provision to allow the entire wire to be connected to one lug?

The photo is a 1985 install (though there appears to be some addition since).

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a352/TonyPE/IMGP3973_edited-1.jpg

Thanks

The terminations should meet the listing for the lugs. "Fanning" of the wires is not acceptable and all panel manufacturers have lug kits to accept such terminations.

This thread is a good example of some "before and after" panel pictures
http://forums.mikeholt.com/showthread.php?t=117046&highlight=%22panel+pics%22

 

[Dennis Alwon]

1. Is there any maximum about that NM sheathing can penetrate into a panel - I believe that 1/4" minimum - once thought that 1" or so should be the max, but I now have doubts.

There is no maximum that I am aware of but you would have to consider fill esp. in a JB.

2. Wire slack in panel - what is considered "normal" or acceptable?

All you need is enough to reach where it is terminating. I tend to square my wires to the corners but I don't loop them.

3. Grounded neutral conductor termination to terminal bar - is it ok to separate the wire strands into small groupings (shown in photo) to terminate into 4 small screws? Or should there be a provision to allow the entire wire to be connected to one lug?

This is not okay-- they make special lugs that will accept a larger wire if needed.

 

[ty]

I still fail to see the point in putting "bunny ears", or whatever you want to call it, by looping the service conductors. I realize this is an older service.

Are there still guys doing this?

I have never seen a service wire burned off and needed that extra slack.
If I did, I would replace the cable.

I have seen some terminations where it got hot and you couldn't even loosen the screw to remove the wire from the breaker. Result = new service cable and new main breaker.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I still fail to see the point in putting "bunny ears", or whatever you want to call it, by looping the service conductors. I realize this is an older service.

Are there still guys doing this?

I have never seen a service wire burned off and needed that extra slack.
If I did, I would replace the cable.

I have seen some terminations where it got hot and you couldn't even loosen the screw to remove the wire from the breaker. Result = new service cable and new main breaker.

I have seen some aluminum conductors get pretty bare and the need to take off a bit would help, esp. when the insulation has melted an inch or so back. That being said I don't use loops but my service conductors usually have a bit of slack to handle that situation if need be.

 

[boyle78]

I have seen some aluminum conductors get pretty bare and the need to take off a bit would help, esp. when the insulation has melted an inch or so back. That being said I don't use loops but my service conductors usually have a bit of slack to handle that situation if need be.

If the insolation in melted back wouldn't you consider replacing the cable?

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If the insolation in melted back wouldn't you consider replacing the cable?

Not if the wire was good beyond the bad spot and it reached.

 

[cadpoint]

85' I missed the point, as I recall it was code when I learned it, was to have no more than 1/2" of Romex cover into the "CAN".

Can I go with the drip on the wires, to meet another area of the panel.
Yes, No, Maybe... well how do your feel today?

I don't slam all the wires to the edge of can, either, and again it just depends!

If it was outside I might consider more for drip loops, etc. otherwise, the OP's 85' is ugly.