Splice to Extend 4/0 and 2/0 feeder conductors

[solarken]

I need to extend some 4/0 line conductors and 2/0 neutral of an underground feeder about 6 feet. The conductors currently terminate on feed thru lugs of a meter-main outside, I will probably cut the conduit, pull the conductors out the bottom, and pull thru the wall inside to a junction box, and extend from there. Should I use a mechanical splice and heat shrink like this, or should I consider something else?

 

[LarryFine]

I have used them successfully many times. I suggest using a little compound and tightening it very well.

 

[marmathsen]

I have used them successfully many times. I suggest using a little compound and tightening it very well.

How do you tighten it? I typically would use a pair of channel locks to hold the connector while I torque it down

Rob G - Seattle

 

[LarryFine]

I typically would use a pair of channel locks to hold the connector while I torque it down

Eactamundo. The bigger for both, the better.

 

[ptonsparky]

I torqued a bit, moved to the other, torqued it the same, moved the connection around torque a bit more, repeat until suggested value obtained.

Or crimp a butt splice even better.

 

[electrofelon]

I need to extend some 4/0 line conductors and 2/0 neutral of an underground feeder about 6 feet. The conductors currently terminate on feed thru lugs of a meter-main outside, I will probably cut the conduit, pull the conductors out the bottom, and pull thru the wall inside to a junction box, and extend from there. Should I use a mechanical splice and heat shrink like this, or should I consider something else?
View attachment 2574409

I like those. What I like a bit better is the version that has two sets screws per side. A crimp would be best if you have the crimper for it. Personally I would put a layer of rubber tape then several layers of 88, them a heat shrink over it. Good for 100 years

 

[Seven-Delta-FortyOne]

Why not just a straight Polaris? I keep a dozen or so on the truck.

 

[infinity]

Whatever you use you'll want an insulation that is waterproof. I would finish the tape or heat shrink with a good coating of Scotchkote FD.

 

[SceneryDriver]

Whatever you use you'll want an insulation that is waterproof. I would finish the tape or heat shrink with a good coating of Scotchkote FD.

Adhesive-lined heatshrink works well for waterproofing. You just have to get it warm enough to actually melt the adhesive. Many people don't - they overheat the outside with a torch and the inside layer never gets warm enough to properly melt and seal.


SceneryDriver

 

[petersonra]

How do you tighten it? I typically would use a pair of channel locks to hold the connector while I torque it down

Rob G - Seattle

Please use a torque wrench. I don't know if you can adequately hold it with pliers. Maybe vise grips

 

[marmathsen]

Please use a torque wrench. I don't know if you can adequately hold it with pliers. Maybe vise grips

That gets right at why I was asking. How do you hold the connector while torquing it down?

Rob G - Seattle

 

[ptonsparky]

A helper.

 

[Frank DuVal]

I don't know if you can adequately hold it with pliers. Maybe vise grips

I have Channellocks in 10, 12 and 15 inch. My Visegrips top out at 9". I'll go with Channellocks.

 

[LarryFine]

A helper.

My helper:

 

[letgomywago]

That gets right at why I was asking. How do you hold the connector while torquing it down?

Rob G - Seattle

So when doing these or Polaris connectors I torque down all the way one and then do the other the first cable helps hold it in place and I can wrestle one cable that size and use my wrench.