Splicing #10s in AC disconnect

Status
Not open for further replies.
G

Greg1707

Senior Member
Location
Alexandria, VA
Occupation
Business owner Electrical contractor
I need to add a surge protector to a 30 amp AC disconnect. I can attach the surge protector to the line or load side. Is there a better way than splicing number 10s with wire nuts?
 
Replace the disconnect's lugs with two-hole lugs, or two-wire rated one-hole lugs. Alternative possibility, use stacking lugs.

What is the make and model of the disconnect?
 
You could use two-wire ferrules to place the (for sake of argument) line conductors and the SPD conductors in the existing lugs:

https://www.mcmaster.com/#9703k22/=177sjdj

You would need a ferrule crimping tool; I have one for control panel work, but not everyone does.

The ferrules make the (2) conductors behave as a single conductor to the lug screw. Only downside is that you would have to cut off and re-crimp if the SPD ever took a hit and needed replacement. Stacking lugs or wire nuts are probably easier.

EDIT: my above idea assumes stranded wire. If you're using solid conductors, definitely use wire nuts.


SceneryDriver
 
Low voltage cut out

Low voltage cut out

The disco is a Siemens with built in GFCI receptacle. The surge protector has a low voltage feature that connects to the AC thermostat.
Where can I find the double or stacking lugs?
 
Greg1707 said:
The disco is a Siemens with built in GFCI receptacle. The surge protector has a low voltage feature that connects to the AC thermostat.
Where can I find the double or stacking lugs?
Click to expand...
Why not connect it at the AC unit, where the low voltage controls also are present?

There is some chance the line side terminals of the contactor just might accept multiple conductors as well.
 
Greg1707 said:
The disco is a Siemens with built in GFCI receptacle. The surge protector has a low voltage feature that connects to the AC thermostat.
Where can I find the double or stacking lugs?
Click to expand...
Not sure your going to find any that fit that disconnect. I was looking on the internet for drawings, technical data for that disconnect but couldn't find enough info on the internals. Got a picture of the inside where the conductors terminate?
 
Mount a Bell Box next to the disco. Bring the feed into it and splice your surge in the Bell Box. Then from the splices to the disco.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top