splicing conductors in a panel box

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mikehughes8

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I'm in the process of replacing a main service disconnect thats missing its front cover. It's being fed by a pad-mounted 1MVA transformer. Im replacing the old panel with a 1600A SquareD I-line panel with a 1200A Main installed. This is the only replacement panel I have available. I'm in Iraq and am limited to materials i have on hand. The existing cable thats feeding this new panel is direct buried and wont reach the new main breaker. Short of digging up three runs of 240mm 4/C cable and installing new cable what are my options. Can I use "butt connectors" and extend the cable so it will reach the breaker. The crimps would be contained within the panel and Scotch 133 or equivalent is available to insulate the crimp. I would appreciate the code reference that either permits or forbids this practice.

Thanks again for the assistance in advance
 
Mike:
Per Art 230.33 splices are allowed.

Now, the splice must be insulated to 'equal' (or greater) thickness of the conductor insulation.

Stay safe in Iraq

John
 
Mike, 312.8 is pertinent, and specifically allows it. Many people do not read the whole section.


312.8 Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices
Enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall not be used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches or overcurrent devices, unless adequate space for this purpose is provided. The conductors shall not fill the wiring space at any cross section to more than 40 percent of the cross-sectional area of the space, and the conductors, splices, and taps shall not fill the wiring space at any cross section to more than 75 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space.

Roger
 
Was there ever a time when splices weren't allowed in a panel? This is a very common belief among electricians.
 
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I apologize if it's well known that splices can be made in panel boxes. I'm just overly cuatious at times. I primarily deal with high voltage applications and until recently haven't had to deal with the NEC extensively. I have a copy of the NEC. When I find what I think is the answer I like to confirm that there isn't an exception to the rule. Due to manpower and resource issues here in Iraq I have somehow become a low voltage "expert" by attrition. I like to do the job right so if I have a question "however simple" I'm not afraid to ask. This isn't only a "pride in workmanship" issue for me....its a matter of safety for the soldiers. I take it very seriously and all of those who have assisted me over the last couple of months have played an important role in my efforts.

Thanks again
 
Roger.

Is 75% described as what can be fit in, with encouragement from the rubber handled end of a hammer? Inquiring minds want to know!
 
Rockyd said:
Roger.

Is 75% described as what can be fit in, with encouragement from the rubber handled end of a hammer? Inquiring minds want to know!
Click to expand...

That is better known as a compaction tool. ;)

Roger
 
If you use a connector along the lines of the Insul-Link, the fill issue is almost a non-issue. The insulated connector is almost the same volume as the conductor.
 
Mikehughes8

When you say panel box , I'm sure you mean the cabinet. I think that many electricians and inspectors are mis-informed and traditional thinking takes over in reguards to this topic. I was unsure for many years until I cracked open the code book.

From a code standpoint.
If you asked me , " can you splice in a panelboard? " I would say no. But if you asked me "can you splice in a panelboard enclosure (cabinet)" I would sa absolutly, as long as you follow the rules in 312.8.

Hope this helped

ibew441dc
 
ibew441dc said:
From a code standpoint.
If you asked me , " can you splice in a panelboard? " I would say no. But if you asked me "can you splice in a panelboard enclosure (cabinet)" I would sa absolutly, as long as you follow the rules in 312.8.
Click to expand...
:grin: :grin: Yes, I guess a panelboard doesn't really have an "inside", does it? :grin:

...There's always that "one guy"...
 
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