split bolts

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augie47

augie47

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In another thread, I made mention of proper termination on split bolts (number of wires). I could not confirm where I had been told that split bolt connectors were listed for "1 line-1 tap". I contacted T&B and received the follwing e-mail which I thought might be of interest to forumites.

"All testing and listing for UL requirements is done with only 2 conductors - one line and one tap.
It is possible other combinations may pass the requirements but we have no testing to verify this performance."


Byron Raines
Manager - Technical Services
Thomas & Betts
 
In my opinion more than two conductors can be used. Lets say you have three 250 MCM's entering a gutter and you have a three 100 amp meter cans attached to the gutter. Would you have to run 250 MCM to each meter can? No.
You would then connect the proper wire size to the meters and split bolt the the 250 to the meter conductors.
While split bolts are still widely used, there are much better ways to tap multiple conductors.
Motor connections are another good example.
 
John Valdes said:
In my opinion more than two conductors can be used. Lets say you have three 250 MGM's entering a gutter and you have a three 100 amp meter cans attached to the gutter. Would you have to run 250 MCM to each meter can? No.
You would then connect the proper wire size to the meters and split bolt the the 250 to the meter conductors.
While split bolts are still widely used, there are much better ways to tap multiple conductors.
Motor connections are another good example.
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But in your scenario how can you ensure that the connection will not fail if the split-bolt has never been tested for more than 2 conductors? IMO this would go outside of the scope of the listing of the split-bolt.
 
infinity said:
But in your scenario how can you ensure that the connection will not fail if the split-bolt has never been tested for more than 2 conductors? IMO this would go outside of the scope of the listing of the split-bolt.
Click to expand...

I agree with you but because the company didn't do testing with more than 2 conductors does not mean it will fail either.

I have seen many panel box ground and neutral bars with 3 or 4 wires under a terminal without ant ill affects.

I can't imagine why another wire under a split bolt could really affect the the connections.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I agree with you but because the company didn't do testing with more than 2 conductors does not mean it will fail either.
Click to expand...

I agree and have used them with more then 2 conductors before I knew it was a violation

I have seen many panel box ground and neutral bars with 3 or 4 wires under a terminal without ant ill affects.
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Again I agree,......but it's still a violation

I can't imagine why another wire under a split bolt could really affect the the connections.
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I can't either but if I was an inspector and saw it I would not pass it.

It's a CYA world.

But its a moot point now, I really doubt I will ever buy another split bolt again. :cool:
 
iwire said:
I really doubt I will ever buy another split bolt again. :cool:
Click to expand...

I have a split bolt on my kitchen counter for two 4/0's. Company comes over and someone will pick it up and screw it up and down over and over. After an hour they will ask "what is this thing?"

So split bolts still have a place in this world.
 
chris kennedy said:
I have a split bolt on my kitchen counter for two 4/0's. Company comes over and someone will pick it up and screw it up and down over and over. After an hour they will ask "what is this thing?"

So split bolts still have a place in this world.
Click to expand...


Oh my god is that funny, I have to try that..., maybe give the kids some for Christmas as stocking stuffers too...
 
stickboy1375 said:
Oh my god is that funny, I have to try that..., maybe give the kids some for Christmas as stocking stuffers too...
Click to expand...

Coal is cheaper :grin:
 
stickboy1375 said:
Oh my god is that funny, I have to try that..., maybe give the kids some for Christmas as stocking stuffers too...
Click to expand...

Try leaving some 'beanies' around the house! :grin: :grin:

(For those who don't know what beanies are)
 
i prefer one like this
geniusbeanie.gif
 
In new gutters, I'm coming to like power distribution blocks more than Polaris bugs. Just looks cleaner to me. The decision mostly depends on what happens to be in stock at the supply house to accomodate the gauges I'm working with that day. In existing gutters, I almost always use H-Taps to tap the run conductor.

2949e1dc0.jpg
 
Agreed. Split bolts are not my choice for taps. Violation? Where in the Code book? Are we talking NEC or UL?
 
John Valdes said:
Agreed. Split bolts are not my choice for taps. Violation? Where in the Code book? Are we talking NEC or UL?
Click to expand...

Both 110.3(B) and 110.14 require us to use wire connectors in the way they are listed.

No one has been able to show that any split bolt is listed for more then two conductors.

They always list one run and one tap conductor on them.
 
mdshunk said:
In new gutters, I'm coming to like power distribution blocks more than Polaris bugs. Just looks cleaner to me. The decision mostly depends on what happens to be in stock at the supply house to accomodate the gauges I'm working with that day. In existing gutters, I almost always use H-Taps to tap the run conductor.

2949e1dc0.jpg
Click to expand...

I prefer the power distribution blocks as well for multiple wires, of course you have to remember to install a cover ! I also was taught that the split bolts were only acceptable for 2 conductors !

Carl :smile:
 
Carl Ewing said:
of course you have to remember to install a cover !
Click to expand...

Where can I find that requirement in the NEC?

I assume you are installing them inside enclosures?

I use those as well, and once in a while I might even put on a cover. :cool:
 
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