split nuts usages

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indigoredster

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I was in buying some wire and overheard someone saying that

"split bolts" cannot be used for tapping onto continous wire runs other than for grounds. Is this correct? I know they have to be insulated well when used to
tap into lines other than grounds.

Could someone set me straight on their allowed usage?
Thanks.
 
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Split bolts may be used for all conductors; the only real requirement is that you insulate them at least as much as the conductor?s insulation.

Everyone has their own style of taping them up.

If I think I will have to open them up I will go with a cambric tape first than rubber splicing tape and than finally standard vinyl electrical tape.

If I don't have to go back into them I skip the cambric tape.
 
Thanks I really appreciate the input.

I thought they were fine to use. I'm thinking of machining insulative covers to hold them with slots for the wires. Is there a machinable plastic considered a good insulator for electric work. I'll google it also.
 
indigoredster said:
Thanks I really appreciate the input.

I thought they were fine to use. I'm thinking of machining insulative covers to hold them with slots for the wires. Is there a machinable plastic considered a good insulator for electric work. I'll google it also.
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They make "pocketbook" style insulators that snap over the split bolt connector. No taping involved.
 
indigoredster said:
I'm thinking of machining insulative covers to hold them (split bolt assemblies - Bob NH) with slots for the wires. Is there a machinable plastic considered a good insulator for electric work. I'll google it also.
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I spent a large fraction of my time in the military development industry doing failure analysis. Designing and fabricating a device that is likely to survive 20 years or more in the environment where such plastic covers might be use is a risky thing. I suspect that such covers might fail to meet a standard of being approved for the purpose.
 
I'll usually back wrap with "jap wrap", then rubber tap and some 3M vinyl tape.

The back wrap allows anyone to easily remove the tape job.

I've had more than enough of the HFMFU attitude....maybe the next HFMFUer will appreciate what was done and change their attitude - I won't hold my breath....BUT maybe the next guy won't be a HFMFUer, and hopefully he won't turn into one.
 
indigoredster said:
I'm thinking of machining insulative covers to hold them with slots for the wires. Is there a machinable plastic considered a good insulator for electric work. I'll google it also.
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Google "polaris+wire connector"....OR "Self Piercing Connectors"...

pwtap.jpg

bugcross.jpg


These things are awesome...just stick your conductor in, grab a rachet and tighten - DONE.

http://www.aplussupply.com/nsipolaris/ipcs.htm
 
Bob NH said:
I suspect that such covers might fail to meet a standard of being approved for the purpose.
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What standard would that be? I use plastic clamshell type H-Tap covers in gutters all the time. I do add a black zip tie to ensure that they stay closed, however. Before I started using H-taps, I used the plastic clamshell "Kearney covers" on split bolts, and there have been no failures that I am aware of. Utilities have been using this type of cover for several decades with no special failures, where they are exposed to heat and cold and UV. My gutters are nowhere near that harsh of an environment.
 
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mdshunk said:
What standard would that be? I use plastic clamshell type H-Tap covers in gutters all the time. I do add a black zip tie to ensure that they stay closed, however. Before I started using H-taps, I used the plastic clamshell "Kearney covers" on split bolts, and there have been no failures that I am aware of. Utilities have been using this type of cover for several decades with no special failures, where they are exposed to heat and cold and UV. My gutters are nowhere near that harsh of an environment.
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Originally Posted by indigoredster
I'm thinking of machining insulative covers to hold them (split bolt assemblies - Bob NH) with slots for the wires. Is there a machinable plastic considered a good insulator for electric work. I'll google it also.

mdshunk:
I was suggesting that the concept of machining insulative covers as remarked by indigoredster would not meet the requirements of 110.14(B) Splices which says in part: " . . . All splices and joints and the free ends of conductors shall be covered with an insulation equivalent to that of the conductors or with an insulating device identified for the purpose".

Machining insulative covers from some kind of plastic would not result in "an insulative device identified for the purpose".
 
Bob NH said:
Machining insulative covers from some kind of plastic would not result in "an insulative device identified for the purpose".
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It has never been completely cleared up in the code who, exactly, will identify something for a particular purpose. You'd suspect that it should be an NRTL, but it seems that it is not that straightforward. If you wanted to take it to the Nth degree, the person manufacturing that cover from a chunk of whatever could identify it himself as being okay for that purpose (at his peril, perhaps).
 
Unless the connection is exposed to excessive heat, I don't have any problems removing the tape. You just slit it and peal it off with two pair of pliers. For this to work, the inner layers of the rubber tape must be pulled very tight at the time of installation. Also the rubber tape is installed sitcky side out per the manufacturer's instructions. I have never used a "liner" before the rubber and don't plan on starting now.
Don
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Unless the connection is exposed to excessive heat, I don't have any problems removing the tape. You just slit it and peal it off with two pair of pliers. For this to work, the inner layers of the rubber tape must be pulled very tight at the time of installation. Also the rubber tape is installed sitcky side out per the manufacturer's instructions. I have never used a "liner" before the rubber and don't plan on starting now.
Don
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I can easily picture in my head the next guy cussing you out.

I don't believe I've ever worked with anyone claiming to be a professional that didn't backwrap or use some other form of liner. Slit and peel at a later date can be done without pliers.
 
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Bob NH said:
I spent a large fraction of my time in the military development industry doing failure analysis. Designing and fabricating a device that is likely to survive 20 years or more in the environment where such plastic covers might be use is a risky thing. I suspect that such covers might fail to meet a standard of being approved for the purpose.
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Ilsco makes a wire tap with a plasic cover I've used them in sizes up to 500 mcm, some have been installed for 20 years with no failures to date.
 
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