Terminal Blocks/DIN Rail Connectors for Panel Relocation

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vtsoundman

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Working on a project relocating some service panels but need to leave the old panels in place (gutting the bars and using them as a j-box). What is the best way to avoid a giant CF of wirenuts in the old panel? (now a j-box after removing the buswork).

It would seem that a DIN rail connector and/or touch safe terminal block would be a much cleaner way to handle it.

I spec and use DIN rails and terminal blocks all day long for use in electrical control panels, etc...so specing the right 1492 DIN connector (allan bradley) or barrier strip is a non-issue.

UL has recently modified/altered/added complexity regarding Listed, Recognized components...and some of the DIN connectors & barrier strips fall into this category.

Use a terminal block or wirenuts to avoid AHJ issues?
 
Solid or stranded

Solid or stranded

If it is stranded I don't see any reason to not use a listed terminial strip. If it is solid I would use wirenuts, you can make your splices nice and neat with them also just route the wires like they are going to a terminal block and just use a wire nut. I would not trust a solid wire in a term block.

Cowboy
 
None of the DIN terminal blocks, AB, Phoenix, ect are UL listed, they are UR. I am not aware of the UL listing changes, but I am working on control panels frequently with DIN terminals but the enclosures are UL 508A
This may or may not be an issue
Terminal strips are UL listed, these require a crimp on spade lut, so would be slower
What you are proposing is a great idea, and would look neat and be a time saver.
 
tom baker said:
None of the DIN terminal blocks,...
Click to expand...

Building on Tom's comments, I suggest you look at UL's Guide Info for XCFR2 Terminal Blocks. It does say they have different requirements for blocks used in "Service, including dead-front switchboards, panelboards, service equipment, and the like" which have different through the air and over the surface distances than do industrial products.

This is the page I was looking at.
database.ul.com/cgi-bin/XYV/template/LISEXT/1FRAME/showpage.html?&name=XCFR2.GuideInfo&ccnshorttitle=Terminal+Blocks+-+Component&objid=1073801959&cfgid=1073741824&version=versionless&parent_id=1073801958&sequence=1
 
tom baker said:
None of the DIN terminal blocks, AB, Phoenix, ect are UL listed, they are UR. I am not aware of the UL listing changes, but I am working on control panels frequently with DIN terminals but the enclosures are UL 508A
This may or may not be an issue
Terminal strips are UL listed, these require a crimp on spade lut, so would be slower
What you are proposing is a great idea, and would look neat and be a time saver.
Click to expand...
...and this is the issue. I can find recognized components all day long ...LISTED is the issue. I haven't been able to find LISTED terminal/barrier strips. Any suggestions?

Sure, I could have a 508 panel shop make me a panel, but I'd have to rip out the existing boxes...and that would be cost prohibitive as well.

Crimping does suck, but so does dealing with AFCI crosstalk issues ... Or trying to troubleshoot a CF of wirenuts. It may increase my connection labor a bit, but that's not too big of an issue given the grand scheme of it all.
 
DIN rail mounted TBs are Recognized, and not Listed, because there are conditions of use that must be met in order to use them. Typically, it will be something like "must be used in an enclosure, dry locations only, etc..." I can't imagine anyone saying boo to using DIN rail mounted TBs for splices as you suggest.

One thing to watch out for is that the TBs you intend to use are "suitable for use with field wiring." A few TBs are only Recognized for use WITHIN a panel, and not for connections to field conductors. Why anyone would buy and use them is beyond me. Practically all TBs from reputable sources are Recognized for field wiring use these days, but it still pays to check.

Many DIN rail TBs are not suitable for use with aluminum wire, so watch out for that too. Those splices would have to use some other type of splice.

Use them within their amperage ratings, and you should be good.



SceneryDriver
 
wwhitney said:
In case it would be helpful, WAGO make a DIN mountable carrier for their 221 Series Lever Nuts, which are UL listed. The Lever Nuts only accept up to #12 AWG copper, though.

http://www.wago.us/media/us/collection/brochures/221_2016.pdf

Cheers, Wayne
Click to expand...
That's interesting. However if he did want to use the din rail UR tap blocks where would the NEC require that to be "Listed"? I thought splicing devices had to be "identified".
Cheers
 
tortuga said:
That's interesting. However if he did want to use the din rail UR tap blocks where would the NEC require that to be "Listed"? I thought splicing devices had to be "identified".
Cheers
Click to expand...
That is what I am seeing. check out 110.14. Only thing I see that requires listing is for connectors/splicing means for direct burial applications.
 
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