Terminal strip in Panel?

[davedottcom]

I install a lot of Manual Transfer switches to panels here in Florida. I use the "Emergen Switch" by Connecticut Electric. I've been using wirenuts to splice the "By-pass" circuits into the transfer switch. I've been trying to think of a way of making the connections without using wirenuts. I always do very neat/clean looking work and I don't like the way the wirenuts look! I know they are not a violation but I was hoping to use either a terminal strip mounted inside the panel or some kind of "Butt-Splices" instead. As far as I know there are no Butt-splices listed for use on solid wire...or are there?
I think the terminal strip mounted to the back of the panel might be the way to go....anyone see a violation in doing that?
Dave

 

[jerryb]

Re: Terminal strip in Panel?

You didn't say how big your wires is but because you talking about using solid wire & wire-nuts, I assume it would be small conductors. What about using something as simple as a DIM railor track mounted, insulated terminal block? Square D makes several different types, they even make two and three tier blocks for mulitple wires. Most of these are rated for solid and stranded conductor.

 

[earlydean]

Re: Terminal strip in Panel?

Just so long as you don't fill the space in violation of Article 312.8; 40 % for conductors and 75% overall of the wiring space along the sides.

Earl

 

[iwire]

Re: Terminal strip in Panel?

I like these barrier strips, this one is rated 30 amps 600 volts. It comes in sections of 12 terminals but can easily be broken into smaller sections.

This one takes 18 awg to 10 awg, solid or stranded.

There is another model rated 35 amps that takes up to 8 awg.

If you are interested I can give you more info.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Terminal strip in Panel?

Pressure connctors are suitable for use with both solid or stranded conductors unless otherwise marked on the box. The quote below is from the UL guide for Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs.

Pressure cable connectors are for general use and are designed to establish a connection between one or more conductors by means of mechanical pressure without the use of solder. Pressure cable connectors accommodate two solid and/or stranded wires unless otherwise noted on or in the shipping carton or on the connector.

Don