wire nuts underground pull box 480vac

[Brianest1978]

Can someone point me to the NEC code that states it's OK to use "waterproof" wire nuts in an underground standard pull box with 480vac?

Or point me to the code that states it's OK to use standard wire nuts with electrical tape in an underground standard pull box with 480vac?

These locations are considered "wet" obviously.

The reason I ask is that I'm constantly seeing EC's use the above for splicing and I'm constantly finding these are corroded and/or burned up. To me, it's dangerous to use the above wire nuts in these locations. "Sealed" connectors suc as epoxy bags should be used...

Am I alone in thinking this? Thanks for the help!

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Wire connectors that are listed for wet locations are permitted by the code. You cannot tape up a wire nut that is not listed for a wet location and install it in a wet location.

 

[petersonra]

The code allows you to use items like wire nuts in accordance with their listing. If UL says it can be used in a wet area that's all it takes to be code compliant. The use of tape or lack thereof, is not relevant.

The waterproof ones I have seen of late look a lot like regular wire nuts except they seem to have some kind of goo inside them and a small opening the wires have to push through to get into the inside of the wire nut where the goo is.

I vaguely remember another style that was a copper sleeve that you crimped over the wires and then there was a heat shrink cap that went over the wires and the crimped on sleeve that was full of some kind of goo. It was supposed to be waterproof after being heat shrunk.

 

[infinity]

If it were a handhole then 314.30(C) would apply.

314.30(C) Enclosed Wiring. All enclosed conductors and any splices or terminations, if present, shall be listed as suitable for wet locations

 

[Sea Nile]

Brian House, vice president of Mike Holt inc, said in the recording of 'Understanding the NEC 2020' that one of the manufacturers of the wet location wire nuts said that they fail because people pre twist the wires.

Sorry for the run on sentence.

But these wire nuts are filled with a type of gel. And you are not supposed to pre twist because it allows the conductors to be encapsulated by the gel when you insert them. If you pre-twist, then the gel can't properly coat the conductors

 

[augie47]

Ideal WeatherProof Wire Connectors, Models 61, 62, 63

IDEAL WeatherProof Wire Connectors are suited for interior and exterior electrical connections exposed to rain or damp conditions.

www.licensedelectrician.com

 

[Dave058]

Can someone point me to the NEC code that states it's OK to use "waterproof" wire nuts in an underground standard pull box with 480vac?

Or point me to the code that states it's OK to use standard wire nuts with electrical tape in an underground standard pull box with 480vac?

These locations are considered "wet" obviously.

The reason I ask is that I'm constantly seeing EC's use the above for splicing and I'm constantly finding these are corroded and/or burned up. To me, it's dangerous to use the above wire nuts in these locations. "Sealed" connectors suc as epoxy bags should be used...

Am I alone in thinking this? Thanks for the help!

Don't know what standard box is, but it's a little convoluted but check out around 300.5. It mentions something about inside of j-box wiring methods should be rated the same as outside of box, therefore any box in the ground would be subject to wet location wiring methods. The same would apply for light pole bases and poles as well.

 

[mtnelect]

I have used this product successfully for years in traffic signal concrete pull boxes. I would remove the screw top and dip the splice directly into the can for complete coverage.




Product Details
3M™ Scotchkote™ Electrical Coating FD is a fast drying sealant and bonding agent recommended for joints wrapped with plastic electrical tape.
3M™ Scotchkote™ Electrical Coating FD is intended for use as an outer seal on PVC tape applications which are subjected to excessive amounts of oil. It is designed to improve the weather resistance of the taped joint or splice. It is suitable for direct burial, direct water immersion or above ground applications. Contact with potable water is not recommended.

• Designed for use as an outer seal on a PVC tape splice
• Suitable for use for direct burial and moisture protection
• Helps protect from moisture and corrosion

 

[Sea Nile]

Can someone point me to the NEC code that states it's OK to use "waterproof" wire nuts in an underground standard pull box with 480vac?

110.3 is the only place I know of. If it's listed for the purpose, then it's allowed.

Also, I may be wrong, but I've heard that the NEC says what you can't do, or what you have to do. I don't think it says what you can do.

 

[Dave058]

300.5(B) should be what your looking for.

 

[Sea Nile]

Also 110.14(B)

 

[mtnelect]

Brian House, vice president of Mike Holt inc, said in the recording of 'Understanding the NEC 2020' that one of the manufacturers of the wet location wire nuts said that they fail because people pre twist the wires.

Sorry for the run on sentence.

But these wire nuts are filled with a type of gel. And you are not supposed to pre twist because it allows the conductors to be encapsulated by the gel when you insert them. If you pre-twist, then the gel can't properly coat the conductors

I remember when I was in my IBEW Apprenticeship, they had a representative from 3M give a discussion on their products. He specifically mentioned when using their wire nuts never twist the wires before their use. Just remove the insulation uniformly and make sure the wires are cut flush to the end. Then when the wire nut is twisted on, it will automatically mesh evenly.

But, I still twist the wires to this day !

 

[Sea Nile]

I typically only twist when I have more than 2 conductors. But I pinch the conductors tight near the end and twist it tight until I can see the wires on the outside start to rotate. I've unscrewed the wire nut afterwards a few times just to verify that the conductors are twisted well. But I never do that with 3 or more.

 

[mtnelect]

I typically only twist when I have more than 2 conductors. But I pinch the conductors tight near the end and twist it tight until I can see the wires on the outside start to rotate. I've unscrewed the wire nut afterwards a few times just to verify that the conductors are twisted well. But I never do that with 3 or more.

To twist or not to twist ... that is the question !

 

[don_resqcapt19]

I remember when I was in my IBEW Apprenticeship, they had a representative from 3M give a discussion on their products. He specifically mentioned when using their wire nuts never twist the wires before their use. Just remove the insulation uniformly and make sure the wires are cut flush to the end. Then when the wire nut is twisted on, it will automatically mesh evenly.

But, I still twist the wires to this day !

I would have to see that in writing from the manufacturer. I have never seen any instruction that said "do not pretwist", however I have seen a number that say "pre-twisting is not necessary". If the conductors are solid, I will always twist them before putting on the wirenut.

 

[mtnelect]

IDEAL In-Sure 100-Pack Orange Push-In Wire Connectors​

I came close to purchasing a package of push on wire connectors but decided to wait and see. Glad I did ... started see a lot of them burning up !

 

[Sea Nile]

I've never seen it either, but it irrefutable that Mr. House said that on the DVD.

 

[retirede]

To twist or not to twist ... that is the question !

Probably needs to be treated like we do “ground up vs ground down!”

 

[mtnelect]

I have a question on making grounding connections outside of the junction box. My house was wired in 1972 and the electrician used copper barrel crip connection. All the Romex bare grounding wires were run through the back of the junction box (through mounting holes) and cripped together. Is this an approved method ?

I see this as a slick way to way to save wiring space.

 

[hbiss]

I just got this in my inbox today. A bit of a different idea using a regular wirenut.

3M DBR/Y-6-BULK DIR BURY SPLC BULK | Gordon Electric Supply, Inc.

3M DBR/Y-6-BULK Direct Bury Splice Kit 18-10 AWG, 100/Case

www.gordonelectricsupply.com

-Hal