wirenuts vs. splitbolts

[wirenutt]

Is there a rule for conductor size that can not be connected with wire nuts ? It was my understanding from an inspector that any conductor over #10 was to be split bolted , such as a range line.

 

[shepelec]

No rule that I have ever seen. Wire nuts are fine as long as they are rated for the size and quantity of the wire.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Is there a rule for conductor size that can not be connected with wire nuts ? It was my understanding from an inspector that any conductor over #10 was to be split bolted , such as a range line.

As long as the manufacturer says it will work, who is he to say it won't?

 

[wirenutt]

As long as the manufacturer says it will work, who is he to say it won't?

the inspector said he has seen too many connections burnt up in his area and will not allow it anymore.

 

[jeremysterling]

Yes, the rule is on the bag the wirenuts came in. These instructions on the bag will tell you how many and what size conductors may be spliced by the connector.

As a general rule at our shop, my boss prefers that anything over a "blue" wirenut (2 #6's) gets compression crimp butt-spliced. We do not use split-bolts, "kerneys" or "polaris" blocks, even though they are all legal in this area.

We use compression connectors with "coldshrink" insulation.

 

[mcclary's electrical]

the inspector said he has seen too many connections burnt up in his area and will not allow it anymore.

He , alone, does not AHJ make, and AHJ alone cannot make up their own rules without passing local codes legally/ documentation/ adoption process

 

[mcclary's electrical]

Simply and politley ask him for a code reference.


See what he can come up with.

 

[480sparky]

the inspector said he has seen too many connections burnt up in his area and will not allow it anymore.

He needs to back it up with the formal adoption of an amendment. Otherwise, his 'shirt-pocket' rule won't stand up... either in the field or in court.

 

[benaround]

the inspector said he has seen too many connections burnt up in his area and will not allow it anymore.

Any connection made up poorly will heat up and burn under load. I see a lot of fast cars

crashed up in the junk yard, it's not the cars fault.

 

[Jim W in Tampa]

"Originally Posted by wirenutt
the inspector said he has seen too many connections burnt up in his area and will not allow it anymore."

This is the type of inspector that need removed from the job. It is not up to them or what they want or like. Choice is yours as to if you put up with him or not. Either he sites NEC or local writen amendment code number. Short of that you go to his boss. As last step you take it to court. He will look stupid in court when you have the paper work from the Mfg. saying they not only but have UL listing.