Macdenewf

sorry - the pictures are out by 90 degrees...the panels are installed vertical:) the program loaded th epicures sideways for one reason

As promised - pictures I moved the breaker that the gen set was connected to over to the main panel, connected the 6 awg wires form the sub panel to the main panel with a splicer block from busman (still need to install the cover) and installed mechanical interlock to ensure that both the gen set and the mains can not be powered at the same time. Only thing left to do is join the wire for my dryer and extend it over to the sub panel ( as I stole that slot for the gen breaker) With the exception that the initial wiring in the panel looks messy ? I?d say it was a reasonable install. Thanks for the confirmation that a splicer block is within code. Mac Click to Enlarge 42.86 KB Click to Enlarge 49.74 KB

Sorry..the description is in a post earlier up, This is long winded ? I know ? but I wanted to see if could add clarification for Jim as he was kind enough to answer my question. I am in a fairly new home ( 2 years old ) and I wanted to wire in a portable generator ? one that I already have?not big enough to run AC or anything but it can certainly handle the fridge, freezer and some lighting. When I had the house built, I had the builder run a dedicated circuit to the outside of the house ( 50A breaker, 8 AWG, terminated in an outdoor rated junction box) for a future pool. SO basically Oddly enough when the pool builder wired everything they went directly into the panel so I have a spare circuit available, cable run through the walls, terminated on the outside of my home.I plan on using this to connect through to my main panel. This spare circuit however is in my sub panel?meaning I can not use the mechanical interlock between the mains breaker and the generator breaker. My plan to fix this is to disconnect the cable of this spare circuit ( which is in my sub panel), join it and run it over to the main panel ( panels are side by side) . Once I move the breaker to the new location I can use the proper mechanical interlock to ensure I don?t power the gen set while the mains are on. My question ? which hopefully is answered now is how to best make a connection with 8 AWG wire in my sub panel? And to be honest ? I actually think its 6 AWG wire that is installed not 8. I?m certain I can use a wire nut ? though I question the effectiveness of twisting 6 or 8 awg with a wire nut. Some other sites suggested using a split bolt connector but that looks like a bulky ( and to me unprofessional) way to join the wires. I think the cleanest way is using the splicer block that I have ? and with the model I have ? there is a cover so it will be clean and safe. I thank you for the answer and if any of the description here changes the answer ? please let me know. I may post a picture when done..for any one out there like me who likes to see final results. Appreciate all of the replies. Mac

Appreciate the replies. I guess i'm just looking to hear what i want to hear....which this is acceptable. If it can't be done safely, i'll open up the wall and run a new conductor the entire length. I think i have an acceptable solution though. I found a new splicer block. Rated to 175a, 600v with a proper cover so the conductors are not exposed. It's a busman pb1013 with cover PBC23. So if a splice with wire nuts is acceptable in a panel, is a splice using a proper splicer block ( with a cover) acceptable? Some of the replies are good suggestions but i really don't want to replace the entire panel. The house is 2 years old. why the builder dropped in a sub panel is beyond me but it all passed inspection by my home building inspector ( not that that counts for much) but it also passed the builders electrical inspector. So if there is anyone that can point to an NEC code that indicates if this is indeed acceptable ( or a code that indicates that is isn't) - i'd certainly appreciate it. Regards; Mac

Running a cable between the panel and sub panel is the easy part. Running a new cable from the main to where the power inlet is located is the problem. Almost impossible without opening up walls therefor, joining the cable in the sub panel iis my best option. I do plan on hiring an electrician for the installation but i want to make sure i know how it is properly done before i hire anybody.

Hi. I know this a really old thread but im hoping someone picks up on it again. I have a sub panel directly next to my main panel. I'm wiring in a generator to my home and want to ensure i follow code ( and common sense) where i can not energize the mains and the gen at the same time. I have purchased the oem Eaton mechanical interlock and plan on installing it but need to move my generator breaker from the sub panel to the main panel and given the option do not want to run a new wire from the generator power inlet to the main panel. What seems to be the best option is to extend the cable from the sub panel to the main panel with a join in the sub panel. As this is 8 awg im reluctant to use wire nuts and have bought a square d distribution block so i can get the best connection possible between the 2 cables..... Vs teisting a large canble with a wire nut. My question. This distribution block accomodates 3 conductors, each separated by a plastic insulator so thre is no fear of shorting between conductors and i can hard mount it to the panel so there is no fear that anything else can simply come in contact with the wires. Im concerned however that the metal conductor that joins each wire is exposed and wondering if i may be violating some code? I live in Houston. I called the city and they said they dont inspect residential homes therefor there were no inspectors who i could speak with to verify the code. Any thoughts on if this method is appropriate and within code?