Mark P Posted September 25, 2011 Report Share Posted September 25, 2011 In this main panel all the grounds and neutrals are extended and the two ends connected with these little bolts. Some bolts connect both grounds and neutrals in the same little hole. It seems to me this may violate the requirement that neutrals not be doubled up on the bus bar ââ¬â but Iââ¬â¢m not sure as I have never seen this before. The house was biult in 1994 in a township with no muni inspectors. Click to Enlarge 68.63 KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted September 25, 2011 Report Share Posted September 25, 2011 They are split-bolt connectors and they are good for that purpose. I believe they are rated for multiple wire connections like that, so the doubling of neutrals should be OK. A couple of concerns are 1) I don't think the bare grounding wires should be doubled up with the neutrals, and there is no need for that. The neutrals should be insulated all the way to the terminal bus, and having bare wires in there is just inviting stray voltage. But we need a code expert to chime in on that. 2)There is a chance of the bolts becoming energized by contact with a live wire or bus. So they should be taped, but that is my opinion only. 3) The neutrals should not be bundled with those zap straps. Heat buildup in the bundles is the reason. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted September 26, 2011 Report Share Posted September 26, 2011 I agree on all counts with John except for the bundling. Bundles that measure less than 2' can be ignored. Marc Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted September 26, 2011 Report Share Posted September 26, 2011 Most split-bolt connectors are labeled for only 2 conductors. A couple manufacturers allow 3. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted September 26, 2011 Report Share Posted September 26, 2011 I stand corrected. Well actually, I am sitting here, corrected. [] Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark P Posted September 26, 2011 Author Report Share Posted September 26, 2011 Thanks ya'll Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beal73 Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 Also, you cannot have wire sheathing that far inside of the box. I think 1/4" max inside the box. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Kibbel Posted October 5, 2011 Report Share Posted October 5, 2011 Also, you cannot have wire sheathing that far inside of the box. Where can I find that in the NEC? I think 1/4" max inside the box.I believe 1/4" is the minimum, not max. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jim Port Posted October 6, 2011 Report Share Posted October 6, 2011 Also, you cannot have wire sheathing that far inside of the box. Where can I find that in the NEC? I think 1/4" max inside the box.I believe 1/4" is the minimum, not max. The 1/4" minimum is correct. You will not find a maximum, although 6" of free conductor is required. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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