View Full Version : Extending wire in electrical panel.
bill5576
Sep 22, 2008, 08:58 AM
I am having the electrical sub panel in my house up-graded. My old Zinsco panel is not providing protection. It is apparent on inspection that the circuit breaker wires will need to be extended to reach the new panel breakers. What are the approved methods for splicing / joining wire inside a panel box? I see #12 and 14 AWG for about 30 breakers needing extension. Is one method more reliable than another?
rtw_travel
Sep 22, 2008, 10:10 AM
Some of the wires must be long enough if you install the new sub-panel in the same spot as the old one?
All splices must be inside approved devices, and they must be accessible after construction is finished. However I have never seen splices inside a sub-panel.
Typically, octagonal boxes with covers are installed near the panel. Run your short wires there, and add lengths of new wire to go to the new sub-panel from each box. Do not exceed box fill for the size of octagonal box you have.
Please - code experts correct me if I am wrong.
stanfortyman
Sep 22, 2008, 02:09 PM
Just splice the wires to the same size tails right inside the panel. This is perfectly fine.
KISS
Sep 22, 2008, 02:24 PM
Rtw:
There is a product by AMP/TycoElectronics Energy Division that makes it a whole lot easier. You can splice romex(NM-B 12 AWG or 14 AWG) in concealed or unconcealed locations without a junction box. It meets NEC code for use in concealed locations.
Washington1
Sep 22, 2008, 05:20 PM
rtw:
There is a product by AMP/TycoElectronics Energy Division that makes it a whole lot easier. You can splice romex(NM-B 12 AWG or 14 AWG) in concealed or unconcealed locations without a junction box. It meets NEC code for use in concealed locations.
I've heard us this. I believe on this site?
Thanks!
KISS
Sep 22, 2008, 05:53 PM
The part numbers are here:
http://energy.tycoelectronics.com/index.asp?act=page&pag_id=2&prl_id=45&_id=332&prf_id=718&prr_id=2489
There is another p/n that has the ability to secure the connector. If you want it I can dig it up.
I have their catalog and a couple of the NM-B splice products.
I can even give you the NEC article it complies with.
stanfortyman
Sep 23, 2008, 03:56 AM
Those things are cool, but as long as the cable reaches the panel there is no reason to splice outside of the panel box itself.
Washington1
Sep 23, 2008, 05:00 PM
The part numbers are here:
http://energy.tycoelectronics.com/index.asp?act=page&pag_id=2&prl_id=45&_id=332&prf_id=718&prr_id=2489
There is another p/n that has the ability to secure the connector. If you want it I can dig it up.
I have their catalog and a couple of the NM-B splice products.
I can even give you the NEC article it complies with.
I'm interested! Please post the information!
Thanks!
KISS
Sep 23, 2008, 05:18 PM
This will wet your appetite:
http://energy.tycoelectronics.com/getDocument.aspx?doc_id=1972
Page 15.
Local Electrical supply house caries them.
I'll have to research the Romex connector with mounting ears.
KISS
Sep 23, 2008, 05:28 PM
This part 1116415-2 is located
http://ecommas.tycoelectronics.com/commerce/DocumentDelivery/DDEController?Action=showdoc&DocId=Catalog+Page%7F1654963_0404_027%7Fn%2Fa%7Fpd f%7FEnglish%7FENG_CAT_1654963_0404_027_.pdf
But it's been superseded. It's a 3 cable splice kit.
Washington1
Sep 23, 2008, 05:35 PM
Thanks! Nice! You should have kept this under wraps! :D
KISS
Sep 24, 2008, 02:25 PM
It is kind of cool isn't it? The connectors look like they won't mate because they both look female, but they will.
Now the fun part. Finding it.
Washington1
Sep 24, 2008, 03:10 PM
It is kinda cool isn't it? The connectors look like they won't mate because they both look female, but they will.
Now the fun part. Finding it.
No comment! :eek::D
benaround
Sep 27, 2008, 03:49 AM
You can use them on EXPOSED runs or on rewire where cable is concealed and FISHED.
334.40(B) 2005 NEC
You can also use them in moble homes and manafactured buildings. Woopie!
From what I have heard, if not snapped together just right, after a period they
Come undone. FYI.