When installing breakers and such, I know that there are torque specs, but Im just wondering how many actually torque the wires as opposed to tightening really good?

I have torque wrenches lol that would do the job, but is it overkill? Just a newbie question is all

Never heard of torqueing breakers. The lines from the pole are supposed to be torqued to a certain torque (in inch pounds) but never heard of torqueing breakers. I know a bit about residential wiring but am not an electriction.

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Originally Posted by hkstroud

Never heard of torqueing breakers. The lines from the pole are supposed to be torqued to a certian torque (in inch pounds) but never heard of torqueing breakers. I know a bit about residential wiring but am not an electriction.

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The breakers do have torque specs on them as so do the lugs in my cub box. In the past I have just tightened them really really good. Have yet to have a problem

In production, it makes a lot of sense. There are torque screwdrivers, but their pricey.
When I worked on my car, I would torque just about every bolt and spark plug. Lugnuts included. I would generally always apply anti-seize as well.

Yes but you are an engineer KISS. A mechanic torques by one grunt or two grunts. Let me rephrase, I have never heard of a code requirement to torque breakers.

OK thanks guys. Its just I seen the torque specs printed on the sides of breakers lugs and so forth. I was just curious

Thanks
Mike

hkstroud/mr500---Article 110.14 addresses Electrical Connections---FPN: Many terminations and equipment are marked with a tightening torque. The commentary section then states that Section 110.3(B) applies where terminations and equipment are marked with tightening torques. ---Any listed/labeled eqpt. Shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing/lableling. So, if torque values are listed (they're listed for a reason) they should be followed. If that is practiced in the field, I can't say.

Also, if your mechanic tightens things up with one or two grunts, it's time for a new mechanic :eek: