Splicing A Short Cable In A Panel

';	I am replacing the sub-panel in my garage which was an old Stab-Lok type, the neutral wire is too short to reach the neutral terminal strip in the new panel by about a foot… © By: Dave Rongey

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Splicing a Short Cable In A Panel
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I am replacing the sub-panel in my garage which was an old Stab-Lok type. The neutral wire is too short to reach the neutral terminal strip in the new panel by about a foot.

The wiring is 2/0 aluminum, and buried a significant distance from the house so that replacing with longer wiring is not really feasible.
My understanding from the 2011 NEC book is that I am allowed to extend that wire as long as the connector is approved and that insulation matches or exceeds the cables specifications.
Am I, in fact, able to do this? Are there any other special precautions I need to know about, other than antioxidant coatings and such?

Thanks.

This electrical question came from: Mike, from Pacific, MO.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.

Mike, as you have stated, use approved splicing connectors or insulated lugs.
Insulated terminal lugs are great for this type of splice.
The splice must be made accessible in a junction box or enclosure if the splice is made outside of the sub-panel.
Make sure to properly identity all of the spliced conductors with electrical tape or permanent marker.

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Please Note:
Unless otherwise posted, please refer to the following Guidelines when working on Electrical Projects:

Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Electrical Repairs and Circuit Wiring is Best Performed by a Certified Electrician or Licensed Electrical Contractor.

Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch of Hand Tools, a Voltage Tester and a Multi Meter.

Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, work with electrical wiring, and the available access to the project area.

Precaution:
Identify the project circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring.

Important:
Modifying existing electrical circuits or installing additional electrical wiring should be done according to local and National Electrical Codes, with a permit and be inspected.