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…

Splicing a Short Cable In A Panel
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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Home Electrical Wiring and Electrical Repairs 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.

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