Splicing A Short Cable In A Panel
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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… |
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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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I have 2 #4 cables that I wish to place under a 00 circuit breaker. Can I use a short 00 cable and insulated splices for the 4? This would be in the main disconnect panel.
Room is not a problem but can I make splices in the main panel?
Hi R T,
The amperage ratings for the conductors you have described are comparable so that should not be a problem as long as the insulation ratings are alike as well. NEC 312.8 speaks of splices and taps being permitted inside panel boards and cabinets, as long as they do not take up more than 40% fill. Based on this, I don’t see a problem, just make sure to use approved splicing methods and identify all of the spliced conductors properly.
I hope this helps,
Dave