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#170119 10/27/07 12:36 AM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 240
Member
I know i've read this question before, and at the risk of being redundant...

is it ok to land a neutral(#4) under two screws of the busbar? And if not code reference please.

I was out in the middle of nowhere installing a guardian auto x-fer switch and the neutral in the whip wouldn't make it to the top of the busbar to land into the lug. so (much to my dismay) I split it into two screws. I had already transfered the emergency circuits over to the x-fer switch when this minor/major detail arose. I didn't have a lug to put on the bottom of the busbar and considered split bolting a #6 to extend wire but decided not to downsize neutral to the biggest size wire on my truck. I figured the inspector would make the call and if need be I would correct if written up.

Problem is the waiting.... so I post ahead of my inspection which will be monday.

Thanx guys,
H2o

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watersparkfalls #170121 10/27/07 01:35 AM
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 9,923
Likes: 32
G
Member
110.3(B) but most manufactures have a "add in" lug that takes up a couple positions and allows a larger wire.


Greg Fretwell
watersparkfalls #170158 10/28/07 06:14 PM
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 2,056
R
Member
Are you sure the #4 won't fit?

If you remove the screw completely, and do not try to twist the strands on the #4, it should fit under most brands of the branch ckt. neutral bus termnials.

Redsy #170160 10/28/07 08:38 PM
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 265
W
Member
I know a #4 solid will fit in most neutural/ground lugs, but not sure about stranded wire.


Jimmy

Life is tough, Life is tougher when you are stupid
wire_twister #170237 10/29/07 11:27 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 240
Member
no the stranded wouldn't fit...
or i gave up to quickly.

pushed inspection back till thur. home owner can't let inspector in till then.

watersparkfalls #170497 11/04/07 05:10 PM
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 240
Member
well inspector signed off job, so splitting neutral must not be a violation at least to him...
thought we talked about corona and current flow and concluded the same as the inspector.

thanks for the input,
H20

watersparkfalls #170588 11/06/07 04:40 PM
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 751
E
Member
It doesn't matter if you did manage to slip that #4 under the lug, if the lug is not rated for that size you may not install it.

Splitting the strands on a conductor is never allowed, (nor is twisting all the bare grounds together and stuffing the result under an empty lug on the bus).

You can find the size wire allowed in the fine print pasted on the side of the panel box, or embossed on the lug itself.

UL Guide Information ZMVV for wire connectors requires "the wire size, wire range or wire combinations" to be "marked on the connector, or on or within the unit container".


Earl

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