ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues Terminal barrier strips instead of wire nuts?

But using non-insulated jumpers defeats the whole purpose of these barrier strips that are designed to reduce and nearly eliminate the risk of contact with live terminals. Wouldn't that violate the listing?

I used a piece of this type terminal block (two sections) to attach a new flex to a clock radio recently. Space inside the plastic cabinet was very tight and it was a more compact solution than wirenuts.

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 02-19-2003).]

{Scratches his head}

Cubby964:

I'll echo iwire and SvenNYC: You can only use uninsulated "combs" with properly secured terminal blocks, in my humble opinion. (I've never seen "combs" in the stores, although they are shipped with some equipment which can be connected for both single and poly-phase.)


I think wire nuts are not allowed in appliances: Vibration is not good for the contact between the wires, if I have understood things correctly. In Europe, you find the aforementioned terminal strips on everything from ceiling lamps to ranges. The Brits also use them instead of wirenuts, but I suspect that is just an excentric British habit.

Does anyone know if the terminal blocks shown are UL Listed?? Or are they a Recognized Component. If the latter then they cannot be used off-hand in place of Listed connectors, only as a part of a Listed product after evaluation of the total product. Also, if Listed, are they required to be secured in-place and what is the tightening torque for the terminals?

Here is a site from Ideal that shows listing and specs. I can not get the link to bring you directly to the page but use it, then click on "Terminal Strips" then click on "Barrier Strips"
http://www.idealindustries.com/wt/TerminalBlocks.nsf

Bob

[This message has been edited by iwire (edited 02-19-2003).]

I stand corrected regarding the use of wire nuts in Canada- I was relying on the two "electricity" books in the Time-Life home improvement library for that bad info!
I also forgot to mention that contact with the enclosure was not an issue in the installations that I saw, as the "enclosure" was a simple round plastic box.
As for the listing, UL and the NEC are American institutions; while they have their good points, not everyone does things "our" way, or waits for us to develope things for them. In the places where I saw these strips used, there was a general way of doing things that was simply crappy- though I did like the "break to size, jumper with combs, anchor if you want" style of terminal strips.

Jes, I took a look at the strip I have and it has the UR seal, not the UL seal. So I believe it's just a Recognized Component.

My strip also bears the Semko/Nemko/Demko, CSA and KEMA-KEUR seals.

I think I'll continue sticking with wire-nuts/Scruits/Marrettes (whatever you prefer to call them) for American type installations.

[This message has been edited by SvenNYC (edited 02-22-2003).]

I have used the barrier strips mounted inside of large j-boxes for multiple branch circuit connections where the possiblilty of future re-circuiting is likly. It sure makes it easier for trouble shooting and remodels in large commercial buildings. The key to success is to label all of the load and line sides and conductors.
http://www.idealindustries.com/wt/TerminalBlocks.nsf