wire nuts in a panel?

[BAPlumber]

I have a situation where I need to extend wires inside a panel to reach the breakers. can I use wire nuts?

[QROKING]

yes

[filtarbmw]

no you cannot use a panel as a junction box:loser:

[GilBeQuick]

no you cannot use a panel as a junction box

A panel is nothing but a big junction box. Yes, you can extend your wires with wirenuts.

[Woussko]

filtarbmw is the looser

Yes you can use wire nuts and splice the wire so it will reach a given breaker. Do keep things neat and tidy.

[JimDon]

It's a myth that's been around for a long time, but yes you can use wire nuts inside a panel.
Jim Don

[Newman]

filtarbmw is the looser

Yes you can use wire nuts and splice the wire so it will reach a given breaker. Do keep things neat and tidy.

...as apposed to the tighter? :p

[tchads]

One doesn't want loose nuts in the junction box.:rolleyes:

[papadan]

One doesn't want loose nuts in the junction box.:rolleyes:
That would put me out of work!!!

[HVAC HAWK]

asked a sparky today and he said if it a new install the inspector will not like it

if you are changing out a panel it is ok but he would put a junction box out side the panel to do that that way it looks clean inside the panel and you dont have the chance of zapping your self .

[piette]

asked a sparky today and he said if it a new install the inspector will not like it

if you are changing out a panel it is ok but he would put a junction box out side the panel to do that that way it looks clean inside the panel and you dont have the chance of zapping your self .

The inspector may not like it, but it also falls on his shoulders to present a code that says it can't be done, which said inspector will not find.

Jeff

[HVAC HAWK]

The inspector may not like it, but it also falls on his shoulders to present a code that says it can't be done, which said inspector will not find.

Jeff

but here it can be done
this is what the electrician said

[hawaiianbasshead]

but here it can be done
this is what the electrician said

anything can be done. as long as the authority having jurisdiction approves the appropriate safety measures were taken when doing whatever you're trying to shortcut :lol: says so in more big words in the code books :) its always good to ask the inspector what counter measures need to be taken if you intend on doing something thats not to code.. if he's going to approve it, he'll tell you what you need to do to have him approve it ;)

[filtarbmw]

NO wirenuts , if you are short use a junction box 4x4 , 6x6 or 12x12 that way the inspector will approve...See the NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2002 ARTICLE 312.8 Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices shall not be used as junction boxs,auxiliary gutters or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off etc, etc, IT'S JUST NOT PROFESSIONAL:thud:

[jbfan]

Why not include the complete section?

312.8 Enclosures for Switches or Overcurrent Devices.
Enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall not be
used as junction boxes, auxiliary gutters, or raceways for
conductors feeding through or tapping off to other switches
or overcurrent devices, unless adequate space for this purpose
is provided. The conductors shall not fill the wiring
space at any cross section to more than 40 percent of the
cross-sectional area of the space, and the conductors,
splices, and taps shall not fill the wiring space at any cross
section to more than 75 percent of the cross-sectional area
of that space.

You have never had to move a breaker to another slot and have the wire too short?

[boillerman]

Over on the plumbing forums lately, BAPlumber would have been told to hire an electrician. :groucho:

[safetyfirst]

Dear God I hope I can use wirenuts in the breaker panel, when I change mine out (old Cutler split main)every wire will be to short for the new top mounted main square D panel I have