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  1. #1
    Join Date
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    Default service neutral splice

    Is this an acceptable splice?

    splice.jpg

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  2. #2
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    Default Re: service neutral splice

    John, Splices are okay as long as the connector is listed for that application. That bolt makes it look a little suspicious to me that is not a listed splice.

    230.46 Spliced Conductors. Service entrance conductors shall be permitted to be spliced or tapped in accordance with 110.4, 300.5(E), and 300.15.


    Don Hester
    NCW Home Inspections, LLC
    Wa. St. Licensed H I #647, WSDA #80050, http://www.ncwhomeinspections.com

  3. #3
    Richard Clemons's Avatar
    Richard Clemons Guest

    Default Re: service neutral splice

    That's not the neutral. That's the ground (messenger wire). The neutral can't be bare. If it is the neutral and the panel is on, I'm surprised you didn't get shocked removing the cover.


  4. #4
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    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Richard, That would be the neutral in an SEU cable assembly. Which can be used up to the main disconnect. At the main disconnect the ground and neutral are bonded. If that was a sub panel then it would be incorrect. Also I think that is referred to as a concentric neutral.

    Any sparkys want to jump in and make sure I am correct.

    Last edited by Don Hester; 05-19-2014 at 07:06 AM. Reason: triple posted oops
    Don Hester
    NCW Home Inspections, LLC
    Wa. St. Licensed H I #647, WSDA #80050, http://www.ncwhomeinspections.com

  5. #5
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    Wenatchee Wa
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    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Here is a description from southwire-

    CONSTRUCTION
    Southwire Type SE cable is constructed with AlumaFlex AA-8000 series aluminum alloy, compact stranded conductors. The conductors are covered with a sunlight resistant Type XHHW-2 or Type THHN/THWN-2 insulation. A reinforcement tape is wrapped around the conductors for added strength and conformity. A gray sunlight resistant polyvinyl chloride (PVC) outer
    jacket covers the entire assembly.

    Style SEU cable has two phase conductors surrounded by a concentric neutral while the SER style has two, three or four phase conductors and a bare neutral.

    http://www.southwire.com/ProductCata...rodcatsheet273

    Don Hester
    NCW Home Inspections, LLC
    Wa. St. Licensed H I #647, WSDA #80050, http://www.ncwhomeinspections.com

  6. #6
    Richard Clemons's Avatar
    Richard Clemons Guest

    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Don you are correct it is the neutral wire of the cable. I was thinking about a sub-panel.


  7. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2009
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    michigan
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    421

    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Quote Originally Posted by John Arnold View Post
    Is this an acceptable splice?

    splice.jpg
    A few code cycles ago, permission was given to allow splicing of service conductors. There are some rules that have to be followed however. That bare 'grounded conductor 'may be a neutral'


  8. #8
    Join Date
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    Lake Barrington, IL
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    Default Re: service neutral splice

    In my opinion a spliced neutral should be treated the same as a spliced grounding conductor - the spice should be irreversible.

    Eric Barker, ACI
    Lake Barrington, IL

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    New Mexico
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    1,352

    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Aren't almost every overhead service wires spliced outside at the weather head anyhow?

    Jim Robinson
    New Mexico, USA

  10. #10
    Join Date
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Abram View Post
    Yes all are spliced . The question is about splicing in the box.
    With the added question of being irreversible.

    The overhead service drop splices by the utility companies are irreversible.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  11. #11
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    michigan
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    421

    Default Re: service neutral splice

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    With the added question of being irreversible.

    The overhead service drop splices by the utility companies are irreversible.
    Yes, butt (pun intended) service cable to service drop splices are not required to be irreversable.
    At least in MI.
    Also, grounding conductors are not required to be permanent as stated a few posts above. I hope the poster meant to state 'grounding electrode conductors' are to be permanent and irreversable.


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