AFCI Pigtails.
#1
AFCI Pigtails.
I have to install approximately 20 Afci's in a QO panel. The problem is, all of those neutral wires are too short. What do you guys usually do to extend them? I was thinking of splicing 4 to an 8AWG wire, in a blue wirenut, but I'm not sure if the AHJ would pass it or not. What would you guys do? Thanks once again.
#3
I'm SO glad we're still on 2002 code here and we don't have to waste that much money on those stupid things.
#4
That place must be a mansion! Your problem is what I suspected a lot of electricans would run into with the latest codes. That, and a real mess of pigtails. Although I think your suggestion would work, I would consult the AHJ before continuing. I don't see how splicing 4 pigtails to a larger conductor would be much different than combining all the pigtails on the neutral bus, but that is just my opinion. Cutler-Hammer foresaw your problem when they developed their CH series loadcenter with the plug-on neutral bus specifically for multiple AFCI breakers, the AFCI breakers for these new loadcenters have no pigtail.
#6
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Do the AFCIs have stranded neutral pigtails? Some do. If stranded then I would use insulated butt connectors crimped on with sufficient lengths of white THHN stranded wire in the appropriate size. Don't use the butt connectors with solid wire.
#7
Do the AFCIs have stranded neutral pigtails? Some do. If stranded then I would use insulated butt connectors crimped on with sufficient lengths of white THHN stranded wire in the appropriate size. Don't use the butt connectors with solid wire.
#8
Tomorrow, I'll pick up a spool of THHN and a pack of butt splices.
Note: My only relationship to Klein tools is as a customer.
#9
Justin, If you don't already have one, you might want to pick up a Klein 1010 when you get your materials. I don't remember now when I first got mine, but it's become my go-to tool for a lot of work - especially for stripping and crimping butt splices and terminals, 'cause I can do all the steps with one tool and it puts the leverage where I like it.