Split bolt connectors

I'm finishing up my latest project getting ready for electric inspect. I used split bolt connectors to splice #8 wire. Hoe much tape should be wrapped around the connectors? Is it best to apply that "liquid rubber" stuff over the tape when I'm done? Thanks Tim

 

Ideal has a blue wire nut that is designed to connect two 8 awg conductors. No taping etc. would be required.

If you plan to use the split bolt as the connector you should obtain what is called filler tape. Filler tape is like electrical tape only rather thick. You should wrap the split bolt in that filler tape creating a cushion of rubber to help protect from the stiff wire from rubbing through and causing a short when in contact with your metal j-box etc. After you make serveral wraps with the filler tape then use your electrical tape using several wraps to hold the filler tape tight to the split bolt. This should give you a well insulated connection ensuring against inadvertant short circuits.

Hope this helps

Wg

 

Hi Tim;
the insulation applied should equal the insulation removed to meet NEC. other than that, enviromental considerations apply. My 'bomb-proof'method includes no-luxing conductors, make up the bug with all conductors in the same direction ( not opposing), apply scotchcoat & let dry, apply a thin layer of dux seal , apply the 'filler' tape Wg has mentioned over the exposed metal, also refered to as linered or linerless splicing tape, apply regular tape back 5-6" , install one tie wrap for luck.

this is only my method, i recommend it for severe situations. U can take these appart years later if properly done to find the no-lox still fluid.

 

Thanks for the replies! Something about wire nuts on stranded wire. The nut always seem to be scrunching up the wire. I especially don't like to use wire nuts to hold stranded wire to solid wire. Is there a trick?

 

LOL,
i do know what U mean Tim...
I would further only in that it should catch enough to stop twisting the copper and start twisting the wire itself, very much a sense of feel

 

Tim, if you will read the instructions they should tell you that the stranded wires are supposed to lead the solid wires while entering the wire nut during making the connection.

Wg

 

Thanks Warren,
I'm glad you've brought that point up! Much of our trades technique, as this, is so automatic that it's not even an afterthough.

 

Thanks for the tip WG! To be honest I've never seen instructions for wire nuts.The local hardware store sells them loose.