200 amp Siemens panel just recently replace. Lots of splices in the panel. 1984 built home. What are your thoughts on this number of splices in the panel.
I did recommend that my client check to see if the work was permitted and done by a licensed electrician.
There is usually no issues with splices inside the panel as long they are in a near fashion, and doesn’t compromise the 75% fill rate of the panel.
What do you perceive the issue to be? That is not a lot of splices and is nowhere close to the allowable limit. I do question the use of the tape.
Greetings Kyle,
It is very typical when a service change (heavy-up) is made from an older panel to a newer panel and individual conductors are not long enough to extend to the new OCPD. The only concern that really needs to be observed is the conductor sizes on the transition.
If you see a 6 AWG transitioning to a 10 AWG then most inspectors would immediately assume a voltage drop application as long as the OCPD was rated to protect the 10 AWG. However, not knowing if it is a Motor or HVAC situation with their special allowances can make it complicated. The best advice is when the transition is unknown then call it out to be reviewed and don’t feel bad about doing it either…BUT, if it is indeed a 6 AWG to a 10 AWG and the OCPD is a 30 AMP device then I would worry less.
I know that I proposed a public input in the 2017 NEC to require conductors that are increased in size for any reason to be labeled as to their use but the CMP shot it down…not sure why but they did and I never looked to see why.
As for the cross sectional area requirement in Section 312.8 (75%), as Jim stated you are no where near that issue and contrary to popular belief you can have splices in a service panel enclosure with no issues and as stated sometimes it’s impossible not to.
As for the tape, well I think many people do that to feel better about the use of splices…lol…in reality I doubt those RED splices are designed to handle a 6 AWG and a 10 AWG (the Blue ones are indeed)…but it’s been awhile so I am not sure of their ratings anymore and would have to look on the packaging. I have seen people tape them so inspectors can’t see the conductors or how they MIGHT have been altered but since the wire has markings on it that is futile at best.
I agree with Jim…not an issue. Now, there might be other issues in the panel to which I did not review or comment on as I prefer to address the question rather than the image as a whole.
Thank you. Great information Paul.
