Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
(OP)
Are butt splices allowed in explosion proof motor disconnects? If anyone knows and can direct me to the applicable NEC code I would very much appreciate it. This is what I found while troubleshooting a motor stop circuit in a new installation in two of the disconnects.





RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
NEC [NFPA 70] art.500 rules the Hazardous Location protection.
The Hazardous Locations are classified into 3 classes each one in 2 divisions.
If the disconnector is mounted in a Hazardous Location approved enclosure a splice is permitted in this enclosure for class I div.1 for instance. The conduit entering the enclosure has to be sealed according to art.501-5.
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
Butt splices aren't a bad thing. It just depends on your preference. Do you want pretty or practical?
And what size of wire are we talking about? Power conductors or controls?
As far as I know a butt splice is an approved connection as long as it is done properly in an approved enclosure. You have a problem with that? Is that not what you have? Are your butt splices done properly? If so then why the concern.
Explosion proof doesn't mean NASA rocket ship wiring or Swiss engineered control relays. It means you "seal" the enclosure so that nasty sparks and the like don't escape from said enclosure in the event of wiring problems.
You are missing the point about the big things by paying too much attention to the little things.
What's the real issue here? You dislike your coworker's work? You dissing other contractors? Who made you quality control?
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
Art. 300-13 a-no splice is permitted in a raceway itself so it is obviously understood the splice may be a fire source.
If the cable length is more than delivery length no other possibility is but to splice the two lengths.
But, in spite of skiir explanation that but splice could be done professionally the splice is a wick chain in a conductor.
It is not a good installation policy to splice the conductor from the beginning but only as urgency mean.
So you are right wddo422, if no splice is required is not a good practice to splice it close to the disconnector.
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
RE: Butt splices in explosion proof disconnect
http://www.crouse-hinds.com/catalog/Pdfs/00195.pdf