[original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On Fri, 02 Jun 2006 13:49:20 GMT, "Thomas D. Horne, FF EMT"
wrote:
gerry wrote:
[original post is likely clipped to save bandwidth]
On 1 Jun 2006 13:20:11 -0700, "
wrote:
Why would a vendor even manufacture and pay to get a green nut listed if
there was an "easy way out"?
Greenies are a labor saving device rather than an answer to any real
code requirement. By leaving the source circuits EGC longer than the
others and splicing the longer one to the other EGCs with a greenie the
labor used in making up jumpers is saved. The reason those wire nuts are
listed for EGCs is that they are not suitable for splices in current
carrying conductors and the separate listing makes that clear.
This may clarify the issue somewhat. Three things are important, NEC, UL
and local jurisdiction. Regular wire nuts may or may not be UL listed
for grounding. A listed device must be used. ANY jurisdiction is allowed
to determine their code.
The link and quote below is from UL. About the only two things that are
clear are the connector must be listed for grounding and a greenie will
pass almost everywhere since it is explicitly listed for such use.
Good read at
http://www.mikeholt.com/code_forum/s...ad.php?t=69751
(
This is from the above mentioned Mike Holt newsletter - this is the UL
response regarding 'green' wire nuts being required.
Answer 2: UL Response
Mike – I’d like to respond to your inquiry to UL regarding the use of
twist-on type wire connectors for connecting equipment grounding
conductors. I believe that to properly answer this inquiry we need to
reference requirements in both the NEC and the guide information which
UL provides for listed products.
Sec. 250-8 of the NEC indicates that grounding conductors shall be
connected by exothermic welding, listed pressure connectors, listed
clamps, or other listed means. Pressure wire connectors are listed under
the category of Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs (UL Guide ZMVV). A
“twist-on” connector is a type of pressure cable connector that is
tested to the UL Standard for Splicing Wire Connectors, UL486C. The
requirements for these connectors include mechanical securement tests,
as well as their ability to carry continuous current within acceptable
temperature limits. Listed products in this category are identified by
the words “Wire Connector” (or abbreviation there of) near the UL
Listing Mark which may be on the product or smallest unit container.
Based on this information, a listed “Wire Connector,” including the
twist-on type, should be suitable for connecting equipment grounding
conductors. There was also some question regarding the color of the
connector insulation. Listed insulated twist-on type wire connectors are
typically provided in a variety of insulation colors, however, to the
best of our knowledge we have not listed a wire connector with green
color insulation.
NEC Sec. 250-119 requires covered or insulated equipment grounding
conductors to have a green or green with yellow stripes outer finish,
but there is no NEC requirement for the color of the insulation of a
wire connector used to connect equipment grounding conductors.
NEC Sec. 250-8 also permits “other listed means” for connecting
grounding conductors. UL has a category for Grounding and Bonding
Equipment (UL Guide KDER). Grounding Connectors are a special type of
connector that is tested to the UL467 Standard for Grounding and Bonding
Equipment. The requirements for grounding connectors include mechanical
securement tests, but unlike wire connectors, these connectors are not
subjected to a continuous current test. In lieu of this test, there is a
special short time current test in UL467 to show the ability of a
grounding connector to safely conduct fault current. There are some
listed twist-on type connectors with green color insulation that are
listed as grounding connectors. Listed products in this category are
identified by the words “Grounding Connector” (or abbreviation there of)
near the UL Listing Mark which may be on the product or smallest unit
container.
It should be noted that grounding connectors are only used for
connecting grounding conductors, and unlike listed wire connectors,
cannot be used to connect current carrying conductors (including
grounded and ungrounded conductors). There are some listed Wire
Connectors of the twist-on type that are also tested and complementary
listed as Grounding Connectors, and the listing mark information for
these products will identify them as both. The insulation on these
connectors (with both listings) can be various colors, except green. We
understand that some jurisdictional authorities may require listed
grounding connectors for connecting equipment grounding conductors, and
some may require only those with green insulation, and this is certainly
permitted by Sec. 90-4 of the NEC. To satisfy this need, the listing
categories of “Grounding Connectors”, and “Wire Connectors complementary
listed as Grounding Connectors” were established for the manufacturers
of these products.
}
gerry
--
Personal home page -
http://gogood.com
gerry misspelled in my email address to confuse robots