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wrote:
On Mon, 04 Apr 2005 18:34:55 GMT, HorneTD
wrote:

inspection. I would like you to tell me how you would solder a splice
that is already covered with a solderless connector. The language of
section 110.14 requires that the conductors be spliced or joined first
and then soldered.

If you apply a cutting torch to the wirenut, it would probably get hot
enough to allow you to apply the solder. The only problem i see with
this method is that the wire testicle would burn off it's insulating
part and only leave the little springy thingy on the wire, plus you'd
probably have to tape all of the wires for a few feet because of all
the burned off insulation. But if thats what it takes to comply with
the law, the hell with common sense. You know the law is always
right,

That is why the appeals process will presume that the authors of the
code intended it to make sense. It is a basic principle of law that the
writers of the rule in question did not mean to require what cannot be
done nor to forbid what must be done. Since you must apply solder to
the conductors in order to fuse it to the metal the code cannot be
construed to make that impossible. The code language is only intended
to prevent the use of solder as a means of mechanical attachment of a
conductor to a terminal or for the mechanical stability of a splice. A
mechanical splice is "mechanically and electrically secure" without
solder but it will not remain that way if you do not solder it. In the
absence of solder the connection will corrode and open due to thermal
cycling. Once soldered the connection is protected from corrosion and
the effects of thermal cycling are minimized by the heat sinking
qualities of the solder.
--
Tom H