Friends:
Thanks for the feedback on the issue. The relevant code sections are below (2020 version). · I see nothing that prevents splicing in a panelboard as long as there is adequate cross-sectional area (312.8). · Note that if circuits run through a panel and do not originate in that panel, there must be a warning label (312.8(A)(3)). · There is a requirement to run all conductors of a given circuit together in any raceway (300.3(B). Unless you are running jacketed cable, which does not apply here, there is no way to run wires into a panel except through a raceway. Even the shortest option, a chase nipple, is a section of raceway. So if you are relocating a circuit with a neutral to a critical loads sub-panel you must run the neutral with it the entire distance and connect it in that critical loads sub-panel. · The conductors in AC wiring systems emit EMF and the EMF from different conductors can interact with each other and metallic objects nearby, creating eddy currents. This effect is heightened in metallic raceways. It is important that all conductors of AC circuits be in close proximity because it helps reduce external EMF. I believe this is the reason behind 300.3(B). · I always try to think about any technician that might come after me and try to make it obvious what is being done in order to make troubleshooting easier and safer. Making someone search around for a corresponding neutral is just not good practice. Based on the code and this logic, I am very clear that one must connect neutrals within the load-center that holds the overcurrent protection feeding that circuit. William Miller *300.3(B) Conductors of the Same Circuit. All conductors of the* *same circuit and, where used, the grounded conductor and all* *equipment grounding conductors and bonding conductors* *shall be contained within the same raceway, auxiliary gutter,* *cable u-ay, cablebus assembly, trench, cable, or cord, unless* *otherwise permitted in accordance with 300.3(B)(l) through* *(B)(4) .* I see nothing in B1-B4 that applies here, so no exception. *312.8 Switch and Overcurrent Device Enclosures. The wiring* *space within enclosures for switches and overcurrent devices* *shall be permitted for other wiring and equipment subject to* *limi tations for specific equipment as provided in 312.8(A) and* *(B).* *(A) Splices, Taps, and Feed-Through Conductors. The wiring* *space of enclosures for switches or overcurrent devices shall be* *permitted for conductors feeding through, spliced, or tapping* *off to other enclosures, switches, or overcurrent devices where* *all of the following conditions are met:* *(1) The total of all conductors installed at any cross section of* *the wiring space doe not exceed 40 percent of the crosssectional* *area of that space.* *(2) The total area of all conductors, splices, and taps installed* *at any cross section of the wiring space does not exceed* *75 percent of the cross-sectional area of that space.* *(3) A warning label complying with 110.21(B) is applied to* *the enclosure that identifies the closest disconnecting* *means for any feed-through conductors.* Miller Solar 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422 805-438-5600 www.millersolar.com CA Lic. 773985 *From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On Behalf Of *Ray Walters via RE-wrenches *Sent:* Thursday, August 1, 2024 2:09 PM *To:* re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org *Cc:* Ray Walters *Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Neutral run to critical loads sub-panel Hi Dana; What code section is he/ she referencing? Many times, wires are left too short to land on a particular breaker or buss, so splices in the load center happen even in regular electrical work. Our inspectors here consider a load center the same as any other electrical enclosure: subject to wire and splice fill requirements. We've beaten this dead horse subject before, many years back. So your inspector would require you to tear into a finished wall to install a gutter, just to relocate a breaker in the same panel, and extend the circuit wire with a splice? What if you accidentally cut one neutral wire a few inches short; suddenly you need the custom plaster crew back out to patch? I've had MLPs installed in walls with very expensive wall finishes. I'm not tearing into that wall unless it's the only way. The majority of inspectors are not electricians. Code citations, please. Thanks, Ray Walters Remote Solar On 8/1/2024 2:44 PM, Dana Orzel via RE-wrenches wrote: Wire nuts in a breaker panel are not allowed per my inspector per code. Pull the Romex out of the breaker panel & spllce in a wire gutter to extend. I have seen this enforced twice now. _________________________________________________________ Dana Orzel GREAT SOLAR WORKS! C – 208.721.7003 E – d...@solarwork.com W - www. greatsolarworks.com www.solarwork.com *“Responsible Technologies for Responsible People since 1988!”* _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Redwood Alliance Pay optional member dues here: http://re-wrenches.org List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Change listserver email address & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org There are two list archives for searching. 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