jbpoage

According to the 2003 IRCode, Section E3504.4 (and NEC section 230.27), it says "Multiconductor cables used for service drops shall be attached to buildings or other structures by fittings approved for the purpose" In my book, I would not call the soffit vents an approved fitting. In any case I agree with many above in that regardless of code, common sense says it is a dangerous situation leading to a high risk of potential injury, fire or both and needs to be addressed. Many electricians and/or utility company types, don't think much along the lines of potential injury/damage. That's our #1 concern. Good catch. Jim

In NEC 2002 section 680.6, it says that "The following equipment shall be grounded: ... (3) All electrical eequipment associated with the recirculating system of the specified body of water." Under the definition of grounded: "Connected to earth or to some conducting body that serves in place of the earth" I for one, am not that conducting body. Hope that helps.

What I meant was a wire nut splice in the breaker box, then protected with electrical tape. I wish I had the CD-ROM version of the NEC so I could search it electronically. I doubt that electrical tape (or condoms) is even mentioned in there. Of course down here in Texas, since the condoms are so much bigger and thicker than those in use everywhere else, they would probably work OK except for circuits above 10Kv

Manufacturers recommendations always supercede code. All of the breakers from mfgrs I have seen have an insert that tells how to strip the wire, and some have it on the back of the breaker itself. I just spent the better part of 3 hours looking at splicing in the NEC 2002 code, and don't recall anything about stripping of wire, but I wansn't specifically looking for that. If you know the breaker type, a visit to your local electical supply house of choice that carries it can be a good source. I've established some good friendships there and they have proven helpful on questions like these. Jim

I trained with a number of inspectors before I launched out on my own. One item I definately remember from a couple of them was that splices in a breaker box need to be protected by electrical tape. I have been searching myself silly in the IRC and NEC code books, to no avail. I don't find that anywhere. I think this was a wrong call. Anybody have a clue one way or another on whether this is allowed or not? Thx Jim