****! feederwires too short what 2 do?

[silver78]

I'm using #6 wires red,black white and green as feeder wires. They go from a 60amp breaker in the main panel to a sub panel in a new garage. I miscalculted the length of wire I bought. Do I need to buy all new wire or can I use some kind of junction box made for outside mounting and just buy the extra 3' I need to make it into the subpanel?

 

[G_P]

I dont see why you could not buy the appropriate junction box and use it to extend the wires but it will all depend on what your local code allows.

 

[kiatech]

Time to invest in a wire stretcher.

 

[Junkman]

Move the building 3' closer.....

 

[p_mori7]

How far do the wires travel inside the house before they exit to the garage ?

If you have any length inside, I would put my junction box as close as possible to the exit point, then run new wire from the junction box to the house panel.

You will need to leave the junction box 'accessible' and not cover it up ! I would also label it so that anybody else afterwards will know instantly what those big wires are for.

 

[Strouty]

How far do the wires travel inside the house before they exit to the garage ?

If you have any length inside, I would put my junction box as close as possible to the exit point, then run new wire from the junction box to the house panel.

You will need to leave the junction box 'accessible' and not cover it up ! I would also label it so that anybody else afterwards will know instantly what those big wires are for.

Not as cheap as a junction box, but could you use a disconnect switch?

 

[silver78]

Cant move the garage closer...I pushed untill I messed my pants its too heavy
Cant use my wire stretcher...loaned it to my buddy who's puting up fence to keep his unicorn from getting loose
The wires are in conduit that runs up the outside of the garage wall, thats were they end. I need about 3' to continue the wires up through the wall and into the back of the subpanel. Guess Ill check on a junction box thats rated for outside use and meets code.

 

[James-W]

How much would new wire cost? If the cost of a new wire would be close to what the cost of installing a junction panel and other stuff would be, then I would just run new wire.

 

[Radio Ron w4ron]

Time to invest in a wire stretcher.

That's right, a "RONCO Pocket Wire Stretcher", only $9.95 and
if you order right now we'll include a second one for the same price
just pay S&H...

 

[marinusdees]

Had a buddy who did the same thing. Since I was in charge, we bought a large plastic junction box and mounted outside his shop, I connected all extensions with split bolts, wrapped them in rubber tape and then again in friction The classical monkey's paw, if you will. I believe this will pass code. If you're worried, ask the local inspector. If he doesn't like it, ask him what to do. Personally, I just told you what I'd do, without asking any body. PS The "expert" at the local hardware store--not HD or L--s , agreed. My 2 cents worth, not much. I would NOT buy all new wire. Just Me. Be sure to use appropriate clamps and a weatherproof box. This was done 10 years ago. Still working and no fires. Never asked if he had it inspected.

 

[marinusdees]

Short answer, yes. A box ,etc.

 

[The Cobbler]

surely if the cable was cut accidentally code wouldn't require a total replacement...I suspect a junction box properly rated would suffice

 

[Mustang51js]

You can use a j- box, just need to find out if your allowed split lugs or a non reversible crimp. Around here if it's a small wire like that they usually ask for the non reversible crimp which is easy for me since I have the tools for it. You may need to borrow one. Also what size is the pipe coming up, that will determine the size j-box you need

 

[pepi]

That always happens, a good reason to buy bulk.

 

[silver78]

Bunch of wise crackers here...I see I found the right place. Gonna do some cost comparison new wire or junction box, also ask mr. Inspector about the box. Thanks for all the ideas fellas.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

Move the building 3' closer.....

Sounds like a logical, easy idea. Lol

 

[Milton Shaw]

Can you move the new box closer or is the conduit in the slab where it cannot be moved. Otherwise junction box time.

 

[Lotek]

"I cut it twice, and it's still too short."

Would they take it back with a restocking fee if you bought the new wire at the same time? Assuming you buy there regularly, I would think they could help you out. No worse for them than the end of a roll.

 

[EOC_Jason]

Yes, I would compare prices see what the j-box, conduit, connectors, etc would all be vs just new wire...

Would a disconnect be useful in that location instead of a j-box?

Or could you save the wire and use it on a later project?

I usually use split-bolt connectors, then wrap them in that thick tape (forgot what its called), then electrical tape. You could also probably use a compression connector. What I think is pretty slick but haven't used personally are those insulated tap connectors which you just tighten down the screws with a hex key...

 

[nine4gmc]

Move the building 3' closer.....

F that! Move the house closer...

 

[kiatech]

Polaris lugs.