Combining Romex sections possible?

[BK777]

I'm working on prewiring a couple 40A circuits for a future heat pump in a garage, using 8/3 wire. Not going all the way to the panel, just placing a junction box at one end, running through some walls, and then another box not far from the panel.

Anyway, this stuff is really expensive. I think what I'm going to end up with is two pieces that are half as long as they need to be. I'm wondering if I can combine them by staggering the splice (so no bare wire would contact another), then soldering and shrink wrapping each lead. The point being to avoid another junction box which would have to be inside a closed wall.

Is this even remotely doable or is it sketchy beyond all belief? Any other suggestions for combining sections of wire like this, without the need for a junction box?

 

[readhead]

No concealed splices anywhere. Why can't you splice in a box?

 

[jdm5]

Junction box, and can't be in an enclosed wall.

 

[BK777]

Because it would be in the middle of the run, where I would want to cover it with drywall. That's not allowed either I thought.

I would already have two boxes in the circuit.

PANEL---(10')---(box)---(25')---(box near load)

This would result in:

PANEL---(10')---(box)---(10')---(box in wall)---(15')---(box near load)

I guess I was operating on the idea that a soldered & insulated splice is superior to wire-nuts. But I suspected that it would be a no-no from a code perspective.

 

[6PTsocket]

It is not that long a run. Rip it up or leave it and run a fresh piece with no splice. If you are thrifty and the old wire is not old or damaged or stapled down, save it for a short run.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[ddawg16]

I'm sure the beer bill is more than the cost of the wire.

No way I would splice wires and not have the splice in an accessible box.

Case in point....my neighbor lost the power to his garage. No power coming out of the conduit in the ground that went into his garage. So I crawl under his nasty house (I mean, it was nasty). The wires going to the conduit are a different color.

This means someone spliced the wires somewhere in that conduit.

I tried pulling them out...wouldn't budge.

 

[BK777]

Thanks everyone, figured I would ask. I'll keep it legal.

 

[PugetDude]

Not sure if these are available for #8 wire...but... It's supposed to be compliant with Article 334.40.b for hidden splices.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Tyco-Electronics-Romex-Splice-Kit-3-Wire-1-Clam-CPGI-208169-2/202204327

 

[bigb56]

Code doesn't allow solder to be the sole means of connection, must use a listed pressure type connector (wire nut, split bolt, Polaris etc). The heat from a short circuit can melt solder.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Soldered splices.... *sigh*

An old licensed boss would solder every splice and wrap with electrical tape that would fall off after a year. I dreaded fixing some of his work as the wires were never 3" past the box face and always cut short inside the box. We got in a few tiffs about that practice.

He's a radio tech which explains the love for solder.

Good radio tech, horrible electrician...

 

[Bert_]

A splice is a splice, it cannot be buried regardless of the type.

They do make approved in wall splices, but I wouldn't be caught dead using one. I think I would break the code and do the solder and heat shrink before using one of those things.

The correct way is to use an accessible box for any splice.

Code doesn't allow solder to be the sole means of connection, must use a listed pressure type connector (wire nut, split bolt, Polaris etc). The heat from a short circuit can melt solder.

Not that this is pertinent to the original topic. That rule only apply's to grounding conductors. Also if the wire is twisted first then the soldered it would be acceptable, since the twist would be a mechanical connection in addition to the solder.

 

[bigb56]

Not that this is pertinent to the original topic. That rule only apply's to grounding conductors, and if the wire is twisted first then the solder would no longer be the sole means of connection.

you are correct but I was trying to keep it simple

 

[bdog]

Why not mount a box for the splice with a nice cover that is accessible through the drywall?

 

[tfi racing]

Really expensive? Give me a f'n break,can't believe this is even worthy of discussion for 35 feet of crappy plastic coated cable...

 

[MattT]

What lengths are you buying the wire in? Home depot carries a 75' roll which should do both runs. And eliminate the splices 10' from the panel too.

 

[matt_i]

I have a pile of various copper that sometimes gets repurposed but someday will get stripped and go to scrap metal. That's where shorts go. I am always surprised at how many pieces I end up using from that "stockpile".

 

[rq375]

I have a pile of various copper that sometimes gets repurposed but someday will get stripped and go to scrap metal. That's where shorts go. I am always surprised at how many pieces I end up using from that "stockpile".

I used the tail end of some #4 solid copper last night, the spool was dated 1988...