Extending service entrance neutral

[Mike1903]

Any product recommendations to extend neutral service entry wire that comes from the meter into the service panel?

Need to extend the 4/0 aluminum neutral by 6”’and looking to see if there are any good options other than having POCo pull the meter and then running a new cable.

reading through other posts looks like NEC allows it.

something like this may be:

NSI ESGS-4/0 Easy-Splice in-Line Gel Splice Kit with Connector, 2-4/0 AWG Wire Range: Hand Tool Sets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

NSI ESGS-4/0 Easy-Splice in-Line Gel Splice Kit with Connector, 2-4/0 AWG Wire Range: Hand Tool Sets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

 

[Stuff]

Fine to splice wire as long as there is space for the splice in the box (not allowed in conduit). Use https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dual-Ra...lid-Barrier-Wire-Stop-ASR2506-B1-10/100190266 if service neutral that doesn't need insulated.

 

[Terry D]

Why are you needing to splice it, are you doing a panel change. Is the splice going to be inside the panel. Is the service entrance conductors/cable going to be the right size for the new panel. Is it copper or aluminum. It seems like it is allowed per the NEC

 

[Mike1903]

Why are you needing to splice it, are you doing a panel change. Is the splice going to be inside the panel. Is the service entrance conductors/cable going to be the right size for the new panel. Is it copper or aluminum. It seems like it is allowed per the NEC

Yes, doing a panel change and need splice because the new panel is bigger and has different layout.
plenty of room in the new panel, so, splice will be inside the panel.
Yes, going from 200a to 200a, no change to service size. The current wire is 4/0 AL. The hots are too long, so, was going to cut them and use one of them as a splice.
Currently service wires are 4/0 AL.

 

[Walkers]

Here they don’t allow splices in the panel, because it is not a junction box.

 

[klassenl]

In my part of the world you would have to get special permission to do that.

Are you trying to do this without a permit. If you have to get the utility out to pull the meter will you then have to get a permit?

 

[Mike1903]

In my part of the world you would have to get special permission to do that.

Are you trying to do this without a permit. If you have to get the utility out to pull the meter will you then have to get a permit?

They are not pulling the meter but will shut off the power from the pole. Thats why i mentioned that looking for alternative to running new cable from meter to the panel.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Any product recommendations to extend neutral service entry wire that comes from the meter into the service panel?

Need to extend the 4/0 aluminum neutral by 6”’and looking to see if there are any good options other than having POCo pull the meter and then running a new cable.

reading through other posts looks like NEC allows it.

something like this may be:

NSI ESGS-4/0 Easy-Splice in-Line Gel Splice Kit with Connector, 2-4/0 AWG Wire Range: Hand Tool Sets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

NSI ESGS-4/0 Easy-Splice in-Line Gel Splice Kit with Connector, 2-4/0 AWG Wire Range: Hand Tool Sets: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

www.amazon.com

I wouldnt use the splice kit you linked to. thats for underground use as it has gel in it. use kearney bolts or split bolts...

Here they don’t allow splices in the panel, because it is not a junction box.

Is that a local WRITTEN amendment?

In my part of the world you would have to get special permission to do that.

Are you trying to do this without a permit. If you have to get the utility out to pull the meter will you then have to get a permit?

youre in canada. many parts of the US do not require permits for electrical work.

 

[billconner]

"Here they don’t allow splices in the panel, because it is not a junction box."

In my experience, it has to do with the listing. It seems to often be allowed but I would check it out with inspector before mounting.

 

[Mike1903]

I wouldnt use the splice kit you linked to. thats for underground use as it has gel in it. use kearney bolts or split bolts...

Great info, thx.
Adding to this, what type of connector would you recommend to extend branch circuits? I will need to extend couple of hot wires on 15a and 20a circuits.

 

[Jim greengo]

Great info, thx.
Adding to this, what type of connector would you recommend to extend branch circuits? I will need to extend couple of hot wires on 15a and 20a circuits.

Split bolt wrapped with splicing tape on the service wire.
Tan wire nuts on smaller wires.

 

[Mike1903]

Split bolt wrapped with splicing tape on the service wire.
Tan wire nuts on smaller wires

Thank you.
you mean something like below for split bolt?

Gardner Bender 4/0 AWG Aluminum Split Bolt Connector (Case of 4) GAK-4/0N - The Home Depot

Gardner Bender Wire Connectors are engineered to exceed the expectations of professional electricians. Perfect for commercial or residential applications GB Wire Connectors offer world-class quality, performance and application versatility. These aluminum split-bolt connectors are constructed of...

www.homedepot.com

 

[Mike1903]

Fine to splice wire as long as there is space for the splice in the box (not allowed in conduit). Use https://www.homedepot.com/p/Dual-Ra...lid-Barrier-Wire-Stop-ASR2506-B1-10/100190266 if service neutral that doesn't need insulated.

Thank you.
What determines if neutral should be insulated? I have seen both around here: insulated 4/0 wires for hots and neutral and neutral being braided strands around hot wires.

Can I use splicing tape to cover up the bolt that you linked to?

 

[theoldwizard1]

Great info, thx.
Adding to this, what type of connector would you recommend to extend branch circuits? I will need to extend couple of hot wires on 15a and 20a circuits.

Assuming it is inside of a box, wire nuts/Marettes are fine. If the splice needs to be done where there is no box, a box must be added.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Split bolt wrapped with splicing tape on the service wire.

Anybody still use Scotch 1755 Temflex Friction Tape ?

 

[Jim greengo]

I wrap it with inside out super33 around the split bolt 1st,then this stuff.
Then I go back over it with 33 the regular way.

 

[Jim greengo]

Thank you.
you mean something like below for split bolt?

Gardner Bender 4/0 AWG Aluminum Split Bolt Connector (Case of 4) GAK-4/0N - The Home Depot

Gardner Bender Wire Connectors are engineered to exceed the expectations of professional electricians. Perfect for commercial or residential applications GB Wire Connectors offer world-class quality, performance and application versatility. These aluminum split-bolt connectors are constructed of...

www.homedepot.com

Yes,that's a split bolt.

 

[FMB4]

Just do it right and have POCo pull the meter and run a new cable. Btw, aluminum wiring is not a good idea imo.

 

[Mike1903]

Just do it right and have POCo pull the meter and run a new cable. Btw, aluminum wiring is not a good idea imo.

What are the concerns with aluminum cable? I read that folks like them because they are flexible.

 

[Mike1903]

Yes,that's a split bolt.

Looks like big box stores around here are out of stock on them. What are the thoughts on using the connector that user “stuff” shared above along with splicing tape?

Commercial Electric Dual Rated Splicer Reducer 250KCMIL to #6 Stranded with Solid Barrier Wire Stop ASR2506-B1-10

The Blackburn #6 Type ASR Dual-Rated Splicer Reducer with Solid Barrier Wire Stop is for use with aluminum or copper conductors. This connector features a wide range of 250-6str and a rating of 250 kcmil.

www.homedepot.com

 

[Terry D]

Looks like big box stores around here are out of stock on them. What are the thoughts on using the connector that user “stuff” shared above along with splicing tape?

Commercial Electric Dual Rated Splicer Reducer 250KCMIL to #6 Stranded with Solid Barrier Wire Stop ASR2506-B1-10

The Blackburn #6 Type ASR Dual-Rated Splicer Reducer with Solid Barrier Wire Stop is for use with aluminum or copper conductors. This connector features a wide range of 250-6str and a rating of 250 kcmil.

www.homedepot.com

Those would work also. As far as splicing in the panel, we are allowed to do it here. We are allowed to extend conductors to reach to breakers and lugs. Always check with local codes. I personally never splice the service feeders, but thats just me. But then, being licensed here, Im allowed to pull meters to replace the cable. So it sounds like you are doing this hot

 

[Terry D]

I wrap it with inside out super33 around the split bolt 1st,then this stuff.
Then I go back over it with 33 the regular way.

Thats old school, thats the way I do it to

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Just do it right and have POCo pull the meter and run a new cable. Btw, aluminum wiring is not a good idea imo.

Based on what? The PoCo uses aluminum wire to feed your house.

They use ACSR for high voltage transmission...

 

[Mike1903]

Those would work also. As far as splicing in the panel, we are allowed to do it here. We are allowed to extend conductors to reach to breakers and lugs. Always check with local codes. I personally never splice the service feeders, but thats just me. But then, being licensed here, Im allowed to pull meters to replace the cable. So it sounds like you are doing this hot

Thanks for sharing the thoughts. I am having power disconnected for some other work; it won’t be hot.