Less then Neat Wire Termination under Terminal

[Spudland_Dave]

I know...vague as hell title....last night I wired up my Sub-Sub Panel using the 4ga THHN, my question is on the Neutral and 2 Hot lugs in my panel, the wire once I tightened down the lugs is quite smooshed and some of the strands are not under the lug. I attribute that to the lug being so large and cable relatively small. On the "Feed End" where that 4ga THHN goes into the 60A Breaker its beautiful and perfect. I tried a couple times, outcome the same. Lugs are rated for 4ga, so no technical/code problem there. Being a little OCD, it looked less then perfect so I figured I'd ask about it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

If twisting tightly with linesman pliers doesn't help, you could try "tinning" the end with solder, but unless you have a really old fashioned heavy duty iron, you will likely get a cold joint.

 

[rockwithjason]

if the lug is rated for the wire and you have a small amount of stick out then i wouldn't worry about it.

 

[gatchel]

I would cut the end off and try again until I got it right. If it's rated for 4awg then 4awg should fit properly with no stray strands.

 

[SiGmA_X]

I'd re-twist with your linesman pliers and see what happens. I've only installed a couple runs of 3-4ga before but it all fit under the terminals completely.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

I'd re-twist with your linesman pliers and see what happens. I've only installed a couple runs of 3-4ga before but it all fit under the terminals completely.

I did that on the worst one...what ends up happening is because there is no "Side Support" for the wire (1/4" wire diameter in a 1/2" lug hole) the wire just smashes down quite a bit under the set screw...Even as twisted tight I could get it. Now I'm at the point where I'd hate to damage the end.

 

[Rob_b]

You could always use a ferrell (sp) on the wire end before putting under the lug. It sounds as if the lug is rated for minimum of #2 or larger if its spreading out that badly. Short of that, go with tinning it up. That will also keep it from over-heating on a large load.

 

[Aceman]

if the lug is rated for the wire and you have a small amount of stick out then i wouldn't worry about it.

Exactly, it isn't uncommon.

Tinning or ferrules aren't necessary.

 

[SiGmA_X]

If Aceman says its OK, I think its probably fine. The man quotes NEC like its his job (I think it is ).

Maybe post up a picture so someone can give some feedback based directly on what they see vs a description of it?

 

[sberry]

I am with the dont lose sleep over it gang.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

If Aceman says its OK, I think its probably fine. The man quotes NEC like its his job (I think it is ).

Maybe post up a picture so someone can give some feedback based directly on what they see vs a description of it?

Here ya guys go...I was thinking the same thing, by the time I/we got the kids to bed, I get out into the shop, etc you beat me to it

As you can see...I took the neutral off the lug tonight and put it directly on the Neutral bar...fits like a Glove there.

Main & Neutral Lugs are rated #6-1 on the panel sticker. Ground & Neutral Bars are #4-??