rough in question

[Tarheel Slim]

Hi,im running AC90 wire in the walls of my pole barn,will the inspector check the cuts where the anti-short (redhead)bushing goes?Was going to buy a Roto Split tool but decided to just bend it and cut it with side cutters is this an ok method?Do i need to have my duplex receptacles in for a rough in inspection?or do they want to see only the wires trimmed and ready for hook up?thanks.

 

[kd3pc]

you need to make sure the bends/cuts do not interfere with, or puncture the insulation of the wire inside. The inspector, if he looks closely, should be able to see the wires, the redheads and the AC and that all is well...by looking at a box and connector in it.

A hack saw twice on a spiral joint will usually allow you to twist/turn the two pieces on either side of that cut. We did thousands of cuts before the roto-zips were invented.

In our area, they want to see things ready to plug in, he may ask you to remove a duplex outlet or device. Others more local to you will chime in on that aspect.

 

[teamextreme]

There was a recent thread here just a few weeks ago from someone trying to trouble shoot a tripping breaker. After much disassembly and trouble shooting, he finally traced it to a nicked wire where he cut the AC like you are proposing, without the rotozip. I have heard of inspectors checking how it is cut and failing for not doing it with a rotozip. Whether he'll check yours or not is a **** shoot. You're likely to be fine, but for the small cost, much easier stripping and peace of mind, I'd definitely get the right tool for the job.

As far as rough-in inspection goes, they usually just want to see the ground wires completely connected. No devices installed. Sometimes for a small job you can have devices installed, but hanging out of the boxes and they won't mind that.

Edit: Sounds like you didn't use the rotozip, hopefully that all works out for you.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

as pointed out above, not using the right tool COULD mean hours wasted on troubleshooting a nuisance tripping breaker.

 

[Tarheel Slim]

Talked with the Inspector today he said not using the rotosplit would be fine just to be careful when making cuts.I guess it would be wise to check all the cuts i have made,the wires are clamped in the receptacle boxes, should i pull the wire out to be sure there isnt any nicks in the wire or can i cause more potential problems by taking them out to check them???thanks guys.

 

[kd3pc]

ideally the cuts should be readily visible at the connector locations. Gently pulling all the wires at the same time, should expose the area most at risk for problems in the insulation. BE careful to NOT disturb the redhead.

I would not take the wires out. you could ohm them out to the armor...

bests

 

[KenC]

I like the screw-in connectors. They positively eliminate any issues with the wire touching the cut end of the jacket. The screw-in connection is also mechanically solid, much better than clamps or setscrews IMO.

and they are fast to install. One piece (plus nut if entering a box/panel).

 

[ForceFed70]

Did a lot of cuts with hacksaw and side cutters back in the day. Don't need a special tool if you are careful.

 

[teamextreme]

I like the screw-in connectors. They positively eliminate any issues with the wire touching the cut end of the jacket. The screw-in connection is also mechanically solid, much better than clamps or setscrews IMO.

and they are fast to install. One piece (plus nut if entering a box/panel).

Screw in MC/AC connectors? I've never heard or seen these. Do you have a link or pic? Curious to see these. Are you sure you're not referring to flex connectors?

 

[rburke65]

I also never used a tool 'back in the day'.

 

[Dirtydan69]

The tool back in the day was a hacksaw.

 

[kd3pc]

The tool back in the day was a hacksaw.

..and doing it with skill and experience...back in the day.