Strain relief connector for baseboard heater.

[checkthisout]

What qualifies as a strain relief? I have a ton of the metal type connectors with that you typically use to retain wires going into breaker boxes and a bunch of plastic push-in ones that allow you to pull the romex into the box but prevent it from being pulled back out.

Are both of these considered "strain relief" devices that can be used on basedboard heaters? The manufacturer doesn't specify....it just says "strain relief".

The original baseboards had no retention device. The wire was just pulled through a hole in the drywall and into the heater's junction box.

 

[Mustang51js]

Just use one of the connectors you have,but neither are really considered strain relief. A strain relief is like Chinese fingers and keeps the wire from being pulled out of a box,usually used on hanging cords

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I would think an NM-B cable clamp would be sufficient but im not sure if those are "officially" listed as a strain relief connector! But does a baseboard heater REALLY need strain relief on the wire when its sitting there on a wall....I know u have to follow manufacturers directions...but in this case that seems silly....as mustang said, chinese fingers would be a listed strain relief but u use those for cords hanging from the ceiling...

 

[alfredeneuman]

One like this qualifies as a strain relief:

 

[checkthisout]

One like this qualifies as a strain relief:

That's what I have...that and the plastic ones. The plastic ones are much easier to use because of the limited screwdriver access area in the box.

So I take the plastic ones would be ok as well as long as it's retaining the cable?

The "strain relief" in the install instructions does in fact look like the Chinese finger thingy but's it a drawing so it's hard to tell.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

One like this qualifies as a strain relief:

Umm i dont see anything

 

[Mustang51js]

One like this qualifies as a strain relief:

Would you use that with a cord drop,I know the inspectors wouldn't let that slide. Maybe it's a type of strain relief but not really what you think of when you say strain relief,basically if you go by that any connector is a strain relief

 

[alfredeneuman]

I understood it to be NM cable. "The wire was just pulled through a hole in the drywall and into the heater's junction box."
If it comes through the wall it would be a violation to use cord.

The same 2 screw connector comes in a snap in version too, so to wouldn't have to tighten the locknut.

It also qualifies as a strain relief for cord too. "I know the inspectors wouldn't let it slide"

They have to let it slide. For the thousandth time inspectors can't make their own rules up.

The Kellems type "Chinese Finger Traps" aren't the only things listed for the use.

 

[Mustang51js]

It may be listed but I have never seen a cord drop or equipment drop with a romex connector holding it from being pulled out of the box

 

[wyliesdiesels]

It may be listed but I have never seen a cord drop or equipment drop with a romex connector holding it from being pulled out of the box

Were not talking about drops here. Were talking baseboard heaters...

 

[Mustang51js]

Were not talking about drops here. Were talking baseboard heaters...

I know,but when you think strain relief you think of drops.

 

[alfredeneuman]

It may be listed but I have never seen a cord drop or equipment drop with a romex connector holding it from being pulled out of the box

Both of them depend on a locknut to secure them to the box.

...anyway back to baseboard heaters

 

[Mustang51js]

Both of them depend on a locknut to secure them to the box.

...anyway back to baseboard heaters

Yeah that's what any normal electrician would use for a cord drop,not a romex connector which would cut into the wire over time with the movement. And who cares about baseboard heat lol