Hi all,
something I've been wondering about for a while now. Is there anything in the NFPA79 restricting soldering cable ends together to extend cable lengths? Here are a few tidbits I've found:
13.1.2.1: Conductors and cables shall be run from terminal to terminal without splices or joints. Plugs/receptacles with protection against accidental disconnection are not considered splices/joints for this requirement. Exception 1: Splices are permitted to leads attached to electrical equipment (solenoids, motors, etc). Such splices need to be insulated with oil resistant electrical tape. Exception 2: where it is impractical to provide terminals in a junction box.
13.1.1.5: Soldered connections shall only be permitted where terminals are provided that are identified for soldering.
13.1.2.2: Mating molded nylon connectors using crimped terminations shall not be considered a splice or joint when used in an enclosure or conduit.
It sounds to me like soldering cable for use with field devices would fall under exception 1 under 13.1.2.1. But what is the exact definition of "leads attached to electrical equipment"? Would this include sensors or instrumentation with fixed, permanently attached cable lengths dictated by the manufacturer? Would soldering extension cables in such applications for use in conduit be allowable? Or even run along a machine, assuming properly insulated?
Also, what about soldering cables/wires inside of an enclosure (within duct) to extend their length when not long enough?
Context: We have 4-20mA pressure sensors that need to be installed at compressor inlet and outlet that only come with fixed cable lengths, and the controls enclosure is located some distance away.
something I've been wondering about for a while now. Is there anything in the NFPA79 restricting soldering cable ends together to extend cable lengths? Here are a few tidbits I've found:
13.1.2.1: Conductors and cables shall be run from terminal to terminal without splices or joints. Plugs/receptacles with protection against accidental disconnection are not considered splices/joints for this requirement. Exception 1: Splices are permitted to leads attached to electrical equipment (solenoids, motors, etc). Such splices need to be insulated with oil resistant electrical tape. Exception 2: where it is impractical to provide terminals in a junction box.
13.1.1.5: Soldered connections shall only be permitted where terminals are provided that are identified for soldering.
13.1.2.2: Mating molded nylon connectors using crimped terminations shall not be considered a splice or joint when used in an enclosure or conduit.
It sounds to me like soldering cable for use with field devices would fall under exception 1 under 13.1.2.1. But what is the exact definition of "leads attached to electrical equipment"? Would this include sensors or instrumentation with fixed, permanently attached cable lengths dictated by the manufacturer? Would soldering extension cables in such applications for use in conduit be allowable? Or even run along a machine, assuming properly insulated?
Also, what about soldering cables/wires inside of an enclosure (within duct) to extend their length when not long enough?
Context: We have 4-20mA pressure sensors that need to be installed at compressor inlet and outlet that only come with fixed cable lengths, and the controls enclosure is located some distance away.