bulletin blues
Lifetime Supporting Member
There is nothing like looking at a well designed panel. I am often awed when I see the precise organization of thousands of wires so neatly tucked into such a small space.
I respect panel builders, and most of the time the documentation and wire numbering scheme make my day a pleasent one. But...
What are the standards used for "extra" wire?
It is not uncommon for me to have to replace an A/B selector switch with a Cutler Hammer switch, due to inventory issues.
This should be simple, yet the contact layout on the selector switches is just enough to leave the wire 1/2 inch short!
This leaves me a couple of options.
I can either splice a pigtail on the wire, and begin the process of destroying the integrity of the "good looking" panel.
Or, I can clip the 1,956 wire ties that make everything look pretty, replace the wire, with one 1/2 inch longer, and replace the 1,956 wire ties...
Unfortunately, with production down, I often resort to plan A, with the intention of getting back to it...
In my "sparky" training, I was always taught to leave a "handful" of wire.
I'm just curious as to what the panel building specs are.
I respect panel builders, and most of the time the documentation and wire numbering scheme make my day a pleasent one. But...
What are the standards used for "extra" wire?
It is not uncommon for me to have to replace an A/B selector switch with a Cutler Hammer switch, due to inventory issues.
This should be simple, yet the contact layout on the selector switches is just enough to leave the wire 1/2 inch short!
This leaves me a couple of options.
I can either splice a pigtail on the wire, and begin the process of destroying the integrity of the "good looking" panel.
Or, I can clip the 1,956 wire ties that make everything look pretty, replace the wire, with one 1/2 inch longer, and replace the 1,956 wire ties...
Unfortunately, with production down, I often resort to plan A, with the intention of getting back to it...
In my "sparky" training, I was always taught to leave a "handful" of wire.
I'm just curious as to what the panel building specs are.