First the picture, then the explanation below:
Am I correct that this thing being used as a junction box in my crawl space is a meter base? If not, what is it? Regardless of whether it is or isn’t, is it “okay” or is there something actually made for this purpose for larger (8-6awg) wire?
I was in my crawl space today to see if there is any way to run a 6/3 wire from the original garage to the one I’m building. The short answer is that there really isn’t (if you want the long explanation, just ask). There is this existing 6/3 wire that used to feed an outbuilding that is now torn down. The wire was unhooked from the panel in the original garage before I tore down the building; but could be hooked back up. This “junction box” is in the crawl space less than 30′ from the attached garage I’m building. If I can unhook the now unused wires on the left side of the box and replace them with another 6/3 that I then run to the subpanel in the new garage, that would be perfect! I know the existing 6/3 (right side of the box) can be tied to the new, I’m just wondering if this junction style should be redone in the process. It obviously was working fine during the time it was in service. BTW, there was a cover over the opening, I just removed it for the picture.
Replies
I would normally assume that the meter base is there because there once was a meter there, or, at the very least, someone wanted to allow a meter to be inserted at some point if needed. (But see below.)
However, the wiring in the box appears to be pretty bogus. The heavy cable from the right is red/black, as one would have for a 240V circuit, but I can't make out a separate neutral and ground. The cable from the left is black/white, for a 120V circuit. Then there is that second cable from the left which appears to have its black attached to the other blacks, but its white attached to the wad of ground wires. So that thing needs to be sorted out and made semi-legal before you go any further.
(Looking at it a second time, I notice the shorting bars are cottered in place on one end, turning the thing into a makeshift knife switch. That makes me think that the bozo involved installed the thing as a combo switch/junction box, not as a meter. The guy was resourceful, perhaps, but not much of an electrician.)
The guy who lived in the house when I was a kid worked for the local REMC (not as an electrician); so I'm guessing he just nabbed the meter base from work. The 32x12 outbuilding I tore down was one of his many DIY abominations in the late 1980's... and the smaller (10awg) wires going out from that junction box are what fed the outbuilding.
There is a 6awg white neutral wire in the larger bundle; but it is tied into the ground wires under the screw in the middle with the washer beneith it.
So it sounds like you're not a fan of what's there. What would you replace it with to do my desired junctioning of that 6-3 with the 6-3 I want to run to the new garage? Possibly a disconnect like they use outside for AC units?
edit: Something like http://www.lowes.com/pd_82230-76863-TNA60R1CP_0__?productId=3129751&Ntt=fusable&pl=1¤tURL=%3FNtt%3Dfusable&facetInfo=
Well, there is the question of whether the circumstances require a disconnect or not, and, if so, whether the current location would meet code for accessibility, etc. That would require a code lawyer to work out for sure.
If you don't need a disconnect then you could use a regular box with split bolt connectors wrapped in tape.
I will look into it further; but I was asking about the disconnect box because I thought it would be a simple, self-contained way to junction the 2 sets of 6-3... not because I think a disconnect would be required. I am very willing to look into the code/legalities of using a disconnect box in this location for my local building dept. But what I need to know before pursuing it is if said disconnect box could physically be used for this purpose.
I have not ever used split bolt connectors; so I did some quick research. If the disconnect box either can't work in the way I'm asking about or the local building dept will not allow it in this location, it's good to know there's another option. That's an impressive amount of tape required! https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&x-yt-ts=1422579428&v=9tsx6im7qng&x-yt-cl=85114404
There are also various types of insulated terminal blocks that can be used, but they're harder to find than the split bolts
Any electrical supplier will have Polaris connectiors or a number of cheaper knockoffs.
The connections are far from the most troubling parts tho. Any time you see that many different wire sizes under one splice, it rings a bell.
I did come across some of those while researching. Pricey for sure; but might be a good solution. Doesn't look like they're required to be put in a box, either. I probably still would haven them in a plastic box secured to the floor joist if for no other reason than to suspend the junction points.
I found two brands:
Morris http://www.morrisproducts.com/pc_product_detail.asp?key=03053F154C7840519CAFDF3A63678E80
Polaris http://www.polarisconnectors.com/
Both seem similar in price depending on where you're looking
If you have a City Electric nearby they have a connector that is modestly priced,
I have used them a lot.
Blue Scotch Locks
Blue Scotch Lock conectors will handle 2 #6 wires.
"Scotch Lock" is a brand name
"Scotch Lock" is a brand name for a half-dozed different styles. Some require special crimpers. And I'd be a bit leery of joining #6 wires with most of the styles.
That's why included the graphic showing which one. The Scotchlok B.
Use a "Junction Box"
Available even at the home centers, these are simple square boxes with covers, made in sizes as large as 4-ft square Some even have 'knock outs' so making holesfor the wire connectors is easy.
Another option,if you have enough wire, is to use an air-conditioner disconnect. A complete Square-D type QO200-TR is typically available at home centers for $18. It is rated for 60 amps.
Inside the box? I don't really like using wire nuts, either. Get the Polaris connectors and get it done.
Yes, that is a meter base - an obsolete one. The wires connecting the jaws are a 'wrong' thing to do.
Who in the heck has got the stones to reach into that box and try to pinch the electrical tape to open that "knife" switch? My father in law used to tell his kids who got mouthy with him, " I admired your courage but you've got damn poor judgement"
I went ahead and ponied up for the Polaris splice connectors. The burial-approved ones were actually cheaper than the standard ones; so I got 3 of those. I'm guessing the price difference is a result of the size. The ones I got are for 6-4awg wire... the "standard" ones are for 6awg up to 350MCM. Should arrive by the end of the week. Thanks for the suggestions!