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Electrical Wiring

Splice #6 wire What Box?

14 years ago

Here's my situation. I am running a 240v circuit for my pool and camper. I am running 4 #6 THHN wires. I am trying to get the most out of the wire I have without waste. So I plan on splicing the wires on the outside wall of my garage. I ran 1 1/4 conduit the entire run. I have conduit coming in from the camper /pool location and conduit coming from my panel. Is there a junction box made that will accommodate the 1 1/4 conduit coming in? Are split bolt connectors the best way to splice?

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Comments (5)

Ron Natalie
14 years ago
Hopefully the wire is also rated THWN. THHN is not legally here.
I'm confused as to what the ultimate termination is going to be. You say pool and camper? What's going on the end of the wire? Are you putting a subpanel out there?

Sure you can get a junction box big enough, you may have to go to an electrical supply rather than Home Despot to find it.

Split bolts are the common way, there are some listed insulated connectors for doing the same thing (B-TAP for example) that you might ask about while you're at the electrical supply place picking up the box.
frankrey1
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for the reply. Yes the wire is also rated THWN. I am putting a 100 amp sub panel out by the pool/camper area.
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Ron Natalie
14 years ago
OK, if this is separate structure, you'll need to sink a ground rod out there.
terribletom
14 years ago
"Is there a junction box made that will accommodate the 1 1/4 conduit coming in?"

Most of the Home Despots and Lowes carry plain grey outdoor-rated plastic boxes that are quite versatile if you have hole saws in the diameters you need. They don't have knockouts or pre-existing holes--you just drill them where you need them in the size(s) you need and use appropriate conduit fittings and bushings. For this, I wouldn't go smaller than about a 6" x 6". An 8" x 8" would be roomier.

"Are split bolt connectors the best way to splice?"

Split bolts are tried and true and will surely work and meet code if they are properly taped. But there's the rub--it's all in the taping and more DIYers than not aren't familiar with good technique. (It's typically done with two types of tape--first rubber, then a heavy outer wrapping that is as thick or thicker than the insulation of the wire at the angular tips of the split bolt.) If you're familiar with making split-bolt connections, then fine. Otherwise, I'd go with Ron's "Option B"--one of several types of connectors on the market that doesn't require taping. (Actually, I like the newer connectors better even if they are a few bucks more.)

"I am putting a 100 amp sub panel out by the pool/camper area."

You probably already know this, but just to make sure...

The rating of a panel (e.g., 100A) only means that the panel can be used for up to 100A, right?

Since you're using #6 wire (and I'm assuming copper), that subpanel will actually end up being no more than a nominal 60A panel and it will require no larger than a 60A breaker to feed it.
frankrey1
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks again. The junction boxes I looked at were not made for larger conduit. I figured that they were available but wanted to make sure before I went ahead. I did know about the sub panel, I plan on using a 30 amp breaker since the run is quite long about 250 ft. I am running a above ground pool pump and camper with A/C. If this setup does not run the A/C on the camper then so be it. Wire is so damn expensive!

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