Ring Terminal on Terminal Block Sizing

[CraneEng87]

So this is an odd issue, one that only the Gov't could create.

I landed new #12 wire on a terminal block using ring terminals. The terminal blocks were existing equipment and had #6 studs. The ring terminals I used are for 10-12 GA wire and have a #8 hole.

I am being told by the Gov't that this does not meet NEC requirements and that I must redo all of my connections (several hundred) using ring terminals that have a #6 hole.

I have never seen a 10-12GA ring terminal with anything smaller than a #8 hole. The connections are tight and everything fits nicely.

Anyone have any idea if there is a section in NEC that says what I am doing is wrong?

 

[itsmoked]

That sucks.
I am unaware of an NEC statement about this but I do know this:
12AWG / #6 hole

Keith Cress
kcress -

http://www.flaminsystems.com

 

[waross]

If you can find out which NEC rule is being broken, please share the information with us.
Thanks.

Bill
--------------------
"Why not the best?"
Jimmy Carter

 

[TugboatEng]

One of my peeves is when people use larger wire than necessary because it's "better". The big wire crowds terminal boxes and strains terminals to the point of causing them to break off. This is especially true with ring terminals. Terminal strips with #6 screws appear to have a 20 amp rating. 14 gauge can handle that.

 

[CraneEng87]

Thanks for the responses.

@itsmoked, thanks for the link, I did find them after looking. I usually grab my ring terminals off of McMaster or from a Fastenal and they didn't show any listed.

@waross, they are referencing the blanket NEC section 110.12 which covers workmanship. It doesn't clearly state that the ring terminal I am using is an issue. The connection looks fine and is tight, nothing has been manipulated to get the ring terminal installed on the block.

@TugboatEng, The #12 wire is a requirement per the contract. I agree #14 would be fine and #6 studs are more common in this wire size.

I am contacting the terminal block manufacturer and sending them a datasheet of the ring terminal to see if they will agree that it can be used without any issues. Hopefully this will appease the Gov't.