Internal cable clamps and old wiring

[BigLou]

Just what is the purpose of having the box in the first place?

Could it have anything to do with confinement of any type of arc that could occur?

Mike,
I am not an electrician not even close. Last time I checked an arc can get to over 5k degrees am I supposed to believe that a plastic box is going to confine a 5000 degree arc in any meaningful way ?

Lou

[BigLou]

I suspect that, at least with respect to homeowners, "The insurance won't pay" argument does not apply.

This is generally correct, they will however gladly sue any body they don't insure if they think they are at all to blame.

http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Jun/1/127907.html

[jwelectric]

Mike,
I am not an electrician not even close. Last time I checked an arc can get to over 5k degrees am I supposed to believe that a plastic box is going to confine a 5000 degree arc in any meaningful way ?

Lou

Hey Lou
I'm no engineer but that is exactly the reason for having enclosures aroung joints, splices ect.........

Edited to add;
An arc flash can reach as high as 32000 degrees

[jwelectric]

This is generally correct, they will however gladly sue any body they don't insure if they think they are at all to blame.

http://library.findlaw.com/1999/Jun/1/127907.html

as well as the ones they do insure if they are the blame

[drick]

as well as the ones they do insure if they are the blame

Only if it was intentional. Insurance covers stupidity when it comes to a homeowner. Same holds true for the licensed guys. Their insurance pays when they screw up.

[jwelectric]

Only if it was intentional. Insurance covers stupidity when it comes to a homeowner. Same holds true for the licensed guys. Their insurance pays when they screw up.

Believe it or not, installations such as described in this thread would be intentional and also noncode compliant and opens that door.