Are wire connectors that are filled with silicone Listed to splice THWN conductors in an open bottom handhole for an outdoor parking lot light?

Question

Are wire connectors that are filled with silicone Listed to splice THWN conductors in an open bottom handhole for an outdoor parking lot light?

Answer

Unless the wet locations connectors or their shipping carton or installation instructions state that they are for use with THWN conductors, then they are not Listed for use with THWN insulated conductors.

Wire connectors Listed for wet locations are Listed under Sealed Wire Connector Systems (ZMWQ), located on page 454 in the 2010 UL White Book.

The Guide Information for (ZMWQ) states this category covers sealed wire connector systems intended for wet or damp locations and other installations, such as direct burial, below grade, or above grade where protected from direct exposure to sunlight. These systems may also be used indoors or in dry locations.

Sealed wire connector systems are intended for use in installations covered by ANSI/NFPA 70,National Electrical Code.

This category covers a complete system or insulating caps, covers, resins, tubing and tapes that are part of the system for use with specific wire connectors where the seal is made at the conductor. Pressure wire connectors may or may not be provided with the system.

Sealed wire connector systems are intended for use with Types USE, RHW, XHHW, RW90 EP, RW90 XLPE or TWU, 30 AWG through 2000 kcmil copper or aluminum conductors with currents not exceeding the ampacity of insulated conductors rated either 75º or 90ºC and intended for use at 600 V or less.

When so marked, sealed wire connector systems may also be intended for use with conductors of single- or multiple-conductor underground feeder cable (Type UF), golf course sprinkler cable, underground low-energy cable, irrigation cable, or other cable with insulation acceptable for direct burial, below grade use, or wet locations.

The sealing medium used in these connectors has to be suitable for the conductor or cable insulation that the connectors are evaluated for use with to assure that the connector is suitable for wet locations and sealed to the elements especially in below grade applications.

Sealed wire connector systems are also marked with all required wire connector markings and assembly information (see Wire Connectors and Soldering Lugs, ZMVV), as well as with complete assembly instructions for the sealed wire connector system.

1. catalog number
2. wire range
3. voltage rating
4. operating temperature rating
5. the statement “For Use in Wet or Damp Locations”
6. additional conductor types, if applicable

A sealed wire connector system may additionally be marked “Direct Burial,” “Raintight,” “Watertight” or “Submersible,” as applicable.

All markings are located on:

1. all parts that comprise the system,
2. the packaging carton,
3. the unit container, or
4. the information sheet provided in each unit container.

The Listing Mark for these products includes the UL symbol together with the word “LISTED,” a control number, and the product name “Sealed Wire Connector System.”

You can also access the Guide Information for ZMWQ on UL’s Online Certification Directory at www.ul.com/database and enter ZMWQ at the Cate-gory code search field.