Splices And Terminations That Fail Code In The 2026 NEC

There are job sites where you open a box and instantly know somebody had no idea what the code actually says. In this video Dustin breaks down common code mistakes with splices and terminations, and walks through the NEC rules that actually apply when you join conductors or land them on equipment. The focus is the 2026 NEC, but he shows how everything still lines up if you are working out of the 2023 book. He also talks about the upcoming 2029 reorganization and why it is worth getting used to the new layout now. ⚡ From there he dives into Article 110 on wiring integrity, deteriorating agents and equipment damage. Using 110.7, he talks about breakers that keep tripping because of wiring issues and why swapping an AFCI, GFCI or dual-function breaker for a standard one just hides a fault instead of fixing it. He also walks through 110.11 and 110.12, explaining how different conductor insulations are rated for dry, damp and wet locations, what THHN is actually listed for, and how using the wrong cable or bundling it wrong in wet areas can damage insulation and create hazards over time. That leads into a rant on “field engineering,” broken parts and home-made fixes that do not meet the code requirement for undamaged, listed equipment. 🔥 Huge thank you to WAGO for sponsoring this video. In the pressure-connector section, Dustin uses WAGO’s 221 Series compact splicing connectors (LEVER-NUTS) as an example of a listed, tool-free pressure connector with clear housings and built-in test ports. https://www.wago.com 🔧 Later in the video he covers terminals and torque, what “mechanically secure” means, and why multi-wire terminations are only allowed when the terminal is listed for more than one conductor. He finishes with splices and solder, insulation requirements, direct-burial connectors and how to read packaging and manufacturer websites to confirm a connector is listed for the location you are installing it in. 📚 If you are an apprentice, working electrician or serious DIYer trying to understand why terminations cause so many failures, this episode gives you practical NEC language plus real-world examples to apply on every splice, lug and connector you touch. Share your worst termination horror stories in the comments and let Dustin know which code sections you want to see next. ✅ 00:00 Intro 00:32 - Moving To 2026 NEC 03:16 - Terminations 03:35 - 110.7 Wiring Integrity 05:19 - 110.11 Deteriorating Agents 08:57 - 110.12 (B) Integrity of Electrical Equipment and Connections 11:19 - 110.14 Electrical Connections 13:53 - (A) Terminals 18:20 - (B) Splices 🤘⚡️EU Learning System⚡️🤘 For Individuals --- https://electricianu.com/learning-sys... For Businesses --- https://electricianu.com/learning-sys... -Video courses on every side of the electrical trade (theory, code, safety, wiring, install, troubleshooting, leadership, and more) -Practice exams for 2017, 2020, 2023 code -YouTube videos categorized and searchable -Audio lessons -Forum -Business version has admin portal and ability to assign learning to technicians and monitor progress -Any business size from 2 techs to 2,000! 🎓💡CONTINUING EDUCATION💡🎓 Sign up here --- https://electricianu.com/electrician-... -State Approved -Video Based ✍📝PRACTICE EXAMS📝✍ Get them here --- https://electricianu.com/electrician-... -2017, 2020, and 2023 NEC versions -Online Residential Wireman Exam -Online Journeyman Exam -Online Master Exam -300 Question Online Code Cannon (not license specific, all code) -Take as many times as you want -All of the above come with printable PDFs 🎤🎧PODCAST🎧🎤 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7ldCwdx... Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 📱👍SOCIALS👍📱 TikTok - TikTok: electricianu Instagram - Instagram: electrician_u Facebook - Facebook: TheElectricianU Reddit - Reddit: ElectricianU Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ElectricianU Discord - Discord: discord 🎧🎹Music, Editing, and Videography by Drake Descant and Rob LeBlanc🎹🎧 #electrician #electrical #electricity