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6 ga wire pigtail for ac condenser surge protector

Posted on 7/11/26 at 12:32 pm
Posted by fwtex
Member since Nov 2019
3439 posts
Posted on 7/11/26 at 12:32 pm
Thought I had an easy project to install a surge protector to my condenser shut off, but the line feed is 6ga wire coming from 50 amp breakers. What wire connector is code for a pigtail with 2 6ga stranded wire and the wire for the surge protector?

How do electricians install this without double tapping? I have not seen any pictures or instructions of this type install with 6ga line wire.
Posted by djangochained
Gardere
Member since Jul 2013
19173 posts
Posted on 7/11/26 at 3:01 pm to
The most common code-compliant options are:

1. Polaris insulated multi-tap connector (my preferred choice)
* Accepts large and small conductors together.
* UL listed for splicing and tapping.
* Tightened with a hex key.
* Great for adding the surge protector leads without cutting back and trying to cram everything under one lug.
2. ILSCO insulated multi-cable connector
* Similar to Polaris and also UL listed.
* Available in sizes that accept two #6 conductors plus a smaller wire.
3. Split-bolt connector with insulating cover
* Also code compliant when installed correctly.
* Requires wrapping with rubber splicing tape and electrical tape or using a listed insulating boot.
* Bulkier and generally less convenient than Polaris.

Important note

Many HVAC surge protectors (Intermatic, Eaton, Siemens, Mars, etc.) have 18 AWG leads. Those small leads are often not approved to be landed directly under the disconnect lugs with #6 conductors unless the disconnect terminal specifically lists multiple conductor sizes. Most disconnect lugs are only listed for one conductor.

Using a Polaris connector lets you splice the incoming #6, outgoing #6, and the surge protector lead together in a manner that’s typically much easier to do correctly.

If you tell me:

* the brand/model of your surge protector, and
* whether your disconnect is fused or non-fused,

I can recommend the exact Polaris connector size that will fit your installation.
Posted by fwtex
Member since Nov 2019
3439 posts
Posted on 7/11/26 at 3:30 pm to
Thanks for the reply.

It is a non fused disconnect and I have a Intermatic AG3000.
This post was edited on 7/11/26 at 4:17 pm
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