I ran into a situation today where the Air Handler w/heat strips was wired to a main panel 60 amp breaker with over sized #1 aluminum braided wire. Several of the aluminum braids were cut back (see attachment) to allow the wire to seat into the 60 amp breaker. Aside from the bare wires extending from the breaker, is this allowed?
Thank you,
No, it is not.
No way!!!
Nope.
Check this link. “NSI Polaris Bug” is what Marc Shunk calls them, and that’s how I found this webpage.
http://www.tork.com/electrical/productdetail.aspx
Used to connect large diam conductors or in this case, reduce the size to something that will fit the breaker correctly.
John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca
Thanks for your responses
-X-X 
Would that be a NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Robert?
That it is, LOL
No Haircuts?
**(A) Terminals. **Connection of conductors to terminal parts
shall ensure a thoroughly good connection without damaging
the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure
connectors (including set-screw type), solder lugs, or
splices to flexible leads. Connection by means of wirebinding
screws or studs and nuts that have upturned lugs or
the equivalent shall be permitted for 10 AWG or smaller
conductors.
Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals
used to connect aluminum shall be so identified.
Also…Conductors need to be protected at their ampacity and once the fella cut them strands he has altered the ampacity rating of that conductor. So as everyone says…it’s a no-no that you see alot-alot…so we fail-fail it alot-alot…
