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Can tightening a bolt too tightly violate the NEC?

  1. No, it is allowed

  2. Yes, if not following manufacturer's instructions

  3. Only in specific equipment

  4. No, it is recommended to tighten bolts firmly

The correct answer is: Yes, if not following manufacturer's instructions

Tightening a bolt too tightly can indeed violate the National Electrical Code (NEC) if it does not align with the manufacturer's instructions. Each piece of electrical equipment comes with specific torque specifications to ensure safe and effective operation. Following these instructions is crucial because overtightening can damage components, lead to equipment failure, or compromise the integrity of electrical connections. Furthermore, certain materials have limits on how much they can be tightened before the risk of stripping threads, breaking materials, or causing undue stress emerges. This aspect of following manufacturer specifications is emphasized within the NEC to make sure that installations are safe and compliant. This requirement is in place to ensure the safety of electrical systems and prevent potential hazards related to improper installation practices.