Article 215 of the National Electrical Code (NEC) covers requirements for the installation of feeders, which are electrical circuits that carry power from the service entrance to subpanels or branch circuits. The NEC sets the standard for safe and reliable electrical installations in the United States, and compliance with Article 215 is essential to ensure that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and meet the highest standards of electrical safety.
Section 215.2 Scope
This section outlines the scope of Article 215, which covers the installation of feeders in electrical systems. The NEC specifies the minimum size of feeders, the maximum length of feeder runs, and the type of wiring that must be used in different situations. Compliance with these requirements is essential to ensure that feeders are safe and reliable.
Section 215.4 Overcurrent Protection
This section covers overcurrent protection for feeders. The NEC requires that feeders be protected against overcurrent by properly sized fuses or circuit breakers. The size of the overcurrent protection device must be based on the ampacity of the feeder and the type of load. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the feeder is protected against damage due to overcurrent.
Section 215.6 Number of Conductors in a Conduit or Cable
This section covers the number of conductors that can be installed in a conduit or cable used for feeders. The NEC specifies the maximum number of conductors that can be installed in a conduit or cable based on the size of the conduit or cable and the size of the conductors. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the conduit or cable is not overloaded, which can cause overheating and damage to the system.
Section 215.7 Ampacity of Conductors in Conduit or Cable
This section covers the ampacity of conductors used in feeders. The NEC specifies the minimum size of conductors based on the expected electrical load and the length of the feeder run. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the conductors can safely carry the electrical load without overheating.
Section 215.9 Disconnecting Means
This section covers disconnecting means for feeders. The NEC requires that feeders be equipped with a disconnecting means that can be readily accessible and clearly identified. The disconnecting means must be located at a readily accessible location and be capable of interrupting the full load current. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the feeder can be safely de-energized for maintenance or repair.
Section 215.10 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment
This section covers ground-fault protection of equipment for feeders. The NEC requires that feeders be equipped with ground-fault protection of equipment that can detect and interrupt ground faults. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the electrical system is protected against damage from ground faults, which can cause electrical fires and damage to equipment.
Section 215.12 Neutral Conductor Sizing
This section covers the sizing of the neutral conductor used in feeders. The NEC specifies the minimum size of the neutral conductor based on the size of the conductors and the type of load. Compliance with this requirement is essential to ensure that the neutral conductor can safely carry the unbalanced current from the load.
In conclusion, Article 215 of the National Electrical Code provides critical requirements for the installation of feeders in electrical systems. Compliance with Article 215 is essential to ensure that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and meet the highest standards of electrical safety. Electrical estimators must have a thorough understanding of Article 215 to ensure compliance with the NEC and provide accurate estimates for electrical installations. Compliance with the NEC is essential to ensure that electrical installations are safe, reliable, and meet the highest standards of electrical safety.