NEC Standard – Overcurrent

Protection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

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 NEC 210.20 Overcurrent Protection

• (A) Continuous and Noncontinuous Loads: Where a branch circuit supplies continuous loads or any combination of
continuous and noncontinuous loads, the rating of the overcurrent device shall not be less than the noncontinuous load plus
125 percent of the continuous load.
• In Article 100: Continuous Load: A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
 NEC 210.20 Overcurrent Protection
• Exception: Where the assembly, including the overcurrent devices
protecting the branch circuit(s), is listed for operation at 100 percent of
its rating, the ampere rating of the overcurrent device shall be
permitted to be not less than the sum of the continuous load plus the
noncontinuous load.
• Standard 80%-rated design: Noncontinuous load + 125% of
continuous load = total minimum load.

• Special 100%-rated design: Noncontinuous load + continuous load =

total minimum load.
NEC Standard Values – Fuses and Inverse Time Breakers
 Number of Poles of CB and Ungrounded Conductors
• The basic rule in 240.15 requires circuit breakers to open all ungrounded conductors of the circuit when they trip (automatic
operation in response to overcurrent) or are manually operated as a disconnecting means.
NEC 430 - Overcurrent
Protection - Motors

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 430 Overcurrent Protection - Motors
• Exception No. 1: Where the values for branch-circuit short circuit and ground-
fault protective devices determined by Table 430.52 do not correspond to the
standard sizes or ratings of fuses, nonadjustable circuit breakers, thermal
protective devices, or possible settings of adjustable circuit breakers, a higher
size, rating, or possible setting that does not exceed the next higher standard
ampere rating shall be permitted.
• Exception No. 2: Where the rating specified in Table 430.52, or the rating
modified by Exception No. 1, is not sufficient for the starting current of the
motor:
• (a) The rating of a non-time-delay fuse not exceeding 600 amperes or a time-
delay Class CC fuse shall be permitted to be increased but shall in no case
exceed 400 percent of the full-load current.
• (b) The rating of a time-delay (dual-element) fuse shall be permitted to be
increased but shall in no case exceed 225 percent of the full-load current.
• (c) The rating of an inverse time circuit breaker shall be permitted to be
increased but shall in no case exceed 400 percent for full-load currents of 100
amperes or less or 300 percent for full-load currents greater than 100 amperes.
• (d) The rating of a fuse of 601–6000 ampere classification shall be permitted to
be increased but shall in no case exceed 300 percent of the full-load current.
 NEC 430 Overcurrent Protection - Motors
• Instantaneous trip circuit breakers are also
known as motor-circuit protectors
(MCPs).
• Exception No. 1: Where the setting
specified in Table 430.52 is not sufficient
for the starting current of the motor, the
setting of an instantaneous trip circuit
breaker shall be permitted to be increased
but shall in no case exceed 1300 percent
of the motor full-load current for other
than Design B energy-efficient motors and
no more than 1700 percent of full-load
motor current for Design B energy-
efficient motors.
 NEMA Motor Design Classification
• The letter indicates the torque/speed characteristics of the motor.
Example 1
Example 1
 Select the suitable inverse time circuit breaker for 2 HP, 230V single-phase motor.

Solution
 The FLC of this motor from Table 430.248 for single-phase motors is 12A.
 The circuit breaker rating = 2.5*12 = 30A.
Example 2
Example 2
 Select the suitable inverse time circuit breaker for a 7.5 HP, 230V three-
phase motor.

Solution
 The FLC of this motor from Table 430.250 for three-phase motors is 22A.
 The circuit breaker rating = 2.5*22 = 55A.
 The closest higher circuit breaker rating is 60A.
 NEC 430.32 - Combined
Overcurrent Protection and
Overload
By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy
 NEC 430.32 - Combined Overcurrent Protection
• Motor branch circuit short-circuit, and ground-fault protection and motor overload protection shall be permitted to be combined in a
single protective device where the rating or setting of the device provides the overload protection specified in 430.32.

• Continuous Duty Motor: Operates 24/7 without overheating.

• Non-Continuous Duty Motor: Operates in intervals and needs cooling breaks.

• The service factor of an AC motor is a multiplier which, when applied to the rated horsepower, indicates a permissible horsepower
loading which may be carried under the conditions specified for the service factor.
NEC 430.32 - Combined Overcurrent Protection
NEMA – Motor Winding Insulation Max Temperature Ratings
NEC 430.44 – Wye-Delta
Motor Overload
By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy
 NEC 430.44 – Wye-Delta Motor Protection
• Wye-Start, Delta-Run Motor. For a wye-start, delta-run connected motor, the ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors on
the line side of the controller shall not be less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current as determined by 430.6(A)(1).
• The ampacity of the conductors between the controller and the motor shall not be less than 72 percent of the motor full-load
current rating as determined by 430.6(A)(1).

• A wye-start, delta-run winding configuration is a method of providing reduced-voltage starting for a polyphase induction
motor wye-windings.
• During starting, the windings are arranged in a wye configuration. The wye-start configuration results in a reduced starting
voltage of a mathematical ratio of 1/√3 = 0.5774, or 58 percent of the full line voltage, which results in approximately 58
percent starting current and about one-third of the normal starting torque.
• Once the motor attains speed, the windings are reconfigured to run as delta, giving full line voltage to the individual
windings, which allows the motor to have full torque capability.
• Since the delta-connected motor load is 58 percent of the rated load current and the conductors are sized at 125 percent of
the motor full-load current, the conductors would be sized at 1.25 times 58 percent, or 72 percent of the motor full-load
current rating.
 NEC 430.44 – Wye-Delta Motor Protection
• Conductors from terminals T1, T2, and T3 to the motor, as well as the conductors from terminals T4, T5, and T6 to the motor,
are all sized at 58 percent of the full-load current used to size the conductors that supply L1, L2, and L3.
• During START, contacts 1M and S are closed and contacts 2M are open.

• During RUN, contacts 1M and 2M are closed and contacts S are open.
 NEC 430.44 – Wye-Delta Motor Overload Protection
• The FLA is multiplied by 0.577 to get the phase current.
• Line current * 0.577 = X.

• X * 1.15 or 1.25 = max allowable overload rating in amps

NEC 430.62 Feeder Overcurrent
Protection for Motors

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 430.62 Feeder Overcurrent Protection
• A feeder supplying a specific fixed motor load(s) and consisting of conductor sizes based on 430.24 shall be provided with a
protective device having a rating or setting not greater than the largest rating or setting of the branch-circuit short-circuit and
ground-fault protective device for any motor supplied by the feeder [based on the maximum permitted value for the specific
type of a protective device in accordance with 430.52, or 440.22(A) for hermetic refrigerant motor-compressors], plus the sum
of the full-load currents of the other motors of the group.
NEC 430.62 – Feeder Overcurrent - Example
• What size feeder overcurrent protection (inverse time breakers with 60°C terminals) and conductors are required for the
following two motors?
• Motor 1—20 hp, 460V, three-phase = 27A FLC.

• Motor 2—10 hp, 460V, three-phase = 14A FLC.

NEC 430.62 – Feeder Overcurrent - Example
• Motor 1—20 hp, 460V, three-phase = 27A FLC and Motor 2—
10 hp, 460V, three-phase = 14A FLC.
• 20 hp Motor = 27A × 2.50 = 68A leading to 70A breaker.

• 10 hp Motor = 14A × 2.50 = 35A breaker.

• The size of feeder protection:
• Not more than 70A + 14A, = 84A.

• The breaker selected is an 80A breaker.

 NEC 215.3 - Overcurrent
Protection – Feeders of a Panel

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

NEC 215.3 - Overcurrent Protection - Feeders
• Feeders shall be protected against overcurrent in accordance
with the provisions of Part I of Article 240. Where a feeder
supplies continuous loads or any combination of continuous
and noncontinuous loads, the rating of the overcurrent device
shall not be less than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent
of the continuous load.
• Exception No. 1: Where the assembly, including the
overcurrent devices protecting the feeder(s), is listed for
operation at 100 percent of its rating, the ampere rating of the
overcurrent device shall be permitted to be not less than the
sum of the continuous load plus the noncontinuous load.
 NEC 215.3 - Overcurrent Protection - Feeders

• 220.18 Maximum Load: For circuits supplying loads consisting of motor-operated utilization equipment that is fastened in
place and has a motor larger than 1⁄8 hp in combination with other loads, the total calculated load shall be based on 125
percent of the largest motor load plus the sum of the other loads.
NEC 440 Air Conditioning
Overcurrent Protection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• For a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor, the rated-load current marked on the nameplate of the equipment in which the
motor-compressor is employed shall be used in determining the rating or ampacity of the disconnecting means, the branch-
circuit conductors, the controller, the branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection, and the separate motor overload
protection. Where no rated-load current is shown on the equipment nameplate, the rated load current shown on the compressor
nameplate shall be used.
• According to the NEC article 110.3(B): “Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any
instructions included in the listing or labeling.
 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• Where an air conditioner is listed by a qualified electrical testing laboratory with a nameplate that reads “maximum fuse size,”
the listing restricts the use of this unit to fuse protection only and does not cover its use with circuit breakers. If the air
conditioner has been evaluated for both fuses and ordinary circuit breakers or both fuses and HACR-type circuit breakers
(Heating/Air Conditioning/Refrigeration).
 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• Protective device having a rating or setting not exceeding 175 percent of the motor-compressor rated-load current or branch-circuit
selection current, whichever is greater, shall be permitted, provided that, where the protection specified is not sufficient for the
starting current of the motor, the rating or setting shall be permitted to be increased but shall not exceed 225 percent of the motor
rated-load current or branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater (440.22A).
• Where a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor is the largest load connected to the circuit, the rating or setting of the branch-circuit
short-circuit and ground-fault protective device shall not exceed the value specified in 440.22(A) for the largest motor-compressor
plus the sum of the rated-load current or branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater, of the other motor-compressor(s) and
the ratings of the other loads supplied.
 Examples on Air
Conditioning
Overcurrent Protection
NEC 440 Air Conditioning – Example 1

• The rating of fuse = 1.75*27+2.2 = 49.45A leading to 50A fuse.

• If the fuse is insufficient for starting of the motor, then the rating should not exceed 2.25*27+2.2=62.95A.

• Therefore, the fuse will be 60A.

NEC 440 Air Conditioning – Example 2

• The rating of fuse = 1.75*22.1+1.8 = 40.475A leading to 45A fuse.

• If the fuse is insufficient for the starting of the motor, then the rating should not exceed 2.25*22.1+1.8=51.525A.

• Therefore, the fuse will be 50A.

NEC 440 Air Conditioning – Example 3

• The rating of fuse = 1.75*16+1.3 = 29.3A leading to 30A fuse.

• If the fuse is insufficient for the starting of the motor, then the rating should not exceed 2.25*16+1.3=37.3A.

• Therefore, the fuse will be 35A.

NEC Standard – Important
Notes - Conductors

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

NEC 210 – Conductors Selection
 NEC – Correction Factors

• NEC 310.15: Selection of Ampacity: Where more than one ampacity applies for a given circuit length, the lowest value shall
be used.
• Exception: Where different ampacities apply to portions of a circuit, the higher ampacity shall be permitted to be used if the
total portion(s) of the circuit with lower ampacity does not exceed the lesser of 3.0 m (10 ft) or 10 percent of the total circuit.
NEC – Correction Factors
NEC 310.15 – Neutral Conductors
• (E) A neutral conductor that carries only the unbalanced current from
other conductors of the same circuit shall not be required to be
counted when applying the provisions of 310.15(B)(3)(a).
• Two-wire circuit is counted.
 NEC 310.15 – Neutral Conductors
• In a 3-wire circuit consisting of two-phase conductors and the neutral
conductor of a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye-connected system, a common
conductor carries approximately the same current as the line-to-neutral
load currents of the other conductors and shall be counted when
applying the provisions of 310.15(B)(3)(a).
 NEC 310.15 – Neutral Conductors
• On a 4-wire, 3-phase wye circuit where the major portion of the load
consists of nonlinear loads, harmonic currents are present in the
neutral conductor; the neutral conductor shall therefore be considered
a current-carrying conductor.
 NEC 310.15 – Neutral Conductors
• (F) Grounding or Bonding Conductor: A grounding or bonding
conductor shall not be counted.
 NEC 110.14 – Conductors Selection
• Temperature Limitations: The temperature rating associated with the
ampacity of a conductor shall be selected and coordinated so as not
to exceed the lowest temperature rating of any connected
termination, conductor, or device.
• Conductors with temperature ratings higher than specified for
terminations shall be permitted to be used for ampacity adjustment,
correction, or both.
• The load on an 8 AWG THHN, 90°C copper conductor is limited to
40 amperes when connected to a disconnect switch with terminals
rated at 60°C.
• The same conductor is limited to 50 amperes when connected to a
fusible switch with terminals rated at 75°C.
 NEC 110.14 – Conductors Selection
• (a) Termination provisions of equipment for circuits rated 100 amperes or less,
or marked for 14 AWG through 1 AWG conductors, shall be used only for one
of the following:
• (1) Conductors rated 60°C (140°F).
• (2) Conductors with higher temperature ratings, provided the ampacity of such
conductors is determined based on the 60°C (140°F) ampacity of the conductor
size used.
• (3) Conductors with higher temperature ratings if the equipment is listed and
identified for use with such conductors.
• (4) For motors marked with design letters B, C, or D, conductors having an
insulation rating of 75°C (167°F) or higher shall be permitted to be used,
provided the ampacity of such conductors does not exceed the 75°C (167°F)
ampacity.
• (b) Termination provisions of equipment for circuits rated over 100 amperes, or
marked for conductors larger than 1 AWG, shall be used only for one of the
following:
• (1) Conductors rated 75°C (167°F)
• (2) Conductors with higher temperature ratings, provided the ampacity of such
conductors does not exceed the 75°C (167°F) ampacity of the conductor size
used, or up to their ampacity if the equipment is listed and identified for use
with such conductors
 NEC 240.4(B) – Breakers > Cables??
• Overcurrent Devices Rated 800 Amperes or Less: The next higher standard overcurrent device rating (above the ampacity of
the conductors being protected) shall be permitted to be used, provided all the following conditions are met:
• (1) The conductors being protected are not part of a branch circuit supplying more than one receptacle for cord-and-plug-
connected portable loads.

• (2) The ampacity of the conductors does not correspond with the standard ampere rating of a fuse or a circuit breaker without
overload trip adjustments above its rating (but that shall be permitted to have other trip or rating adjustments).
• (3) The next higher standard rating selected does not exceed 800 amperes.
• If the overcurrent protective device is an adjustable trip device installed in accordance with 240.4(B)(1), (B)(2), and (B)(3), it
shall be permitted to be set to a value that does not exceed the next higher standard value above the ampacity of the
conductors being protected as shown in Table 240.6(A) where restricted access in accordance with 240.6(C) is provided.
NEC Standard – Conductors
Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 210 – Conductors Selection
• Branch-circuit conductors shall be sized to carry not less than the larger of
210.19(A)(1)(a) or (b).
• (a) The minimum branch-circuit conductor size shall have an allowable
ampacity not less than the noncontinuous load plus 125 percent of the
continuous load.

• (b) The minimum branch-circuit conductor size shall have an allowable

ampacity not less than the maximum load to be served after the application of
any adjustment or correction factors.
• Exception: If the overcurrent devices is listed for operation at 100 percent of
its rating, the allowable ampacity of the branch circuit conductors shall be
permitted to be not less than the sum of the continuous load plus the
noncontinuous load.
• NEC 215: Grounded conductors that are not connected to an overcurrent
device shall be permitted to be sized at 100 percent of the continuous and
noncontinuous load.
 NEC 210 – Conductors Selection
• UL provides additional explanation about the conductor sizing where it
says that the conductor must be applied using 90°C wire based on the
ampacity of 75°C-rated conductors when used with a 100%-rated circuit
breaker.
• In other words, 90°C wire must be sized with the same circular mils as
the associated 75°C wire for a required ampacity.
• An example of this would be a required conductor ampacity rating is
380A.
• In a 100%-rated application, the choice of conductor would be 90°C 500
kcmil conductor, not 90°C 400 kcmil (NEC Table 310.16).
• A marking of AL9CU or CU9AL on the lug indicates it is suitable for use
with either copper or aluminum conductors.
• The number 9 indicates the lug has a 90°C conductor temperature rating.
• A marking of AL7CU or CU7AL on the lug indicates it is listed for
copper and aluminum conductors.
• The number 7 indicates the lug has a 75°C conductor temperature rating.
NEC 210 – Conductors Selection
Example 1
Example 1
 Determine the ampacity of 2 AWG THHN copper conductors to be installed in a raceway in an ambient temperature of 50°C.
 What if there are 6 of the cable in a raceway?

Solution
 130 A × 0.82 = 106.6 A.
Example 1
 What if there are 6 of the cable in a raceway?

Solution
 130 A × 0.82 = 106.6 A.
 106.6 A × 0.8 = 85.28 A.
Example 2
Example 2
 Assume that you have a 3-phase, 4-wire feeder circuit to a panelboard supplying 200 A of noncontinuous fluorescent lighting
load. Assume that the conductors will be in a 40°C ambient temperature terminate in equipment with 75°C terminations.

Solution
 The neutral must be a current-carrying conductor since the load is a nonlinear load (electric discharge lighting).
 4 CCCs in the raceway leading to 80% reduction.
 According to the ambient correction factors, an adjustment must be made of 0.88 for 75°C and 0.91 for 90°C.
 The neutral must be a current-carrying conductor since the load is a
nonlinear load (electric discharge lighting).
 4 CCCs in the raceway leading to 80% reduction.
 According to the ambient correction factors, an adjustment must be
made of 0.88 for 75°C and 0.91 for 90°C.
 The 75°C cable rating is 200/(0.88*0.8) = 284A.
 The cable 300 kcmil copper has a 75°C ampacity of 285 A.
 The 90°C cable rating is 200/(0.91*0.8) = 274.72A.
 The 250 kcmil copper has a 90°C ampacity of 290A.
 NEC 310.15: The temperature correction and adjustment factors
shall be permitted to be applied to the ampacity for the temperature
rating of the conductor, if the corrected and adjusted ampacity does
not exceed the ampacity for the temperature rating of the
termination in accordance with the provisions of 110.14(C).
 After applying correction, the ampacity = 0.91*0.8*290=211A <
255A of the 75°C, so it can be used.
 Note that the conductor size was reduced by one size (300 kcmil to
250 kcmil). This is the primary advantage of using 90°C
conductors.
NEC 430 - Motor Conductors
Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 430.22 - Single Motor
• Conductors that supply a single motor used in a continuous duty application shall have an ampacity of not less than 125
percent of the motor full-load current rating, as determined by 430.6(A)(1), or not less than specified in 430.22(A) through
(G).
• Wye-Start, Delta-Run Motor: For a wye-start, delta-run connected motor, the ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors on the
line side of the controller shall not be less than 125 percent of the motor full-load current as determined by 430.6(A)(1).

• The ampacity of the conductors between the controller and the motor shall not be less than 72 percent of the motor full-load
current rating as determined by 430.6(A)(1).
Example 1
 Select the suitable 75°C wire for a 7.5 HP, 230V three-phase motor.

Solution

 The FLC of this motor from Table 430.250 for three-phase motors is 22A.
 The minimum conductor size = 22 × 1.25 = 29A.
 The suitable wire is 10AWG with 35A rating.
Example 2
 Select the suitable 75°C wire for a 2HP, 230V single-phase motor.

Solution

 The FLC of this motor is 12A.

 The minimum conductor size = 12 × 1.25 = 15A.
 The suitable wire is 14AWG with 20A rating.
NEC – Feeder Conductors
Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 430.24 – Several Motors or a Motor(s) and Other Load(s)
• Conductors supplying several motors, or a motor(s) and other load(s), shall have an ampacity not less than the sum of each
of the following:
• (1) 125 percent of the full-load current rating of the highest-rated motor, as determined by 430.6(A).

• (2) Sum of the full-load current ratings of all the other motors in the group, as determined by 430.6(A).
• (3) 100 percent of the noncontinuous non-motor load.
• (4) 125 percent of the continuous non-motor load.
NEC 430.62 – Feeder Size - Example
• What size feeder overcurrent protection (inverse time breakers with 60°C terminals) and conductors are required for the
following two motors?
• Motor 1—20 hp, 460V, three-phase = 27A FLC.

• Motor 2—10 hp, 460V, three-phase = 14A FLC.

NEC 430.62 – Feeder Size - Example
• Motor 1—20 hp, 460V, three-phase = 27A FLC and
Motor 2—10 hp, 460V, three-phase = 14A FLC.
• Solution:

• Step 1: Determine the feeder conductor size = (27A

× 1.25) + 14A = 48A.
• 6 AWG rated 55A at 60°C.
NEC Air Conditioning –
Conductors Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• For a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor, the rated-load current marked on the nameplate of the equipment in which the
motor-compressor is employed shall be used in determining the rating or ampacity of the disconnecting means, the branch-
circuit conductors, the controller, the branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protection, and the separate motor overload
protection. Where no rated-load current is shown on the equipment nameplate, the rated load current shown on the compressor
nameplate shall be used.
 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• Single Motor-Compressor. Branch-circuit conductors supplying a single motor-compressor shall have an ampacity not less
than 125 percent of either the motor-compressor rated load current or the branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater.
• Motor-Compressor(s) With or Without Additional Motor Loads: Conductors supplying one or more motor compressor(s) with
or without an additional motor load(s) shall have an ampacity not less than the sum of each of the following:
• (1) The sum of the rated-load or branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater, of all motor-compressor(s).
• (2) The sum of the full-load current rating of all other motors.
• (3) 25 percent of the highest motor-compressor or motor full load current in the group.
 NEC 440 Air Conditioning
• For a wye-start, delta-run connected motor-compressor, the selection of branch-circuit conductors between the controller and
the motor-compressor shall be permitted to be based on 72 percent of either the motor-compressor rated-load current or the
branch-circuit selection current, whichever is greater.
• The motor circuit conductors of wye-start, delta-run connected motor-compressors carry 58 percent of the rated load current.

• The multiplier of 72 percent is obtained by multiplying 58 percent by 1.25.

 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• The minimum ampacity = 1.25*27+2.2= 36A.

 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• The minimum ampacity = 1.25*22.1+1.8= 29.425A.

 NEC 440 Air Conditioning

• The minimum ampacity = 1.25*16+1.3= 21.3A.

NEC Service Entrance
Conductors Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

NEC 230.42 – Service Entrance Conductors
• Service-entrance conductors shall have an ampacity of not less than the maximum load to be served.
• Conductors shall be sized to carry not less than the largest of 230.42(A)(1) or (A)(2).

• (1) Where the service-entrance conductors supply continuous loads or any combination of noncontinuous and continuous
loads, the minimum service-entrance conductor size shall have an allowable ampacity not less than the sum of the
noncontinuous loads plus 125 percent of continuous loads
• Exception No. 1: Grounded conductors that are not connected to an overcurrent device shall be permitted to be sized at
100 percent of the sum of the continuous and noncontinuous load.
• Exception No. 2: The sum of the noncontinuous load and the continuous load if the service-entrance conductors terminate
in an overcurrent device where both the overcurrent device and its assembly are listed for operation at 100 percent of their
rating shall be permitted.

• (2) The minimum service-entrance conductor size shall have an ampacity not less than the maximum load to be served
after the application of any adjustment or correction factors.
• The NEC does not prohibit sizing the grounded conductor simply by using the same size as the ungrounded (hot) service
conductors.
NEC 230.9 – Exception

• Two to six circuit breakers or sets of fuses shall be permitted as the overcurrent device to provide overload protection.
• The sum of the ratings of the circuit breakers or fuses shall be permitted to exceed the ampacity of the service conductors,
provided the calculated load does not exceed the ampacity of the service conductors.
NEC 230.42 – Service Entrance Conductors – Example 1
NEC 230.42 – Service Entrance Conductors – Example 2

• All distribution equipment terminations are listed as being suitable for 75°C connections.

• Determine the conductor size for the feeders in the common raceway, assuming the use of
XHHW-2 insulation (90°C) (two buildings).

• The steam raises the ambient temperature around the power raceway to as much as 35°C.
NEC 230.42 – Service Entrance Conductors – Example 2
NEC 230.42 – Service Entrance Conductors – Example 2

• By applying derating factors, I cable = 0.7*0.96*195=131.04A<175A (acceptable).

NEC Ch.9 – Conduits
Selection

By eng. Ahmed Mahdy/ Khadija Academy

NEC Ch.9 – Conduits Selection
Informative Annex C
Informative Annex C
 NEC Ch.9 – Conduits Selection

• Table 1 applies only to complete conduit or tubing systems and is not intended to apply to sections of conduit or tubing used to
protect exposed wiring from physical damage.
• Equipment grounding or bonding conductors, where installed, shall be included when calculating conduit or tubing fill. The
actual dimensions of the equipment grounding or bonding conductor (insulated or bare) shall be used in the calculation.
 NEC Ch.9 – Conduits Selection

• Where conduit or tubing nipples having a maximum length not to exceed 600 mm (24 in.) are installed between boxes,
cabinets, and similar enclosures, the nipples shall be permitted to be filled to 60 percent of their total cross-sectional area,
and 310.15(B)(3)(a) adjustment factors need not apply to this condition.
NEC Ch.9 – Area of Conductors
Example 1
 Determine the minimum size RMC allowed for the 10 mixed conductor sizes and types described as follows.

Solution
Example 1
 Determine the minimum size RMC allowed for the 10 mixed conductor sizes and types described as follows.

Solution
Example 2
1
 Determine how many 10 AWG THHN conductors are permitted in a trade size 1 4 RMC.

Solution
 Area of the 10 AWG conductor = 0.0211 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ2 .
1
 The 40% fill area of 1 4 RMC = 0.610 𝑖𝑛𝑐ℎ2 .
0.610
 Number of conductors = = 28.9 𝑜𝑟 29 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑠.
0.0211

 When calculating the size for conduit or tubing permitted for a single
conductor, one conductor shall be permitted when the calculation results in a
decimal greater than or equal to 0.8.
Example 2
1
 Determine how many 10 AWG THHN conductors are permitted in a trade size 1 4 RMC.

Solution