Tap rules apply?

[GG]

I looked at someones job where they had installed a 200 amp main breaker with 3/0 wire feeding a gutter 80' away.

From the gutter they tapped into the 3/0 and fed 2 panels. Panel A was 150 amps with a #1 wire and Panel B was 200 amps with 1/0 wire. Is this a code violation and if so what is the correct way it should be installed?

Thanks.

 

[Buck Parrish]

Well yes it sounds like it. However they could have left the main breakers out.
Their could be a lot of different scenarios. Top post tommorow and you will get more responses.

 

[infinity]

The 200 amp with the #3/0=OK
The taps:
150 amps #1= not OK
200 amp #1/0= not OK

Need to either change the OCPD size after the tap or change the tap conductors.

 

[GG]

The 200 amp with the #3/0=OK
The taps:
150 amps #1= not OK
200 amp #1/0= not OK

Need to either change the OCPD size after the tap or change the tap conductors.

So size the taps for the size of the 150 and 200 amp breakers down stream from the main 200 amp breaker? A 1/0 for the 150 amp panel and a 3/0 for the 200 amp panel? Thats what I think needs to be done.

 

[augie47]

correct, and be sure they comply with the length rules in 240.21

 

[GG]

Well an EE signed off on the job and said the tap wires were up to code, but I didnt think it was right. I will let the contractor friend of mine know the taps need to be changed. Thanks for the help.

 

[ron]

Does the 150A panel have a main breaker?

 

[GG]

Does the 150A panel have a main breaker?

Yes, so do the two 200 amp panels.

 

[benaround]

GC,

The 150 and the 200 downstream, they were for distibution ( branch circuit) panels and

not for 2 motor circuits, right ?

 

[GG]

GC,

The 150 and the 200 downstream, they were for distibution ( branch circuit) panels and

not for 2 motor circuits, right ?

Thats correct.