Neutral Sizing

[Brandon Loyd]

Are neutral conductors always required to be size at 100% of the line conductors? A photo is attached.

 

[jumper]

No, 220.61

 

[augie47]

+ if it's a feeder, 215.2(A) requires to grounded conductor not be smaller than the required grounding conductor size.

 

[infinity]

Nice double tap on the load lugs.

 

[Smart $]

Nice double tap on the load lugs.

...looks like line too.

 

[infinity]

...looks like line too.

I was guessing that those lugs were listed for two conductors, but you might be right violations on line and load. :happyyes:

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

I was guessing that those lugs were listed for two conductors, but you might be right violations on line and load. :happyyes:

Even if listed for two I doubt those load side lugs are listed for the tiny #18s or #20s snuck in there.

 

[infinity]

Even if listed for two I doubt those load side lugs are listed for the tiny #18s or #20s snuck in there.

Where are those small conductors, I can't see them in the photo.

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Where are those small conductors, I can't see them in the photo.

Maybe I'm wrong. On the bottom, seen most easily on the yellow phase, it looks like some small wires for a meter or something were stuck into the lugs.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Maybe I'm wrong. On the bottom, seen most easily on the yellow phase, it looks like some small wires for a meter or something were stuck into the lugs.

I see it-- it is there but could be a #12 or something small like that.

 

[Smart $]

Where are those small conductors, I can't see them in the photo.

Maybe I'm wrong. On the bottom, seen most easily on the yellow phase, it looks like some small wires for a meter or something were stuck into the lugs.

I see it-- it is there but could be a #12 or something small like that.

Photo area enlarged (and enhanced as best I could)...

 

[Dennis Alwon]

There are 2 wires on all 3 phases on the load side

 

[infinity]

There are 2 wires on all 3 phases on the load side

Looks like 3 conductors to me.

 

[Twoskinsoneman]

Looks like 3 conductors to me.

agreed. so maybe these lug are rated for 3 conductors- al/cu #18-500kcmil

 

[Smart $]

agreed. so maybe these lug are rated for 3 conductors- al/cu #18-500kcmil

Actually, the load side lugs appear to me as 2-conductor rated. Kind of hard to tell given the resolution of the picture, but the shape of the wire void appears to me as oval-like slots. Take a look at the line side lugs. Notice how the wires a seem more side-by-side rather than one in front of the other as the load side wires are.