Definitions: Splice or Tap

[jxofaltrds]

I wanted to start this with instructors. Everyone can comment (obviously) but I wanted to know what the teachers think first.

Explain a splice:

Explain a tap:

No definition in 100 so how do we define these?

 

[chris kennedy]

There is a definition for tap.

240.2
Tap Conductors. As used in this article, a tap conductor is defined as a conductor, other than a service conductor, that has overcurrent protection ahead of its point of supply that exceeds the value permitted for similar conductors that are protected as described elsewhere in 240.4.

 

[charlie b]

This won't be "the perfect answer," but it will be as close as I can get it. By the way, I am not an instructor by profession, but I have taught classes and led seminars from time to time, so I feel free to leap into the fray.

Splice: A connection of two wires of equal size, such that one wire ends and the other wire begins at the connection point. The wires can be of different sizes, so long as the smaller wire is protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire.

Tap: A connection of two wires of different sizes, such that the first wire (the larger of the two) continues beyond the connection point in order to serve its loads, and the second wire (the smaller of the two) begins at the connection point and serves a different set of loads. It is not a "tap," unless the smaller wire would not be protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire, and unless it is installed in accordance with the "tap rules" of article 240.21.

 

[jxofaltrds]

This won't be "the perfect answer," but it will be as close as I can get it. By the way, I am not an instructor by profession, but I have taught classes and led seminars from time to time, so I feel free to leap into the fray.

Splice: A connection of two wires of equal size, such that one wire ends and the other wire begins at the connection point. The wires can be of different sizes, so long as the smaller wire is protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire.

Tap: A connection of two wires of different sizes, such that the first wire (the larger of the two) continues beyond the connection point in order to serve its loads, and the second wire (the smaller of the two) begins at the connection point and serves a different set of loads. It is not a "tap," unless the smaller wire would not be protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire, and unless it is installed in accordance with the "tap rules" of article 240.21.

That helps. For some reason 'different sizes' never came to mind. DUH

I hope others may give opinions so that we can agree on some undefined terms.

 

[raider1]

IMHO I would define a splice and an connection of 2 or more conductors.

There is alreay an NEC definition of tap so that is the one I use.

Chris

 

[don_resqcapt19]

The definition of "tap" in the NEC is for a specific purpose. If you are not applying the rules in Article 240, you can use a more generic definition of "tap". To me a splice is a connection between two conductors. In some cases, a splice may be a NEC "tap". A tap is a connection of more than two conductors, usually 3.

 

[macmikeman]

Splice: A connection of two wires of equal size, such that one wire ends and the other wire begins at the connection point. The wires can be of different sizes, so long as the smaller wire is protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire.

Tap: A connection of two wires of different sizes, such that the first wire (the larger of the two) continues beyond the connection point in order to serve its loads, and the second wire (the smaller of the two) begins at the connection point and serves a different set of loads. It is not a "tap," unless the smaller wire would not be protected at its ampacity by the overcurrent device that is upstream of the first wire, and unless it is installed in accordance with the "tap rules" of article 240.21.

Charlie, can I have your permission to print this onto a card that I can hand out to people involved in the trade that do not understand the concept. Your explanation is about the most concise one I have run into, and would be much more effective than what I am able to verbally communicate when called upon to do so.

 

[charlie b]

Charlie, can I have your permission to print this onto a card that I can hand out to people involved in the trade that do not understand the concept.

Many thanks for your good opinion. It is OK by me. I might suggest letting this thread play out first. There may be some additional words of wisdom that could clear up the terms even more.