Nope. 240.4 & 240.4(D)(3)
You might look at 240.5(B)(2) also
I think some of the confusion comes from a misunderstanding of what a tap is in regards to fixture wire. I have had people in the past try to argue that the switch leg is a tap and use 240.4(E) and 240.5(B)(2) as their supporting evidence.
Chris
I think it came from the same standard as the pull-point-every-100' rule.I wonder where the misconception originated.
Were they electrical insectors or building insectorsI have had insectors tell me that it is ok to run #12 to the first light then #14 to the rest - KNOWING the circuit was a 20A.
Sometimes I have to ask myself if they even really read / understand the code.
~Matt
# 14 is rated for 15 amp ........
Just to be argumentative, I will say not always. Often you may use #14 wire with a 30 amp OCP device for A/C units.# 14 is rated for 15 amp .................if you are using a 20 amp circuit breaker than you must use # 12 through out.
Just to be argumentative, I will say not always. Often you may use #14 wire with a 30 amp OCP device for A/C units.
The most common place to do this is with an a/c-- at least in my world. Look at Table 310.16 and you see that #14 is good for 20 amps. Now we all know that art. 240.4 prohibits 10, 12, & 14 from being protected at 30, 20, & 15 respectively. However look at the asterik on Table 310.16 and read below. It says to go to 240.4(D)Have not encountered this--where would you do this ?
(D) Small Conductors. Unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) or (G), the overcurrent protection shall not exceed that required by (D)(1) through (D)(7) after any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied.
Min ckt ampacity - 20a (or less), max OCP, 30a.Have not encountered this--where would you do this ?
The most common place to do this is with an a/c-- at least in my world. Look at Table 310.16 and you see that #14 is good for 20 amps. Now we all know that art. 240.4 prohibits 10, 12, & 14 from being protected at 30, 20, & 15 respectively. However look at the asterik on Table 310.16 and read below. It says to go to 240.4(D)
This bolded section refers to (G) allows a/c units as an exception to the general rule.
Say we have an a/c unit that draws 19 amps. The a/c units allow about 175% for the max. OCP. 175% of 19 is 33 amps so a 30 amp breaker is allow and in some cases higher.
The a/c has thermal protection that protects the money from overload protection. The breaker is for ground fault and short circuit protection.
Min ckt ampacity - 20a (or less), max OCP, 30a.
Have not encountered this--where would you do this ?