240.21 B 5 tap conductors UNLIMITED length

[Jpflex]

Based on what I can see on this code if you had 3/0 AWG transformer secondary conductor in a separately derived system which terminated to the typical first point of (outside) disconnect and breaker then have the output 3/0 feeder conductor on load side of first disconnect terminate into a buss panel for taps

Then it appears this code would allow a ridiculous 14 AWG conductor to be tapped from this 3/0 feeder without having overcurrent protection on the line side of the 14 AWG conductor for what it would normally require a 15 ampere breaker for small conductors and allow this just because the feeders are located outside

Then the code says you could supply any number of branch circuits with this tap conductor terminating in a breaker with its ampacity.

This doesn’t feel right?

 

[david luchini]

Based on what I can see on this code if you had 3/0 AWG transformer secondary conductor in a separately derived system which terminated to the typical first point of (outside) disconnect and breaker then have the output 3/0 feeder conductor on load side of first disconnect terminate into a buss panel for taps

Then it appears this code would allow a ridiculous 14 AWG conductor to be tapped from this 3/0 feeder without having overcurrent protection on the line side of the 14 AWG conductor for what it would normally require a 15 ampere breaker for small conductors and allow this just because the feeders are located outside

Then the code says you could supply any number of branch circuits with this tap conductor terminating in a breaker with its ampacity.

This doesn’t feel right?

Can't quite understand the scenario you are trying to explain. Maybe a sketch?

 

[Jpflex]

Can't quite understand the scenario you are trying to explain. Maybe a sketch?

Or just tapping a 14 AWG conductor from a 3/0 feeder without over current protection on line side of 14 AWG

 

[david luchini]

Or just tapping a 14 AWG conductor from a 3/0 feeder without over current protection on line side of 14 AWG

That's what a tap is. That's why there are the tap rules in the Code.

 

[augie47]

When you take into consideration that service conductors which basically have no "line side" protection and are routinely installed on the outside of buildings there is not much difference on "taps" to those conductors or outside conductors on feeders & transformers.
The Code is very lenient on conductors on the outside of structures as they are normally visible and pose far less threat than interior conductors.