25' tap rule

[Dana Maldonado]

HELP! I am having trouble interpreting a certain section of the code for 10' and 25' tap rules. We have load center and a sub panel. In the load center we have 225 amp breaker feeding a 200 amp subpanel with a 200 amp main breaker. Due to conflict of space, we need to remove the 200 amp breaker feeding the subpanel, but are not quite sure if this is within code. We will be leaving the 200 amp breaker at the distribution panel,but need to know if we can remove the other 200 amp breaker in the load center. Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated. The code in question is 240.21(B) (1)

 

[colosparker]

The tap conductors cannot exceed 10', and they have to comply with all of the rules relating to Article 240-21(B)(1) (1-4) and don't forget the FPN at the bottom. Good luck!

 

[templdl]

If the existing installation is sized correctly you problably will more than easily meet the requirements of Art 240.20 (B)(2) Taps Not over 25' Long.
Specifically take a look at 240.20(B)(2)(3) The taps condictors are suitably protected form physical damage or are enclosed in a raceway.
But, yes, there is a but.....You also must comply with art110(3)(B)intallation and use, and more specifically110.14(A) Terminals.
Than is, if you remove the cables from that 225a breaker where are you going to reconnect them for your tap? The main panel must have either feed through, subfeed, or another UL listed means of connecting that cable.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

If the sub panel and its feeder conductors are both rated at 200 amps, and if the feeder conductors are connected to a 200 amp breaker in the distribution panel you are good to go and there is no "tap" in this case.
Don

 

[jim dungar]

Let me see if I have this straight.

You have a distribution panel that contains a 200A.
This 200A breaker feeds a second panel.
The second panel contains a main breaker.
You want to move the second panel.


If you plan to leave the 200A breaker in the distribution panel, then tap rules are not applicable at all.

If you plan to move the 200A breaker from the distribution panel then the 25' tap rule would be applicable if your cables are more than 1/3 of the distribution panel ampacity.

 

[templdl]

The original post appears to have stated:

we have 225 amp breaker feeding a 200 amp subpanel

with a 200a main breaker and they need the use the 225a feeder breaker space for another load reconnecting the cables to lugs fed directly by the dist. panel bus as I understand it .

Unless I'm missing something here, wouldn't that cable between the main and sub panel now be considered a tap? And, as such, would one now have to consider the rating of the main breaker in the distribution panel, as it would relate to the cable ampacity as a tap?
I may been misunderstanding what a tap actually is.

Personally, If it is considered to be a tap, I think that it will most likely complies with the tap rule anyway but it should be verified never the less. The only caveat as I had previously mentioned is how the cable is to be terminated at the distribution panel unless there are provisions to do so or if they can be addes and still comply with the panel listing.

 

[eprice]

Re: 25' tap rule

Due to conflict of space, we need to remove the 200 amp breaker feeding the subpanel, but are not quite sure if this is within code.

Did you mean that you need to remove the 225 amp breaker in the first panel? If so, then I agree with templdl's answer.

 

[dlhoule]

Re: 25' tap rule

HELP! I am having trouble interpreting a certain section of the code for 10' and 25' tap rules. We have load center and a sub panel. In the load center we have 225 amp breaker feeding a 200 amp subpanel with a 200 amp main breaker. Due to conflict of space, we need to remove the 200 amp breaker feeding the subpanel, but are not quite sure if this is within code. We will be leaving the 200 amp breaker at the distribution panel,but need to know if we can remove the other 200 amp breaker in the load center. Any help from anyone would be greatly appreciated. The code in question is 240.21(B) (1)

I'm confused. Is the distribution panel and the load center you are referring to the same panel? If so, how did you go from 225 amp breaker to 200 amp breaker. Does subpanel have main lugs?

 

[pierre]

This is one of the problems with a forum. Without the proper information, it is hard, if not impossible to give a correct answer. Also it leads to multiple answers which all could be correct, given there is not enough info to give one answer.

Please try to provide more complete info with your question, as I believe this is a good topic.