xformer
Senior Member
- Location
- Dallas, Tx
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Can MC Cable be used as a 10' or less Feeder Tap?
Appears the answer would be 'no'
What code section says you can't use MC as a tap conductor?
240.21(B)(1)(3)(3) Except at the point of connection to the feeder, the tap conductors are enclosed in a raceway, which extends from the tap to the enclosure of an enclosed switchboard, switchgear, a panelboard, or control devices, or to the back of an open switchboard.
watch out for the size of your grounding electrode conductor inside MC cable when using as feeder taps. It should be sized according to OCPD ahead from your connection and table 250.122.
Most likely green wire is gonna be too small:ashamed:
240.21 B 1
there is no rule to my knowledge that says you cant specifically use MC as a tap conductor. It just cant be used as a tap that is 10' or less....
good point, never thought of it that way. It doesn't say "taps between 10 and 25 feet"Actually, its not an absolute no. It's only no under the conditions for not over 10' taps.
You can technically install a not over 10' tap under any of the other tap rules provided it meets the conditions of those rules. For example a 9' tap can be a "Taps Not over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long".
But it does say that taps not over 25' need to be protected from physical damage. I think that eliminates MC as a potential candidate, doesn't it?good point, never thought of it that way. It doesn't say "taps between 10 and 25 feet"
mc cable is not a raceway it is a cable assembly
FMC is a raceway. Does it protect conductors any better than the armor of MC? And what about aluminum FMC vs. steel-armored MC?But it does say that taps not over 25' need to be protected from physical damage. I think that eliminates MC as a potential candidate, doesn't it?
mc cable is not a raceway it is a cable assembly