Going from #2 to #1 AWG cable

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vijbal

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Currently, I have a #2 AWG cable between the service entrance and the disconnect. From the disconnect to the load center, eventhough, I only need a #8 AWG cable, I run a #1 AWG due to voltage drop requirements. I have two circuit breakers in the disconnect (one each for #2 AWG and #1 AWG).

In this case, is it okay to transition from #2 AWG to #1 AWG?
 
vijbal said:
Currently, I have a #2 AWG cable between the service entrance and the disconnect. From the disconnect to the load center, eventhough, I only need a #8 AWG cable, I run a #1 AWG due to voltage drop requirements. I have two circuit breakers in the disconnect (one each for #2 AWG and #1 AWG).

In this case, is it okay to transition from #2 AWG to #1 AWG?
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How is it that you have (1) #2 branch circuit, and (1) #1 branch circuit,,,,,but yet you say you only need a # 8 feeder? Please explain. How is the #1 feeder protected? Is it tapped from the # 2?
 
vijbal said:
Currently, I have a #2 AWG cable between the service entrance and the disconnect. From the disconnect to the load center, eventhough, I only need a #8 AWG cable, I run a #1 AWG due to voltage drop requirements. I have two circuit breakers in the disconnect (one each for #2 AWG and #1 AWG).

In this case, is it okay to transition from #2 AWG to #1 AWG?
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If you have up-sized solely for VD considerations, there is no requirement that the entire circuit be run up-sized. And you are always permitted to run a larger sized conductor than is actually required.
 
you better look at article 250.122(B) before you choose what breaker.

250.122 Size of Equipment Grounding Conductors.
(B) Increased in Size. Where ungrounded conductors are increased in size, equipment grounding conductors, where installed, shall be increased in size proportionately according to the circular mil area of the ungrounded conductors.
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erickench said:
Seem's to me that you are concerned with the relative size of the feeder to the service conductors. Take a look at NEC 215.2(A)(2).
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(2) Ampacity Relative to Service Conductors. The
feeder conductor ampacity shall not be less than that of the
service conductors where the feeder conductors carry the
total load supplied by service conductors with an ampacity
of 55 amperes or less.
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I am betting the #2 service conductors have an ampacity greater than 55 amps.
 
I don't know what one means when they say they have 2 cb's- one for #2 and one for #1. What ampacity are they?
 
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