Heat Tape EPD Breaker

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laketime

laketime

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Does the NEC require an EPD rated circuit breaker for exterior roof heat tape? If so where would I find that in the NEC?
 
laketime said:
Does the NEC require an EPD rated circuit breaker for exterior roof heat tape? If so where would I find that in the NEC?
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What is the heat tape used for?

There is GFP requirements for Fixed Outdoor Electric Deicing and Snow-Melting Equipment art 426 as well as requirements in 427 for Fixed Electric Heating Equipment for Pipelines and Vessels.

Some controllers for those kinds of equipment may already provide the protection - so keep that in mind as well.
 
laketime said:
Does the NEC require an EPD rated circuit breaker for exterior roof heat tape? If so where would I find that in the NEC?
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The NEC requires ground fault protection. The NEC allows said protection to be at the GFPE level instead of the GFCI level. The NEC won't come right out and say that. Art. 100 definitions and art. 426.28 are the easiest way to get there. A little bit of 210.8 might apply.
 
Thank you. We have used EPD breakers before for this but I could not find anything in the NEC specifically calling for it. The cost jump from GFCI to EPD is huge.
 
Don't forget to check the heat trace manufacturers specs as well, they may require it. Then of course, that is enforceable by the NEC.
 
laketime said:
Thank you. We have used EPD breakers before for this but I could not find anything in the NEC specifically calling for it. The cost jump from GFCI to EPD is huge.
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Nothing wrong with GFCI protection - just may have more nuisance tripping. Also take a look at what the cable manufacturer may have for protective devices.
 
Lockable Disconnecting Means

Lockable Disconnecting Means

Don't forget the new requirement that the EPD breaker or other disconnecting means be capable of being locked in the open position (426.50). Article 110.25 requires the lockable disconnecting means to "remain in place with or without the lock installed."
 
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