Heat Trace Controller OCP

[kenaslan]

I have a client that wants to have an OCP of 30A for the Heat Trace Controller. The Controller is only 40VA. Does 240 allow this equipment to be fed with a 30A breaker. My opinion is that this is a code violation. The client likes to buy panels loaded with 30A breakers.

 

[gadfly56]

I have a client that wants to have an OCP of 30A for the Heat Trace Controller. The Controller is only 40VA. Does 240 allow this equipment to be fed with a 30A breaker. My opinion is that this is a code violation. The client likes to buy panels loaded with 30A breakers.

If the conductors are sized for a 30 amp load, why not? Suppose I had a 20 amp circuit with a single receptacle on it. I plug in the USB charger adapter for my cell phone. Is there a problem?

 

[petersonra]

do the manufacturer's instructions provide any guidance?

 

[JFletcher]

I have a client that wants to have an OCP of 30A for the Heat Trace Controller. The Controller is only 40VA. Does 240 allow this equipment to be fed with a 30A breaker. My opinion is that this is a code violation. The client likes to buy panels loaded with 30A breakers.

No more a problem than a 20 or 15A breaker would be. 40VA is .3A on a 120V circuit. If it's not internally fused, if it fails catastrophically it's going to melt/catch fire no matter if it's on a 15 or 1500A circuit.