Multifamily - separate feeder for HVAC

[justagirl]

Hello,

I have come across a design I have not seen before and am a little stumped. I have a condo building where each unit has its own panel. The designer is introducing a separate feeder that supplies the HVAC units to all of the condo units. All HVAC units have a fused disconnect installed. I was initially thinking introducing a separate feeder into the unit would be a violation of 225.30 however the designer is pushing back saying this is one building and after reading the IBC definition of a fire wall, I am inclined to agree that it is one building. So my question to you all is if introducing a separate feeder into the dwelling unit is a code violation or not?

 

[david luchini]

Not a violation

 

[petersonra]

225.30 only applies to outside branch circuits and feeders anyway.

 

[justagirl]

Not a violation

Thanks David- follow up question- if one of the taps from the feeder supplied a common area FCU would that be a violation to 210.25(B) because that feeder also supplies equipment directly in dwelling units?
I know 210.25(B) refers to branch circuits and this is technically a feeder tap but would it not be a considered a branch circuit as well? I may be overthinking this or applying definitions incorrectly

 

[justagirl]

225.30 only applies to outside branch circuits and feeders anyway.

I assumed that 225 would apply because of the definition of building in the NEC which states a structure that stands alone or that is cut off from adjoining structures by fire walls with all openings therein protected by approved fire doors. After reviewing the building code definition of fire wall I do not believe 225 applies as a fire wall extends from foundation to the roof so I agreed with the designer in that regard

 

[david luchini]

Thanks David- follow up question- if one of the taps from the feeder supplied a common area FCU would that be a violation to 210.25(B) because that feeder also supplies equipment directly in dwelling units?
I know 210.25(B) refers to branch circuits and this is technically a feeder tap but would it not be a considered a branch circuit as well? I may be overthinking this or applying definitions incorrectly

A feeder tap is a feeder. It's not a branch circuit.