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Sizing neutral using Optional Method?

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R

Russ Zol

Member
Location
Minnesota
Occupation
Electrician
Hello everyone,
I am currently using the 2023 Electrical Exam Preparation book to brush up on my knowledge before my exam. I ran into an issue where the book, as well as annex D2a, as well as some short googling, all say that the calculation for the reduced neutral, as permitted by 220.61, requires me to use the Standard Method of calculation found in part III of article 220. The problem is, the final sentence of section 220.82(A) claims:
"Feeder and service entrance conductors whose calculated load is determined by this optional calculation shall be permitted to have the neutral load determined by 220.61"

It seems like the exam prep book is wrong in saying that the neutral MUST be sized using the Standard Method. The annex D2a is also flip flopping between the Standard Method and the Optional method to calculate the conductors for 1 load.

Which one do use? Can I size the neutral using the Optional Method? It would make sense to size the neutral using either method but sticking to one.

Thanks.
 
Last edited:
C

ClanceyT

New User
Location
Texas
Occupation
Electrician
letgomywago said:
That section just sends you back to 220.61 for nuetral calculation
Click to expand...
Yes, this is why the original question was asked. Why do Mike's exam prep book and video say that we must use the standard method load calculation when applying the reductions of 220.61. I don't understand his prohibition on using the optional method, because optional method 220.82 clearly points you to the same place (220.61) for neutral calculations.
 
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