Table 210.24

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hendelec

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I was turned down on a wall rough in house remodel for using a 14-3 switch leg for a ceiling fan that is fed off a 20 amp recp. circuit. I was using table 210.24, according to this table, minmum size condutor for a 20 amp circuit is #12 and taps can be #14 awg. The Inspector said do not tie #14 wire to #12 wire. AM I missing something?

Jim Hendricks Electrical Contractor, Lilburn, GA.
 
Yes. A switch leg is not a tap. Taps are protected at the load end by the OCP device they're feeding. A fan does not provide this protection.
 
Table 210.24 Summary of Branch-Circuit Requirements

Table 210.24 is a summary of 210. Read 210.19(A)(4) and you may
be able to see though a tap as summarized in 219.24 for fixture wire and cords can not be applied to building wiring.
 
Branch circuits

Branch circuits

210.19(A)(4) says branch cir. conductors that supply loads other than those specified in 210.2and other than cooking appliances covered in 210.19(A)(3)shall have an ampacity sufficient for the loads served and shall not be smaller than 14AGW. Exception # 1: Tap conductors shall have an ampacity of not less 15 for curcuits rated less than 40 amps and not less than 20 for circuits rated at 40 amps or 50 amps and only where these tap conductors supply any of the following loads: (a) Individual lamp holders or (fixtures) with taps extending not longer than 18 inches beyond any portion of the Lampholder or fixture. Also 210.19(A) (2) states conductors of branch cir. supplying more than receptical for "cord and plug connected portable loads" shall have an ampacity of not less than the rating of the branch circuit. So I am thinking that a switch leg going to a ceiling fan is not a "cord and plug connected portable load". Also 210.24 states the branch cir. requirements forcir. that have 3 or more outlets or recp. other than recep. cir of 210.11(C)(1) (small appliance branch circuits), or 210.11 (C)(2) (laundry branch circuits).
 
Who says #14 and #12 cannot be together. The overcurrent device must be rated for the smaller wire size. I do this frequently because of voltage drop. When you are wiring a house that is 200' long, you should think about upsizing the homerun.
 
bphgravity said:
Table 210.24 should be deleted so people stop screwing this up. :(
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:D Ah, but Bryan; if people never screwed things up. Why would we need you to straighten us out? :twisted:
 
Ok Larry,David and Bryan, since you all are "masters" of the NEC , why has no one explained the intent of table 210.24. I am new to this forum and it seems you guys just offer smart ass coments while chatting with each other.
 
sparkslord said:
Who says #14 and #12 cannot be together. The overcurrent device must be rated for the smaller wire size. I do this frequently because of voltage drop. When you are wiring a house that is 200' long, you should think about upsizing the homerun.
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hendelec said:
I was turned down on a wall rough in house remodel for using a 14-3 switch leg for a ceiling fan that is fed off a 20 amp recp. circuit.
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What size CB is your circuit on sparks?
See the difference?
 
hendelec said:
Ok Larry,David and Bryan, since you all are "masters" of the NEC , why has no one explained the intent of table 210.24. I am new to this forum and it seems you guys just offer smart ass coments while chatting with each other.
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Its already been stated. Its just a summary of the rest of Article 210 requirements, however people read it on its own and don't realize the context of the table. It's not my fault you don't know how to read it correctly. Perform a search on the topic of T210.24 and you will see we have discussed this issue to exhaustion. I stand by my statement. The Table is confusing and needs to be deleted.
 
hendelec said:
Ok Larry,David and Bryan, since you all are "masters" of the NEC , why has no one explained the intent of table 210.24. I am new to this forum and it seems you guys just offer smart ass coments while chatting with each other.
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Hendelec,This table 210.24 is referring to fixture taps.It coincides with 240.5(B)2. Table 210.24 is summarizing the requirements of fixture taps (240.5(B)2 and receptacle ratings of table 210.21(B)(3).
Rick
 
Re: Branch circuits

Re: Branch circuits

Jim, you answered your own question:
hendelec said:
...only where these tap conductors supply any of the following loads: (a) Individual lamp holders or (fixtures) with taps extending not longer than 18 inches beyond any portion of the Lampholder or fixture.
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I imagine your switchleg is longer than 18", isn't it?

240.4 states that conductors shall be protected in accordance with their ampacity except as modified in 240.4(A)-(G).

  • 240.4(B) can't apply since your circuit is a multioutlet branch circuit.
  • 240.4(D) says that protection for 14AWG conductors is not to exceed 15A unless permitted in 240.4(E)-(G).
  • 240.4(E)(1) refers you back to 210.19(A)(4), which doesn't allow it.
  • 240.4(E)(3) refers you to 240.21(A), which sends you back to 210.19(A)(4).
  • 240.4(G) doesn't mention luminaires or paddle fans.
So you reach the end of the road, looking for something to get you out from under 240.4(D), and find nothing. Therefore, 240.4(D) applies and that 14 AWG conductor must be protected to 15A.

Do you see an avenue on this road that gets you out from under 240.4(D)?
 
sparkslord said:
When you are wiring a house that is 200' long, you should think about upsizing the homerun.
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In my opinion, when you are wiring a house that is 200' long, you should think about using a sub-panel or two. A single feeder of adequate size will exhibit minimal voltage drop due to load diversification compared to individual home runs.
 
Sure it helps but now you have to hide another panel if you can find a spot for it.

A 200' 120 volt circuit is no big deal, use 12 for 15 amps circuits and 10 for 20 amp circuits.

Its all in what your used to or prefer. 8)

It's definitely a design decision.

I am quite used to 200' + circuits, I will multiwire when I can which also helps with voltage drop.
 
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