Tap Conductors

[garfo55]

I have a 225 amp 3 phase main breaker feeding a panel 35' away. Can I tap off this 225 amp breaker "under the same lugs" & feed a 100 amp 1 phase panel 2' away with # 2 copper? This is for an air conditioner unit. The code sections are somewhat confusing. Thanks

 

[charlie]

Re: Tap Conductors

Not without being in violation of 110.14(A) second paragraph, "Terminals for more than one conductor . . . shall be so identified."

You have the problem of the load on the service OC device . . . is it overloaded with the new 100 ampere service?

You also, are in violation of 230.40, "Each service drop or lateral shall supply only one set of service-entrance conductors."

And, 230.72(A) would be violated, "The two to six disconnects as permitted in 230.71 shall be grouped. Each disconnect shall be marked to indicate the load served."

Other than that, I don't see a problem.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

Re: Tap Conductors

Even if your tap would be on the line side of the 225 amp breaker, 240.21(B) limits the tap conductor length to 25' in most cases.
Don