Tap rules ?

[Davebones]

We have a air compressor that is fed from a 480 volt panel with a 400 amp breaker to a 400 amp fusible disconnect with 300 amp fuses inside . The original install has the disc feeding to the air compressor and they also feed #6 wire off the load side to a small panel next to the disc . In this small panel there's one 20 amp breaker that feeds an air dryer . Could these #6 taps that's that feed the small panel come off the line side of the disconnect and not violate tap rules ?

 

[infinity]

Yes, if the 10' tap rule is followed you would need tap conductors of 10% or larger (of the 400 amp OCPD) so the #6's would comply.

 

[augie47]

However, in all likelihood, the "Tap" is made in a manner that violates 110.14(A) if the #6s are installed under the switch lugs with the large conductors.

 

[Jraef]

However, in all likelihood, the "Tap" is made in a manner that violates 110.14(A) if the #6s are installed under the switch lugs with the large conductors.

That's the usual problem; lugs not rated for multiple / different sized conductors. It can be done properly with the right parts, but most of the time people don't bother finding the right parts.

 

[electrofelon]

Sorta interesting: we have in disconnect serving a branch circuit and a feeder