Taps and general SOOW cord

[Jpflex]

I have a couple questions: Hypothetical would it be considered a tap connection if you bring in a # 4 AWG SOOW cord with an ampacity of 60 amperes before derating and adjustment into a junction box to be spliced with a “smaller” # 6 AWG nm cable or THHN but rated higher ampacity at 65 amperes before derating at 75 degrees?

Although the larger SOOW cord is feeding the smaller THHN both have an ampacity of 60 amperes or greater. And can be protected by a 60 ampere breaker


Second. Is the ampacity of #4 AWG SOOW cord shown on NEC Table 400.5 rated at 60 or 75 degrees celcius?

I can’t find any reference in NEC to explain what ampacities shown on the table correspond to what temperature?

 

[augie47]

As long as the smaller conductor is protected at it's ampacity I don't believe it would meet the 240.4 definition of a tap. It's similar to using a larger conductor to voltage drop and then terminating with a smaller conductor.

110.14 still apples to cords and cables so those listed in 400.5(A)(1) would be limited to 60°C as they are all below 100 amps.

 

[roger]

I'm not sure of the application but take note of 400.8

 

[Jraef]

I'm not sure of the application but take note of 400.8

Yeah, that’s my first concern here. Is SOOW appropriate for this application at all?

 

[Jpflex]

As long as the smaller conductor is protected at it's ampacity I don't believe it would meet the 240.4 definition of a tap. It's similar to using a larger conductor to voltage drop and then terminating with a smaller conductor.

110.14 still apples to cords and cables so those listed in 400.5(A)(1) would be limited to 60°C as they are all below 100 amps.

Interesting I never seen a larger wire spliced with a smaller wire in order to mitigate voltage drop. I’ve always seen a wire increased in size for its entire length

 

[Jpflex]

Yeah, that’s my first concern here. Is SOOW appropriate for this application at all?

Here at the mine I work at SOOW cord is used most often. I do try to stay within NEC code compliance as much as practicable to keep things safe but other than that NEC doesn’t enforce mines

 

[Jraef]

Here at the mine I work at SOOW cord is used most often. I do try to stay within NEC code compliance as much as practicable to keep things safe but other than that NEC doesn’t enforce mines

Yes, I know. It’s mostly MSHA that you have to worry about, and they cover very little electrical stuff.