Vocabulary -- Meaning of Tap

[jim k]

In the NEC, the word "tap" seems to mean a conductor that has overcurrent protection rating at a higher level than is normally associated with that wire size.

However, electricians sometimes use the word "tap" colloquially to simply mean a point of connection.

Is there any reference in the NEC to support this second meaning or is it purely a colloquial term?

- Jim K

 

[iwire]

240.2

Tap Conductors. As used in this article, a tap conductor is defined as a conductor, other than a service conductor, that has overcurrent protection ahead of its point of supply that exceeds the value permitted for similar conductors that are protected as described elsewhere in 240.4.

The NEC does not use 'tap' in any other way that I know of.

 

[bphgravity]

230.33 and 230.46 uses the term "tapped" which doesn't exactly mean the same thing as when used in 240.

 

[Pierre C Belarge]

Bryan
I think they do mean the same in the references you provided.
Service conductors that are spliced in the same sizes are "spliced". Service conductors that are tapped using a smaller size conductor "tapped" from the original size are "tapped".


We see service conductors tapped alot in troughs for multiple disconnects supplying different size discos.

 

[jim k]

Bryan
I think they do mean the same in the references you provided.
Service conductors that are spliced in the same sizes are "spliced". Service conductors that are tapped using a smaller size conductor "tapped" from the original size are "tapped".


We see service conductors tapped alot in troughs for multiple disconnects supplying different size discos.

Pierre, that's how I've been reading it. Thanks.

- Jim K