ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues 30 Amps on #14 AWG !@#$%

Tom, Do you fuse your fixtures when you do this?

Guys, look across the page @ Table 210-21(b)(3). You can't put a 15 amp recp on a 30 amp circ. unless as Tom pointed out, you are supplying Electric Discharge lighting with mogul-base screw shell lampholders.



[This message has been edited by electure (edited 07-20-2001).]

Look at 210-19(b). You can't use a tap to feed a duplex outlet. Note that a duplex is two receptacles. The branch circuit rating is equal to the OCPD rating. If the rating is 20 amps then the smallest conductor permited is #12.
Don(resqcapt19)

So why can you put a 15 A receptacle on a 20 A circuit but you can't feed it with a 15 A pigtail in the box?

Only on multi-outlet branches are 15 amp receptacles allowed on 20 amp ckts. I'm guessing the reason is that most equipment that would draw in excess of 15 amp would have a 20 amp plug, and not be able to be inserted anyway.

Electure,

No fusing involved. We're looking at 2- 2 1/2 feet of cord & about 6 inches of "tap" conductor to the receptacle. Tripping th OCPD for this type of circuit with a ground fault or short circuit should not be a problem. This is more or less the equivalent of the zip cord that goes to a table lamp & is plugged into a 20 amp circuit.

Tom



[This message has been edited by Tom (edited 07-20-2001).]

T210-24, under 'Circuit Rating' says Taps, ampacities of which are given to the right, substaintially less that the OCPD's above.

exactly what application does "Taps" refer to here?

The electrician I was working with would cut #14 into 6" pig tails and slice it to #12 wire and the 15 amp switch or outlet, he said they let you do this? If the device is rated at only 15 amps why not? this was on a 20 amp breaker by the way. Is this not a tap?

Isn't it necessary to use an overcurrent device rated to protect the smallest wire in the circuit (as in smallest ampacity?)

If someone plugged 2 appliances that each drew 14 amps into the receptacle (may be unlikely, but..) the insulation on the pigtails could overheat and start a fire, particularly if installed on combustible materials. My vote is that these are not taps as intended by the code.

Redsey,
The #14 tails are taps and a code violation if connected to a duplex receptacle. However I highy doubt that a 30 amp load on a #14 would get anywhere near hot enough to cause a fire.
Don(resqcapt19)