ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues tap conductors

We have a main circuit breaker (480 Volt, 3 phase) in an electrical enclosure. On the line side of this breaker we tap off and run number 12 wire to a 30 amp breaker which is located in the same enclosure. The 30 amp breaker is within 10 feet of the main breaker. We then take #12 wires off of the load side of the 30 amp breaker to feed another panel.
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> Do we have a violation?

Yes, you have violation(s).

#12 wire may be protected by not more than 20A. For 30A you must use #10AWG minimum. These ratings have been in table 310-16 for many code cycles and supercede any ampere ratings listed in the temperature columns.

Remember the tap rule is the total length of the conductors not the physical seperation of the devices.

Also how did you make the tap? It is a violation to put multiple conductors into a single lug (unless the lug is listed for that combination).