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Posted By: dana1028 next higher breaker - 02/25/03 06:51 PM
(1999 NEC) 240-3(b) is the "next higher breaker" allowed code section.

My code book is full of margin notes from various code classes and I see a note here: 'for branch circuits, not feeders'.

?? - I don't remember not being allowed to use the next higher breaker for feeders (I'm thinking for sub-panels). Is there somewhere in the code that prohibits the 'next higher breaker' on feeders to sub-panels?
Posted By: caselec Re: next higher breaker - 02/25/03 07:05 PM
You are allowed to use the next higher standard overcurrent device rating for feeders but not for multioutlet branch circuits feeding cord and plug connected loads. 240.4(B)(1)

Curt
Posted By: Elzappr Re: next higher breaker - 02/25/03 07:30 PM
In the 2002 code, art 240.4(C), when the overcurrent device is over 800A, then you have to use wire with allowable ampacity equal to or greater than the OC device rating. Maybe this is what your notes referred to...but this isn't likely something that applies to subpanels.
Posted By: wdelbusto Re: next higher breaker - 02/25/03 08:02 PM
Caselec gave the correct answer, the question dana1028 asked refers to OC/brakers etc.. and never mentioned wire size.?

:-)

[This message has been edited by wdelbusto (edited 02-25-2003).]
Posted By: The Watt Doctor Re: next higher breaker - 02/25/03 09:55 PM
dana,
The "general rule" (for lack of a better term) is that you "go up" on branch circuits, and "down" on feeders. Elzappr is correct in stating the "800 amp" rule. At 800 amps and above the ampacity of the wire has to match or exceed the OCP. Notice the NEC Handbook.
Quote
Table 210.24 summarizes the requirements for the size of conductors and the size of the overcurrent protection for branch circuits where two or more outlets are required. The first footnote also indicates that the wire sizes are for copper conductors. Section 210.3 indicates that branch-circuit conductors rated 15, 20, 30, 40, and 50 amperes must be protected at their ratings. Section 210.19(A) requires that branch-circuit conductors have an ampacity not less than the rating of the branch circuit and not less than the maximum load to be served. These specific requirements take precedence over 240.4(B), which applies generally.

Table 210.24 summarizes branch-circuit requirements of conductors, overcurrent protection, outlet devices, maximum load, and permissible load where two or more outlets are supplied.
If the branch circuit serves a fixture load and supplies two or more fixture outlets, 210.23 requires the branch circuit to have a specific ampere rating that is based on the rating of the overcurrent device, as stated in 210.3. Thus, if the circuit breaker that protects the branch circuit is rated 20 amperes, the conductors supplying this circuit must have an ampacity not less than 20 amperes.

Good Luck,
Doc
Posted By: dana1028 Re: next higher breaker - 02/25/03 10:39 PM
thanks all - your comments are how I have understood it for years...just that comment in the margins threw me...don't know how that got there.
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