240.

15 ARTICLE 240 — OVERCURRENT PROTECTION

The provisions of this section shall not apply to the discon‐ (1) Taps Not over 3 m (10 ft) Long. If the length of the tap
necting means for the following: conductors does not exceed 3 m (10 ft) and the tap conductors
(1) Continuous industrial processes where a nonorderly shut‐ comply with all of the following:
down will introduce additional or increased hazards (1) The ampacity of the tap conductors is
(2) Installations where ground-fault protection is provided by a. Not less than the combined calculated loads on the
other requirements for services or feeders circuits supplied by the tap conductors, and
(3) Fire pumps b. Not less than the rating of the equipment containing
240.15 Ungrounded Conductors. an overcurrent device(s) supplied by the tap conduc‐
tors or not less than the rating of the overcurrent
(A) Overcurrent Device Required. A fuse or an overcurrent protective device at the termination of the tap
trip unit of a circuit breaker shall be connected in series with conductors.
each ungrounded conductor. A combination of a current trans‐
former and overcurrent relay shall be considered equivalent to Exception to b: Where listed equipment, such as a surge protective
an overcurrent trip unit. device(s) [SPD(s)], is provided with specific instructions on mini‐
mum conductor sizing, the ampacity of the tap conductors supply‐
Informational Note: For motor circuits, see Parts III, IV, V, and ing that equipment shall be permitted to be determined based on the
XI of Article 430. manufacturer’s instructions.
(B) Circuit Breaker as Overcurrent Device. Circuit breakers (2) The tap conductors do not extend beyond the switch‐
shall open all ungrounded conductors of the circuit both board, switchgear, panelboard, disconnecting means, or
manually and automatically unless otherwise permitted in control devices they supply.
240.15(B)(1), (B)(2), (B)(3), and (B)(4). (3) Except at the point of connection to the feeder, the tap
(1) Multiwire Branch Circuits. Individual single-pole circuit conductors are enclosed in a raceway, which extends from
breakers, with identified handle ties, shall be permitted as the the tap to the enclosure of an enclosed switchboard,
protection for each ungrounded conductor of multiwire switchgear, a panelboard, or control devices, or to the
branch circuits that serve only single-phase line-to-neutral back of an open switchboard.
loads. (4) For field installations, if the tap conductors leave the
enclosure or vault in which the tap is made, the ampacity
(2) Grounded Single-Phase Alternating-Current Circuits. In of the tap conductors is not less than one-tenth of the
grounded systems, individual single-pole circuit breakers rated rating of the overcurrent device protecting the feeder
120/240 volts ac, with identified handle ties, shall be permitted conductors.
as the protection for each ungrounded conductor for line-to-
line connected loads for single-phase circuits. Informational Note: For overcurrent protection requirements
for panelboards, see 408.36.
(3) 3-Phase and 2-Phase Systems. For line-to-line loads in
4-wire, 3-phase systems or 5-wire, 2-phase systems, individual (2) Taps Not over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long. Where the length of
single-pole circuit breakers rated 120/240 volts ac with identi‐ the tap conductors does not exceed 7.5 m (25 ft) and the tap
fied handle ties shall be permitted as the protection for each conductors comply with all the following:
ungrounded conductor, if the systems have a grounded neutral (1) The ampacity of the tap conductors is not less than one-
point and the voltage to ground does not exceed 120 volts. third of the rating of the overcurrent device protecting
the feeder conductors.
(4) 3-Wire Direct-Current Circuits. Individual single-pole (2) The tap conductors terminate in a single circuit breaker
circuit breakers rated 125/250 volts dc with identified handle or a single set of fuses that limit the load to the ampacity
ties shall be permitted as the protection for each ungrounded of the tap conductors. This device shall be permitted to
conductor for line-to-line connected loads for 3-wire, direct- supply any number of additional overcurrent devices on
current circuits supplied from a system with a grounded its load side.
neutral where the voltage to ground does not exceed 125 volts. (3) The tap conductors are protected from physical damage
by being enclosed in an approved raceway or by other
approved means.
Part II. Location
(3) Taps Supplying a Transformer [Primary Plus Secondary
240.21 Location in Circuit. Overcurrent protection shall be Not over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long]. Where the tap conductors
provided in each ungrounded circuit conductor and shall be supply a transformer and comply with all the following condi‐
located at the point where the conductors receive their supply tions:
except as specified in 240.21(A) through (H). Conductors
supplied under the provisions of 240.21(A) through (H) shall (1) The conductors supplying the primary of a transformer
not supply another conductor except through an overcurrent have an ampacity at least one-third the rating of the over‐
protective device meeting the requirements of 240.4. current device protecting the feeder conductors.
(2) The conductors supplied by the secondary of the trans‐
(A) Branch-Circuit Conductors. Branch-circuit tap conductors former shall have an ampacity that is not less than the
meeting the requirements specified in 210.19 shall be permit‐ value of the primary-to-secondary voltage ratio multiplied
ted to have overcurrent protection as specified in 210.20. by one-third of the rating of the overcurrent device
(B) Feeder Taps. Conductors shall be permitted to be tapped, protecting the feeder conductors.
without overcurrent protection at the tap, to a feeder as speci‐
fied in 240.21(B)(1) through (B)(5). The provisions of
240.4(B) shall not be permitted for tap conductors.

70 –96 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2017 Edition

(3) The total length of one primary plus one secondary specified in 240.21(C)(1) through (C)(6). The provisions of
conductor, excluding any portion of the primary conduc‐ 240.4(B) shall not be permitted for transformer secondary
tor that is protected at its ampacity, is not over 7.5 m conductors.
(25 ft).
Informational Note: For overcurrent protection requirements
(4) The primary and secondary conductors are protected for transformers, see 450.3.
from physical damage by being enclosed in an approved
raceway or by other approved means. (1) Protection by Primary Overcurrent Device. Conductors
(5) The secondary conductors terminate in a single circuit supplied by the secondary side of a single-phase transformer
breaker or set of fuses that limit the load current to not having a 2-wire (single-voltage) secondary, or a three-phase,
more than the conductor ampacity that is permitted by delta-delta connected transformer having a 3-wire (single-
310.15. voltage) secondary, shall be permitted to be protected by over‐
current protection provided on the primary (supply) side of
(4) Taps over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long. Where the feeder is in a the transformer, provided this protection is in accordance with
high bay manufacturing building over 11 m (35 ft) high at walls 450.3 and does not exceed the value determined by multiplying
and the installation complies with all the following conditions: the secondary conductor ampacity by the secondary-to-primary
(1) Conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that transformer voltage ratio.
only qualified persons service the systems.
(2) The tap conductors are not over 7.5 m (25 ft) long hori‐ Single-phase (other than 2-wire) and multiphase (other than
zontally and not over 30 m (100 ft) total length. delta-delta, 3-wire) transformer secondary conductors are not
(3) The ampacity of the tap conductors is not less than one- considered to be protected by the primary overcurrent protec‐
third the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the tive device.
feeder conductors. (2) Transformer Secondary Conductors Not over 3 m (10 ft)
(4) The tap conductors terminate at a single circuit breaker Long. If the length of secondary conductor does not exceed
or a single set of fuses that limit the load to the ampacity 3 m (10 ft) and complies with all of the following:
of the tap conductors. This single overcurrent device shall
be permitted to supply any number of additional overcur‐ (1) The ampacity of the secondary conductors is
rent devices on its load side. a. Not less than the combined calculated loads on the
(5) The tap conductors are protected from physical damage circuits supplied by the secondary conductors, and
by being enclosed in an approved raceway or by other b. Not less than the rating of the equipment containing
approved means. an overcurrent device(s) supplied by the secondary
(6) The tap conductors are continuous from end-to-end and conductors or not less than the rating of the overcur‐
contain no splices. rent protective device at the termination of the secon‐
(7) The tap conductors are sized 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG dary conductors.
aluminum or larger.
(8) The tap conductors do not penetrate walls, floors, or ceil‐ Exception: Where listed equipment, such as a surge protective
ings. device(s) [SPD(s)], is provided with specific instructions on mini‐
(9) The tap is made no less than 9 m (30 ft) from the floor. mum conductor sizing, the ampacity of the tap conductors supply‐
ing that equipment shall be permitted to be determined based on the
(5) Outside Taps of Unlimited Length. Where the conductors manufacturer’s instructions.
are located outside of a building or structure, except at the
point of load termination, and comply with all of the following (2) The secondary conductors do not extend beyond the
conditions: switchboard, switchgear, panelboard, disconnecting
means, or control devices they supply.
(1) The tap conductors are protected from physical damage (3) The secondary conductors are enclosed in a raceway,
in an approved manner. which shall extend from the transformer to the enclosure
(2) The tap conductors terminate at a single circuit breaker of an enclosed switchboard, switchgear, a panelboard, or
or a single set of fuses that limits the load to the ampacity control devices or to the back of an open switchboard.
of the tap conductors. This single overcurrent device shall (4) For field installations where the secondary conductors
be permitted to supply any number of additional overcur‐ leave the enclosure or vault in which the supply connec‐
rent devices on its load side. tion is made, the rating of the overcurrent device protect‐
(3) The overcurrent device for the tap conductors is an inte‐ ing the primary of the transformer, multiplied by the
gral part of a disconnecting means or shall be located primary to secondary transformer voltage ratio, shall not
immediately adjacent thereto. exceed 10 times the ampacity of the secondary conductor.
(4) The disconnecting means for the tap conductors is instal‐
led at a readily accessible location complying with one of Informational Note: For overcurrent protection requirements
the following: for panelboards, see 408.36.

a. Outside of a building or structure (3) Industrial Installation Secondary Conductors Not over
b. Inside, nearest the point of entrance of the tap 7.5 m (25 ft) Long. For the supply of switchgear or switch‐
conductors boards in industrial installations only, where the length of the
c. Where installed in accordance with 230.6, nearest the secondary conductors does not exceed 7.5 m (25 ft) and
point of entrance of the tap conductors complies with all of the following:

(C) Transformer Secondary Conductors. A set of conductors (1) Conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that
feeding a single load, or each set of conductors feeding sepa‐ only qualified persons service the systems.
rate loads, shall be permitted to be connected to a transformer (2) The ampacity of the secondary conductors is not less than
secondary, without overcurrent protection at the secondary, as the secondary current rating of the transformer, and the

2017 Edition NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 70 –97

sum of the ratings of the overcurrent devices does not (H) Battery Conductors. Overcurrent protection shall be
exceed the ampacity of the secondary conductors. permitted to be installed as close as practicable to the storage
(3) All overcurrent devices are grouped. battery terminals in an unclassified location. Installation of the
(4) The secondary conductors are protected from physical overcurrent protection within a hazardous (classified) location
damage by being enclosed in an approved raceway or by shall also be permitted.
other approved means.
240.22 Grounded Conductor. No overcurrent device shall be
(4) Outside Secondary Conductors. Where the conductors connected in series with any conductor that is intentionally
are located outside of a building or structure, except at the grounded, unless one of the following two conditions is met:
point of load termination, and comply with all of the following (1) The overcurrent device opens all conductors of the
conditions: circuit, including the grounded conductor, and is
(1) The conductors are protected from physical damage in designed so that no pole can operate independently.
an approved manner. (2) Where required by 430.36 or 430.37 for motor overload
(2) The conductors terminate at a single circuit breaker or a protection.
single set of fuses that limit the load to the ampacity of
the conductors. This single overcurrent device shall be 240.23 Change in Size of Grounded Conductor. Where a
permitted to supply any number of additional overcur‐ change occurs in the size of the ungrounded conductor, a simi‐
rent devices on its load side. lar change shall be permitted to be made in the size of the
(3) The overcurrent device for the conductors is an integral grounded conductor.
part of a disconnecting means or shall be located immedi‐ 240.24 Location in or on Premises.
ately adjacent thereto.
(4) The disconnecting means for the conductors is installed (A) Accessibility. Switches containing fuses and circuit break‐
at a readily accessible location complying with one of the ers shall be readily accessible and installed so that the center of
following: the grip of the operating handle of the switch or circuit
breaker, when in its highest position, is not more than 2.0 m
a. Outside of a building or structure (6 ft 7 in.) above the floor or working platform, unless one of
b. Inside, nearest the point of entrance of the conduc‐ the following applies:
tors
c. Where installed in accordance with 230.6, nearest the (1) For busways, as provided in 368.17(C).
point of entrance of the conductors (2) For supplementary overcurrent protection, as described
in 240.10.
(5) Secondary Conductors from a Feeder Tapped Trans‐ (3) For overcurrent devices, as described in 225.40 and
former. Transformer secondary conductors installed in 230.92.
accordance with 240.21(B)(3) shall be permitted to have over‐ (4) For overcurrent devices adjacent to utilization equipment
current protection as specified in that section. that they supply, access shall be permitted to be by porta‐
(6) Secondary Conductors Not over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long. ble means.
Where the length of secondary conductor does not exceed Exception: The use of a tool shall be permitted to access overcurrent
7.5 m (25 ft) and complies with all of the following: devices located within listed industrial control panels or similar enclo‐
(1) The secondary conductors shall have an ampacity that is sures.
not less than the value of the primary-to-secondary volt‐ (B) Occupancy. Each occupant shall have ready access to all
age ratio multiplied by one-third of the rating of the over‐ overcurrent devices protecting the conductors supplying that
current device protecting the primary of the transformer. occupancy, unless otherwise permitted in 240.24(B)(1) and
(2) The secondary conductors terminate in a single circuit (B)(2).
breaker or set of fuses that limit the load current to not
more than the conductor ampacity that is permitted by (1) Service and Feeder Overcurrent Devices. Where electric
310.15. service and electrical maintenance are provided by the build‐
(3) The secondary conductors are protected from physical ing management and where these are under continuous build‐
damage by being enclosed in an approved raceway or by ing management supervision, the service overcurrent devices
other approved means. and feeder overcurrent devices supplying more than one occu‐
pancy shall be permitted to be accessible only to authorized
(D) Service Conductors. Service conductors shall be permit‐ management personnel in the following:
ted to be protected by overcurrent devices in accordance with
230.91. (1) Multiple-occupancy buildings
(2) Guest rooms or guest suites
(E) Busway Taps. Busways and busway taps shall be permitted
to be protected against overcurrent in accordance with 368.17. (2) Branch-Circuit Overcurrent Devices. Where electric serv‐
ice and electrical maintenance are provided by the building
(F) Motor Circuit Taps. Motor-feeder and branch-circuit management and where these are under continuous building
conductors shall be permitted to be protected against overcur‐ management supervision, the branch-circuit overcurrent devi‐
rent in accordance with 430.28 and 430.53, respectively. ces supplying any guest rooms or guest suites without perma‐
(G) Conductors from Generator Terminals. Conductors from nent provisions for cooking shall be permitted to be accessible
generator terminals that meet the size requirement in 445.13 only to authorized management personnel.
shall be permitted to be protected against overload by the
generator overload protective device(s) required by 445.12.

70 –98 NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE 2017 Edition