NEC Article 215 outlines the requirements for feeders, which are circuits that carry electricity from the service equipment to branch circuit distribution points. This article ensures that feeders are installed correctly to maintain system integrity and safety. Here is a comprehensive overview of NEC Article 215, covering sections 215.1 to 215.18:

215.1 Scope

This section establishes the scope of Article 215, which covers the installation and requirements for feeder conductors and equipment.

215.2 Minimum Rating and Size

• 215.2(A) Feeders Not More Than 600 Volts: Specifies the minimum rating and size of feeders based on their load and the type of occupancy they serve.
• 215.2(A)(1) General: Feeders must be sized to carry the calculated load, and conductors must have adequate ampacity.
• 215.2(A)(2) Specific Circuits: Provides guidance for feeders supplying specific types of loads.
• 215.2(A)(3) Small Conductors: Restrictions on the use of conductors smaller than the sizes specified in the code.
• 215.2(A)(4) Grounding Conductors: Requirements for equipment grounding conductors in feeders.
• 215.2(B) Feeders Over 600 Volts: Specifies the requirements for feeders operating at voltages over 600 volts.

215.3 Overcurrent Protection

This section outlines the requirements for overcurrent protection of feeder circuits:

• Feeders must have overcurrent protection based on the ampacity of the conductors.
• The protection device must be capable of interrupting any fault current that may occur.

215.4 Feeders with Common Neutral

• 215.4(A) General: Describes the conditions under which feeders with a common neutral are permitted.
• 215.4(B) Ampacity Adjustment: Provides guidelines for adjusting the ampacity of feeders with a common neutral.

215.5 Diagrams of Feeders

This section requires that diagrams showing feeder arrangements be available on the premises for large or complex systems to facilitate maintenance and troubleshooting.

215.6 Feeder Conductor Grounding

Specifies the grounding requirements for feeder conductors, ensuring they are grounded properly to maintain system safety.

215.7 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Feeders

This section mandates ground-fault circuit-interrupter (GFCI) protection for feeders in specific situations to enhance safety.

215.8 Location of Overcurrent Protection Device

Overcurrent protection devices for feeders must be located to ensure accessibility and safety. This section provides guidelines on the appropriate placement of these devices.

215.9 Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment

This section requires ground-fault protection for feeders supplying specific types of equipment to prevent damage and ensure safety.

215.10 Arc-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Feeders

Arc-fault circuit-interrupter (AFCI) protection is required for feeders in certain locations to prevent electrical fires.

215.11 Reconditioned Equipment

Specifies requirements for the use of reconditioned equipment in feeder installations, ensuring that such equipment meets safety standards.

215.12 Identification for Feeders

Feeder conductors must be identified for polarity and phase at all termination points to prevent wiring errors and ensure proper operation.

215.13 Voltage Drop

Recommends that feeder conductors be sized to limit the voltage drop to 3% at the farthest outlet to ensure efficient operation of electrical equipment.

215.14 Maximum Number of Disconnects

Limits the number of disconnecting means for feeders to ensure safety and compliance with the NEC.

215.15 Feeders Supplying Equipment Loads

Specifies requirements for feeders that supply equipment loads, ensuring they are properly sized and protected.

215.16 Emergency Systems

Provides guidelines for feeders that supply emergency systems, ensuring reliability and safety in critical situations.

215.17 Temporary Feeders

Outlines the requirements for temporary feeder installations, ensuring they are safe and comply with the NEC.

215.18 Industrial Establishments

Specifies additional requirements for feeders in industrial establishments to address unique operational and safety needs.

Conclusion

NEC Article 215 provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation and protection of feeders, ensuring they are safe, reliable, and capable of supplying the necessary power to distribution points within a building. These requirements help prevent electrical hazards and ensure the integrity of electrical systems.

For detailed information and further context, referring to the NEC Handbook and other resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended.