NEC Article 225 outlines the requirements for the installation of outside branch circuits and feeders. These guidelines ensure the safe transmission of electrical power between buildings or structures on the same premises and to outbuildings. Here is a comprehensive overview of NEC Article 225, covering sections 225.1 to 225.60:
225.1 Scope
This section establishes the scope of Article 225, which includes the installation of outside branch circuits and feeders that extend between buildings or structures on the same premises and to outbuildings.
225.2 Other Articles for Specific-Purpose Branch Circuits and Feeders
This section references other NEC articles that provide additional requirements for specific-purpose branch circuits and feeders, such as those serving agricultural buildings, mobile homes, and recreational vehicles.
225.3 Other Articles
Specifies the application of other articles in conjunction with Article 225, including grounding and bonding requirements found in Article 250.
225.4 Conductor Covering
Outlines the requirements for conductor covering, ensuring that conductors used in outdoor circuits and feeders are properly insulated and protected from the environment.
225.5 Size of Conductors
Specifies the minimum size of conductors for outdoor circuits and feeders, ensuring they are adequately rated to carry the expected load without overheating.
225.6 Conductor Material
This section specifies the materials that can be used for outdoor circuit and feeder conductors, such as copper, aluminum, and copper-clad aluminum.
225.7 Lighting Equipment Installed Outdoors
Provides guidelines for the installation of lighting equipment outdoors, including the types of fixtures and the necessary protective measures.
225.10 Wiring on Buildings
This section covers the requirements for wiring installed on the exterior surfaces of buildings, including securing and supporting methods to prevent damage from weather and other environmental factors.
225.11 Splices and Taps
Outlines the requirements for making splices and taps in outdoor circuits and feeders, ensuring they are made in a manner that maintains the integrity of the conductors and provides adequate protection from the environment.
225.12 Open-Conductor Supports
Specifies the requirements for supporting open conductors in outdoor installations, including the use of insulators and other methods to prevent contact with other structures or equipment.
225.14 Protection from Physical Damage
Provides guidelines for protecting outdoor circuits and feeders from physical damage, such as using conduit or other protective coverings.
225.18 Clearance from Ground and Buildings
This section specifies the minimum clearance requirements for overhead conductors to ensure safety and prevent contact with buildings, structures, or the ground.
225.19 Clearances from Buildings for Conductors of Not Over 600 Volts
Details the specific clearance requirements for conductors operating at 600 volts or less to prevent accidental contact and ensure safety.
225.20 Equipment Grounding Conductor
Specifies the requirements for equipment grounding conductors in outdoor circuits and feeders, ensuring they are properly sized and installed to provide adequate fault protection.
225.22 Number of Supplies
Limits the number of supplies that can be connected to a building or structure to prevent overloading and ensure safe operation.
225.25 Location of Outside Disconnecting Means
Requires that the disconnecting means for outdoor circuits and feeders be installed in a readily accessible location to facilitate safe maintenance and emergency disconnection.
225.30 Number of Supplies
Specifies that only one feeder or branch circuit supply is permitted to a building or structure unless otherwise allowed by the NEC.
225.31 Disconnecting Means
Requires a disconnecting means for all outside branch circuits and feeders to ensure the safety of personnel performing maintenance or repairs.
225.32 Location
Specifies the location requirements for the disconnecting means to ensure accessibility and safety.
225.33 Maximum Number of Disconnects
Limits the number of disconnects for each supply to ensure ease of operation and safety during emergencies.
225.34 Grouping of Disconnects
Requires that disconnects be grouped together when more than one is installed to ensure they are easily located and operated.
225.35 Access to Occupants
Ensures that disconnecting means are accessible to occupants of the building or structure to facilitate safe operation.
225.36 Suitable for Service Equipment
Specifies that the disconnecting means must be suitable for use as service equipment, ensuring they meet the necessary safety standards.
225.37 Identification
Requires that the disconnecting means be clearly identified to indicate the circuits or feeders they control.
225.38 Disconnect Construction
Specifies the construction requirements for disconnecting means to ensure they are durable and capable of safely interrupting the circuit.
225.39 Rating of Disconnect
Provides guidelines for determining the rating of the disconnecting means based on the load and voltage of the circuit or feeder.
225.40 Indicating
Requires that the disconnecting means include an indicator to show whether the circuit is open or closed.
225.41 Access to Work Space
Ensures that adequate working space is provided around the disconnecting means to facilitate safe operation and maintenance.
225.42 Fuses or Circuit Breakers
Specifies the use of fuses or circuit breakers as overcurrent protection devices for outdoor circuits and feeders.
225.43 Surge Protection
Outlines the requirements for surge protection devices in outdoor circuits and feeders to protect equipment from voltage spikes and transients.
225.45 Equipment Grounding Conductors
Specifies the requirements for grounding conductors in outdoor circuits and feeders to ensure proper fault protection.
225.50 Grounding Electrode Conductor
Provides guidelines for the installation of grounding electrode conductors to ensure they provide adequate grounding for outdoor circuits and feeders.
225.52 Conductor Enclosures
Specifies the requirements for enclosures used to protect conductors in outdoor installations, ensuring they provide adequate protection from the environment.
225.55 Underwater Installations
Outlines the requirements for installing conductors and equipment underwater, ensuring they are adequately protected from moisture and physical damage.
225.60 Special Provisions for Fire Pumps
Provides specific requirements for feeders supplying fire pumps to ensure they remain operational during emergencies.
Conclusion
NEC Article 225 provides comprehensive guidelines for the installation and protection of outside branch circuits and feeders. These requirements are crucial for ensuring the safe transmission of electrical power between buildings or structures on the same premises and to outbuildings.
For detailed information and further context, referring to the NEC Handbook and other resources provided by the NFPA is highly recommended.