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Overcurrent Protection And The 2002 National Electrical Code
NE02
Questions & Answers To Help You Comply
In the pdf format this electronic version can be navigated by: 1. Scrolling using the side bar. 2. From the Contents, pages 3 & 4, click either the Section Number or Heading Topic of interest. 3. Using Catch Phrasesfound on pages A1 & A2 at the end of the document or using the button on this page. 4. Go to the edit menu, find and type phrase. Click find again to find repeated occurrences.
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On-Line Training
available on www.bussmann.com See inside cover for details
presentation format of questions and answers has been
used in this bulletin to focus on the factors which are pertinent to a basic understanding and application of overcurrent protective devices. Relevant sections of the National Electrical Code are referenced and analyzed in detail. Sections are translated into simple, easily understood language, complemented by one-line diagrams giving sound, practical means of applying overcurrent protection, as well as affording compliance with the National Electrical Code. This Buss bulletin is helpful to engineers, contractors, electricians, plant maintenance personnel, and electrical inspectors. It also should prove to be a valuable training aid for formal and informal instruction.
Free Training at www.bussmann.com

Bussmann offers training modules that complement this NE02 bulletin. Use these learning aids with the NE02 Bulletin. (1) On-Line Narrated Presentations Narrated presentations for some key NEC sections can be played on-line over the Internet. The audio narration plays on your computer speakers while the graphic presentation displays on your computer monitor. (2) Downloadable PowerPoint Presentations PowerPoint presentations with scripts that can be downloaded to your computer and shown using PowerPoint. You can use these presentations for your own individual learning or presenters/trainers can use them for group sessions.
National Electrical Code and NEC are registered trademarks of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), Inc., Quincy, MA 02269. This bulletin does not reflect the official position of the NFPA. Great care has been taken to assure the recommendations herein are in accordance with the NEC and sound engineering principles. Bussmann cannot take responsibility for errors or omissions that may exist. The responsibility for compliance with the regulatory standards lies with the user.
Copyright March 2002 by Cooper Bussmann, Inc. Printed U.S.A.
Contents
Page
90.2 110.3(A)(5), (6) and (8) 110.3(B) 110.9 110.10 110.16 110.22 210.20(A) and 215.3 215.10 230.82 230.95 240.1 240.2 240.4 240.5 240.6 240.8 240.9 240.10 240.12 240.13 240.21 240.40 240.50 240.51 240.53 and 254 240.60 240.61 240.83 240.85 240.86 240.90 and 240.2 240.92(B) 240.92(B)(1) 240.92(B)(2) 240.92(C) 240.100 240.100(B) 240.100(C) 250 250.2 250.4(A)(4) & (5) 250.4(B)(4) 250.90 250.96(A) 250.122 310.10 368.11 and 368.12 408.16 430.1 430.6 430.8
Scope of the NEC 5 Requirements for Equipment Selection 5 Requirements for Proper Installation of Listed and Labeled Equipment 5 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices 6 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits 10 Flash Protection Field Marking 14 Field Marking of Series Combination Ratings16 Ratings of Overcurrent Devices on Branch Circuits and Feeders Serving Continuous and Non-Continuous Loads 17 Requirements for Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment on Feeders 17 Equipment Allowed to be Connected on the Line Side of the Service Disconnect 18 Ground Fault Protection for Services 18 Scope of Article 240 on Overcurrent Protection 19 Definitions: Coordination, Current-limiting Overcurrent Protective Device, and Tap Conductors 21 Protection of Conductors Other Than Flexible Cords and Fixture Wires 22 Protection Flexible Cords, Fixture Cables and Fixture Wires 22 Standard Ampere Ratings 22 Protective Devices Used in Parallel and 404.17 Fused Switches 23 Thermal Devices 23 Requirements for Supplementary Overcurrent Protection 23 System Coordination or Selectivity 24 Ground Fault Protection of Equipment on Buildings or Remote Structures 25 Location Requirements for Overcurrent Devices and Tap Conductors 25 Disconnecting Means for Fuses 29 Plug Fuses, Fuseholders, and Adapters 30 Edison-Base Fuses 30 Type S Fuses, Adapters and Fuseholders 30 Cartridge Fuses and Fuseholders 31 Classification of Fuses and Fuseholders 31 Circuit Breaker Markings 31 Clarifies Requirements for the Use of Slash-Rated Circuit Breakers and Application of Individual Pole Interrupting Capabilities for Various Grounding Schemes 32 Series Ratings 37 Supervised Industrial Installations 39 Transformer Secondary Conductors of Separately Derived Systems (Supervised Industrial Installations only) 39 Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault Protection (Supervised Industrial Installations only) 39 Overload Protection (Supervised Industrial Installations only) 39 Outside Feeder Taps (Supervised Industrial Installations only) 40 Feeder and Branch Circuit Protection Over 600 Volts Nominal 40 Protective Devices 40 Conductor Protection 40 Grounding 41 Definitions (Grounding) 41 General Requirements for Grounded Systems 41 General Requirements for Ungrounded Systems 42 Bonding Requirements and Short-Circuit Current Rating42 Bonding Other Enclosures and Short-Circuit Current Requirements 42 Sizing of Equipment Grounding Conductors 43 Temperature Limitation of Conductors 44 Busway Reduction and Feeders or Branch Circuits 44 Panelboard Overcurrent Protection 44 Scope of Motor Article 44 Ampacity of Conductors for Motor Branch Circuits and Feeders 44 Marking on Controllers 45
3
Contents (continued)
Page
430.32 430.36 430.52 430.53 430.62 and 430.63 430.71 430.72(A) 430.72(B) 430.72(C) 430.83(E) 430.94 430.102 430.109(A)(6) 440.5 440.22 450.3 450.3(A) 450.3(B) 450.6(A)(3) 455.7 460.8(B) 501.6(B) 517.17 520.53(F)(2) 550.6(B) 610.14(C) Article 620 620.51 620.61 620.62 620.91 670.3 700.5 700.16 700.25 701.6 702.5 705.16 725.23 760.23 Form
Motor Overload Protection 45 Fuses Used to Provide Overload and Single-Phasing Protection 45 Sizing of Various Overcurrent Devices for Motor Branch Circuit Protection 46 Connecting Several Motors or Loads on One Branch Circuit 47 Sizing Fuses for Feeders with Motor Loads 47 Motor Control-Circuit Protection 48 Motor Control-Circuit Overcurrent Protection 48 Motor Control-Circuit Conductor Protection 48 Motor Control-Circuit Transformer Protection 49 Requirements for Controllers with Slash Voltage Ratings 50 Motor Control Center Protection 50 Requirements For Disconnecting Means Within Sight Of Motors 51 Manual Motor Controller as a Motor Disconnect 52 Marking Requirements on HVAC Controllers 52 Application and Selection of the Branch Circuit Protection for HVAC Equipment 52 Protection Requirements for Transformers 52 Protection Requirements for Transformers Over 600 Volts 53 Protection Requirements for Transformers 600 Volts or Less 54 Tie Circuit Protection 54 Overcurrent Protection Requirements for Phase Converters 54 Overcurrent Protection of Capacitors 54 Fuses for Class I, Division 2 Locations 55 Requirements for Ground Fault Protection and Coordination in Health Care Facilities 55 Protection of Portable Switchboards on Stage 55 Overcurrent Protection Requirements for Mobile Homes and Parks 56 Conductor Sizes and Protection for Cranes and Hoists 56 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Wheelchair Lifts, and Stairway Chair Lifts 56 Disconnecting Means (Elevators) 57 Overcurrent Protection (Elevators) 57 Selective Coordination (Elevators) 58 Emergency and Standby Power Systems (C)Disconnecting Means (Elevators) 58 Industrial Machinery 59 Emergency Systems Their Capacity and Rating 60 Emergency Illumination 60 Emergency System Overcurrent Protection Requirements (FPN) 60 Legally Required Standby Systems Capacity and Rating 61 Optional Standby Systems Capacity and Rating 61 Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources Interrupting and Short-Circuit Current Rating 61 Overcurrent Protection for Class 1 Circuits 61 Requirements for Nonpower-Limited Fire Alarm Signaling Circuits 61 Series Rating Inspection Form 62 & 63
90.2 Scope of the NEC

What does this Section mean? 90.2(B) covers installations that are not covered by requirements of the NEC. However, the fine print note states that it is the intent of this section that utility installed utilization equipment located on private property is subject to the National Electrical Code.
110.3(A)(5), (6) and (8) Requirements for Equipment Selection

What does 110.3(A)(5), (6) and (8) require? When equipment is selected, its arc-flash protection capability and finger-safe rating must be evaluated. When equipment is energized, and the door is open, the possibility exists that an employee could accidentally create an arcing fault or come into contact with a live part. Equipment must be evaluated for both possibilities, and be chosen for minimum employee exposure to either danger. See discussion on 110.16.
110.3(B) Requirements for Proper Installation of Listed and Labeled Equipment

What is the importance of Section 110.3(B)? Equipment that is listed is subject to specific conditions of installation or operation. The conditions must be followed for safe and proper operation. What is the protection requirement of an air conditioner when its name plate specifies Maximum Fuse Size AMPS?
CIRCUIT BREAKER BRANCH CIRCUIT NON-FUSED DISCONNECT
AIR CONDITIONER MARKED WITH "MAX" FUSE
ADME
UL
812H
LISTED SECTION OF CENTRAL COOLING AIR CONDITIONER TYPE NO.
8RY461M3-A
VAC COMPRESSOR FAN MOTOR
FOR OUTDOOR USE

ELECTRICAL RATINGS PH CYC
230 230 37 60 207
LRA
Violates NEC & Listing Requirements
60 60
140
FUSED FEEDER CIRCUIT BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSED DISCONNECT AIR CONDITIONER MARKED WITH "MAX" FUSE
* C O M P R E S S O R R AT E D I N R L A MINIMUM CIRCUIT AMPACITY MAXIMUM FUSE SIZE AMPS MINIMUM OPERATING VOLTAGE FACTORY CHARGED WITH REFRIGERATOR SEE CONTROL PANEL COVER FOR A OF SYSTEM REFRIGERANT
Typical Nameplate of a Central Air Conditioning Unit.
Fuse protection in the branch circuit is mandatory to meet the requirements of the U.L. Listings and the National Electrical Code. Note that the U.L. Orange Book Electrical Appliance and Utilization Equipment Directory, April 2000, requires the following for heating and cooling equipment: Such multimotor and combination load equipment is to be connected only to a circuit protected by fuses or a circuit breaker with a rating which does not exceed the value marked on the data plate. This marked protective device rating is the maximum for which the equipment has been investigated and found acceptable. Where the marking specifies fuses, or HACR Type circuit breakers, the circuit is intended to be protected only by the type of protective device specified. U.L. Standard 1995 also covers this subject. What about a motor starter heater table (such as that shown below) which specifies Maximum Fuse?
Heater Code Marking XX03 XX04 XX05 XX06 Full-Load Current of Motor (Amperes) (40C Ambient) .25- .27 .28- .31 .32- .34 .35- .38 Max. Fuse
Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements

FUSED BRANCH CIRCUIT
NON-FUSED DISCONNECT
Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements

1 3 3 3 6 6 6 6 6
CIRCUIT BREAKER
XX14 .76- .83 XX15 .84- .91 XX16 .92-1.00 XX17 1.01-1.11 XX18 1.12-1.22 Above Heaters for use on Size 0
BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSED DISCONNECT
Like an air conditioner, use of fuse protection is mandatory. Also, the fuse must provide branch circuit protection and be no larger than the specified size [430.53(C)]. The chart shown, for example, is typical for starter manufacturers and may be found on the inside of the door of the starter enclosure. (See starter manufacturer for specific recommendations.)
Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements 5
110.3(B) Requirements for Proper Installation of Listed and Labeled Equipment

What violation exists when a series-rated panelboard with a 42/10 system rating has the potential to see a fault current less than 4 ft. from the loadside circuit breaker? U.L. 489 Series Rating tests allow a maximum of 4 ft. of rated wire to be connected to the branch circuit breaker. Whenever the potential for a fault exists closer than 4 ft. from the circuit breaker, i.e., where the 12 AWG wire leaves the enclosure, or a maintenance man is working on the equipment hot, a violation of 110.3(B) exists, as does a potentially hazardous condition. In this situation, the interrupting ability of the finely tuned and tested combination is compromised and a safety hazard may result.
200A 42KA.I.R .
40,000 Amperes Available #12 Cu WIRE 10KA.I.R. 20A CB's Branch Circuit Fault <4' from Branch Circuit Breaker
200A Panelboard
110.9 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices

What is the importance of Section 110.9? Equipment designed to break fault or operating currents must have a rating sufficient to withstand such currents. This article emphasizes the difference between clearing fault level currents and clearing operating currents. Protective devices such as fuses and circuit breakers are designed to clear fault currents and, therefore, must have short-circuit interrupting ratings sufficient for fault levels. Equipment such as contactors and switches have interrupting ratings for currents at other than fault levels. Thus, the interrupting rating of electrical equipment is divided into two parts.
Note: Breaking current at other than fault levels.
In this circuit, what interrupting rating must the fuse have?

Available fault current50,000 amperes
The rating of contactors, motor starters, switches, circuit breakers and other devices for closing in and/or disconnecting loads at operating current levels must be sufficient for the current to be interrupted, including inrush currents of transformers, tungsten lamps, capacitors, etc. In addition to handling the full-load current of a motor, a switch and motor starter must also be capable of handling its locked rotor current. If the switch or motor starter has a horsepower rating at least as great as that of the motor, they will adequately disconnect even the locked rotor current of the motor. Most people are familiar with the normal current carrying ampere rating of a fuse or circuit breaker; however, what is a short-circuit interrupting rating? It is the maximum short-circuit current that an overcurrent protective device can safely interrupt under specified test conditions. What is a devices interrupting capacity? The following definition of Interrupting Capacity is from the IEEE Standard Dictionary of Electrical and Electronic Terms: Interrupting Capacity: The highest current at rated voltage that the device can interrupt. Because of the way fuses are short-circuit tested (without additional cable impedance), their interrupting capacity is greater than or equal to their interrupting rating. Because of the way circuit breakers are short circuit tested (with additional cable impedance), their interrupting capacity can be less than, equal to, or greater than their interrupting rating. What happens if a fault current exceeds the interrupting rating of a fuse or the interrupting capacity of a circuit breaker? It can be damaged or destroyed. Severe equipment damage and personnel injury can result.
At least 50,000 amperes. (Class R, J, T, L and CC fuses have an Interrupting Rating of at least 200,000 amperes. The interrupting rating of a fuse and switch combination may also be 200,000 amperes. . .well above the available short-circuit current of 50,000 amperes. The interrupting rating of Class G fuses is 100,000 amperes; K1 and K5 fuses can be 50,000, 100,000, or 200,000 amperes.) In this circuit, what interrupting rating must the circuit breaker have?
Available fault current50,000 amperes
Some value greater than or equal to 50,000 amperes. See discussion Molded Case Circuit BreakersUL 489 and CSA Test Procedures later in this discussion of 110.9 for further evaluation. (Faults within four feet of the breaker could cause complete destruction of the breaker if it is applied where the available fault current approaches the tested interrupting capacity of the breaker.) Section 110.9 also requires the overcurrent device to have a sufficient interrupting rating for both phase-to-phase voltage and phase-to-ground voltage. What is the significance of this requirement? Molded case circuit breakers typically have lower single-pole interrupting capabilities than their multi-pole interrupting rating. See discussion for section 240.85 on slash ratings and single pole interrupting capabilities. How does one know in practical applications if an overcurrent protective devices interrupting rating is sufficient? It is necessary to use tables or calculate the maximum short circuit current that is available at the line side of each overcurrent protective device. Then select an overcurrent protective device that has an interrupting rating equal to or greater than the maximum short circuit current. Modern current-limiting branch circuit fuses have interrupting ratings typically of 200,000 or 300,000 amperes, which is sufficient for most applications.

How does Section 110.9 pertain to services? Service equipment must be able to withstand available shortcircuit currents. More specifically, the service switchboard, panelboard, etc., and the protective devices which they incorporate must have a short-circuit rating equal to or greater than the short-circuit current available at the line side of the equipment. In this circuit, what must be the short-circuit rating of the switchboard?
100,000A available fault current
As shown in the circuit, can fuses be used to protect circuit breakers with a low interrupting rating?
10,000A.I.C. breakers 200 ampere service entrance panel must have a short circuit rating equal to or greater than 100,000 amperes
Fuses must have 100,000 amperes interrupting rating or greater
Yes. Properly selected fuses can protect circuit breakers as well as branch circuit conductors by limiting short-circuit currents to a low level even though available short-circuit current is as high as 100,000 amperes. (Buss LOW-PEAK YELLOW or T-TRON fuses give optimum protection.) See the discussion on series ratings in 240.86 of this booklet. Application Note: Residential100 ampere and 200 ampere fused main-branch circuit breaker panels are commercially available. These load centers incorporate the small-sized T-TRON JJN fuses which make it possible to obtain a 100,000 amperes short-circuit current rating. Mobile home meter pedestals are also available incorporating the T-TRON JJN fuses in a Fuse Pullout Unit. Apartment ComplexesHave high densities of current and, therefore, high short-circuit currents for the typical meters. Grouped meter stacks are commercially available using the TTRON JJN fuses (up to 1200 amperes) to give the proper shortcircuit protection. Meter stacks are also available with Class T fuse pullouts on the load side of each meter.
Answer: at least 100,000 amperes. What must be the interrupting rating of the fuses? 100,000 amperes or greater. (Most current-limiting fuses have an interrupting rating of 200,000 or 300,000 amperes.) In this circuit, what must be the interrupting capacity of the main circuit breaker, and the short-circuit rating of the switchboard?
SWITCHBOARD 100,000A available fault current
MAIN BREAKER
FEEDER CIRCUIT BREAKERS
Answer: at least 100,000 amperes.
JJN FUSE (up to 1200A)
JJN FUSE (up to 1200A) CLASS T FUSES
METERS METERS
For other important related discussions see sections 240.85 slash ratings, 240.85 single pole interrupting and 240.86 series ratings.

Does an overcurrent protective device with a high interrupting rating assure circuit component protection? No. Choosing overcurrent protective devices strictly on the basis of voltage, current, and interrupting rating alone will not assure component protection from short-circuit currents. High interrupting capacity electro-mechanical overcurrent protective devices, (circuit breakers) especially those that are not current-limiting, may not be capable of protecting wire, cable, starters, or other components within the higher short-circuit ranges. See discussion of Sections 110.10 and 240.1 for the requirements that overcurrent protective devices must meet to protect components such as motor starters, contactors, relays, switches, conductors, and bus structures.
Calculating Short-Circuit Current
COOPER
Power Systems Division

THREE PHASE TRANSFORMER 65C 60 HERTZ RISE 500 VOLTAGE12470GRD. Y/7200
KVA
SER.
RATING CAT NO % IMP BIL-KV HV FULL-WAVE TANK & FITTINGS UNTANKING
480Y/277
HV GAL OIL CLASS OA LBS. LBS. LBS. ENCLOSURE LBS. TOTAL LBS. OIL
PCWN 416124-500-L1 WDG. 1.3 MAT LV

LV
H2
X2 H0X0 H3X1 X3
It is necessary to calculate available short-circuit currents at various points in a system to determine whether the equipment meets the requirements of Sections 110.9 and 110.10. How does one calculate the values of short-circuit currents at various points throughout a distribution system? There are a number of methods. Some give approximate values; some require extensive computations and are quite exacting. A simple, usually adequate method is the Buss Point-To-Point procedure presented in Buss bulletin SPD, Selecting Protective Devices. A program using the Buss Point-to-Point procedure can be found on www.bussmann.com and on the Bussmann Ready Reference CD. The point-to-point method is based on computation of the two main circuit impedance parameters: transformers and cables. Of these two components, the transformer is generally the major short-circuit current factor for faults near the service entrance. The percent impedance of the transformer can vary considerably. Thus, the transformer specification should always be checked. As shown in the illustration of a typical transformer nameplate, % impedance is specifically designated. Given the full-load transformer secondary amperage and percent impedance of a transformer, how can you compute the level of shortcircuit amperes that can be delivered at the secondary terminals (Assuming an infinite, unlimited, short-circuit current at the primary)? ISCA = (F.L.A.) x 100 %Z x .9 Given: 1.3% impedance from nameplate of 500 KVA transformer with a 480V secondary 601 Full-Load Amperes (from Table) ISCA = 601 x 100 = 51,368 Amperes 1.3 x .9
H1
0 ANGULAR DISP. H1H2H3 H0X0 X1 X2 X3
%Z or Percentage Impedance
What are typical values of transformer short-circuit currents? Short-Circuit Currents Available from Various Size Transformers
Voltage+ and Phase KVA FullLoad Amperes 104 156 209 313 417 695 416 625 833 1388 2082 2776 4164 5552 6950 135 181 271 361 601 902 1203 1804 2406 3007 % Impedance (Name plate) 1.58 1.56 1.54 1.6 1.6 1.8 1.07 1.12 1.11 1.24 3.5 3.5 3.5 5.0 5.0 1.0 1.2 1.2 1.2 1.3 3.5 3.5 3.5 5.0 5.0
Short-
120/240 1 ph.*
120/208 3 ph.
277/480 3 ph.
25 371/2 50 75 100 167 150 225 300 500 750 1000 1500 2000 2500 1121/2 150 225 300 500 750 1000 1500 2000 2500
Circuit Amperes 11,574 17,351 23,122 32,637 42,478 60,255 43,198 62,004 83,383 124,373 66,095 88,127 132,190 123,377 154,444 15,000 16,759 25,082 33,426 51,368 28,410 38,180 57,261 53,461 66,822
Three-phase short-circuit currents based on "infinite" primary. * Single-phase values are L-N values at transformer terminals. These figures are based on change in turns ratio between primary and secondary, 100,000 KVA primary, zero feet from terminals of transformer, 1.2 (%X) and 1.5 (%R) multipliers for L-N vs. L-L reactance and resistance values, and transformer X/R ratio = 3. U.L. listed transformers 25KVA or greater have a 10% impedance tolerance. ShortCircuit Amperes reflect a worst case scenario. + Fluctuations in system voltage will affect the available short-circuit current. For example, a 10% increase in system voltage will result in a 10% increase in the available short-circuit currents shown in the table.

Molded Case Circuit BreakersU.L. 489 and CSA 5 Test Procedures U.L. 489 requires a unique test set-up for testing circuit breaker interrupting ratings. Figure F illustrates a typical calibrated test circuit waveform for a 20 ampere, 240 volt, 2-pole molded case circuit breaker, with a marked interrupting rating of 22,000 amperes, RMS symmetrical. Figure F
Ip = 48,026A
Following is an example of a partial table showing the actual IP and IRMS values to which circuit breakers are tested.
240V2-Pole MCCB INTERRUPTING CAPACITIES (KA) CB 10KA 14KA 18KA RATING Ip Irms Ip Irms Ip 15A 7.2 5.1 8.7 6.1 9.3 20A 8.9 6.3 11.4 8.1 12.6 25A 10.7 7.5 14.2 10.1 16.5 30A 10.7 7.5 14.2 10.1 16.5 40A 11.7 8.3 16.0 11.3 19.2 50A 11.7 8.3 16.0 11.3 19.2 60A 12.5 8.8 17.3 12.2 21.3 70A 13.0 9.2 18.1 12.8 22.6 80A 13.0 9.2 18.1 12.8 22.6 90A 13.2 9.3 18.3 12.9 23.0 100A 13.2 9.3 18.3 12.9 23.0 22KA Ip 9.9 14.0 19.9 19.9 22.7 22.7 25.6 27.4 27.4 27.9 27.9
IRMS = 22,000A Amps
P.F. = 20% IRMS = 22,000 Amps
Irms 6.6 8.9 11.7 11.7 13.6 13.6 15.1 16.0 16.0 16.3 16.3
Irms 7.0 9.9 13.5 13.5 16.1 16.1 18.1 19.4 19.4 19.7 19.7
These values are known as the circuit breakers interrupting capacities.

Time
Figure G illustrates the test circuit as allowed by U.L. 489. Figure G

S.C. P.F. = 20% S.C. Avail. = 22,000A RLINE XLINE RS XS SOURCE: 4' Rated Wire (12 AWG Cu) 10" Rated Wire (12 AWG Cu) 20A RCB XCB
RLOAD XLOAD
Note: For calculations, RCB and XCB are assumed negligible.
What about the bus shot tests? Wont those prove that circuit breakers can safely and properly interrupt their marked interrupting rating? No! Beginning 10/31/2000, UL 489 requires circuit breakers rated 100A and less to additionally be tested under bus bar conditions. In this test, line and load terminals are connected to 10" of rated conductor. For single pole circuit breakers, these 10" leads are then connected to 4' of 1 AWG for connection to the test station. For multipole circuit breakers, the 10" line side leads are connected to the test station through 4' of 1 AWG. The load side is shorted by 10" leads of rated conductor per pole. These bus shots still do not fully address the situation where a fault can occur less than 4'10" from the circuit breaker. For example, 7.1.11.6.3.1 of UL 489 states The inability to relatch, reclose, or otherwise reestablish continuity shall be considered acceptable for circuit breakers which are tested under bus bar conditions. This says the circuit breaker doesnt have to work after a close-in fault occurs, and is in violation of the 2002 NEC requirement for a circuit breaker which is found in the definition. The NEC defines a circuit breaker as: A device designed to open and close a circuit by nonautomatic means and to open the circuit automatically on a predetermined overcurrent without damage to itself when properly applied within its rating.
Standard interrupting rating tests will allow for a maximum 4 ft. rated wire on the line side, and 10 in. rated wire on the load side of the circuit breaker. Performing a short-circuit analysis of this test circuit results in the following short-circuit parameters, as seen by the circuit breaker. Actual short-circuit RMS current = 9900 amperes RMS symmetrical Actual short-circuit power factor = 88% Actual short-circuit peak current = 14,001 amperes Conclusion: This 14,000 ampere (with short-circuit power factor of 20%) interrupting rated circuit breaker has an interrupting capacity of 9,900 amperes at a short-circuit power factor of 88%. Unless there is a guarantee that no fault will ever occur at less than 4'10" from the load terminals of the circuit breaker, this circuit breaker must only be applied where there are 9,900 amperes or less available on its line side.
110.10 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits

What is the importance of Section 110.10? The design of a system must be such that short-circuit currents cannot exceed the short-circuit current ratings of the components selected as part of the system. Given specific system components and level of available short-circuit currents which could occur, overcurrent protective devices (mainly fuses and/or circuit breakers) must be used which will limit the energy let-through of fault currents to levels within the short-circuit current ratings of the system components. (Current-limitation is treated under 240.2 of this bulletin). The last sentence of Section 110.10 emphasizes the requirement to thoroughly review the product standards and to apply components within the short-circuit current ratings in those standards. What is component short-circuit current rating? It is a current rating given to conductors, switches, circuit breakers and other electrical components, which, if exceeded by fault currents, may result in extensive damage to the component. The rating is expressed in terms of time intervals and/or current values. Short-circuit damage can be heat generated or the result of electro-mechanical force of high-intensity, magnetic fields.
Conductor Protection
In this circuit, what is the maximum permissible available short-circuit current?

Available Short-Circuit Current 2' 12 AWG Cu (75C thermoplastic insulated Cu) PROTECTIVE DEVICE (1 cycle opening time; not current-limiting) Short-Circuit
2700 amperes. Since the protective device is not current-limiting, the short-circuit current must not exceed the one cycle withstand of the 12 AWG conductor, or 2700 amperes. In this 20 ampere circuit with a non-current-limiting protective device, what would be the smallest size conductor that would have to be used?
?
PROTECTIVE DEVICE (20A, 1 cycle opening time; not current limiting) Short-Circuit
How is the component withstand rating of conductors expressed? As shown in the table below, component withstand of conductors is expressed in terms of maximum short-circuit current vs. cycles (or time). See discussion in this booklet on 240.1 which provides more information on conductor short-circuit current withstand. TableCopper, 75 Thermoplastic Insulated Cable Damage Table* (Based on 60 HZ).
Copper Wire Size (AWG) 75 Thermoplastic 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 Maximum Short-Circuit Withstand Current in Amperes For For For 1/2 Cycle** 1 Cycle 2 Cycles 900** 700** 500** 1500** 1100** 700** 2,400 1,700** 1,200** 3,800 2,700** 1,900** 6,020 4,300 3,000 9,600 6,800 4,800 15,200 10,800 7,600 24,200 17,100 12,100
4 AWG wire. Since the protective device is not current-limiting, the wire selected must withstand 12,000 amperes for one cycle. In this circuit, what type of protective device must be used?
12,000A available fault current 2' #12 Cu PROTECTIVE DEVICE Short-Circuit
For 3 Cycles** 400** 600** 1,000 1,550 2,450 3,900 6,200 9,900
It must be current-limiting. When the available short-circuit current exceeds the short-circuit current rating of the wire, a protective device such as a current-limiting fuse, properly selected, will limit fault current to a level lower than the wire short-circuit current rating (3,800 amperes for 1/ 2 cycle). (See Section 240.1 FPN.) For instance, a LOW-PEAK YELLOW LPN-RK20SP fuse will limit the 12,000 amperes available short-circuit to less than 1000 amperes and clear in less than 1/ 2 cycle.
Footnotes*Reprinted from ICEA. **From ICEA formula
10

Conductor Short-Circuit Protection Using Fuse "Worst Case" Let-Thru Values Modern current limiting fuses provide excellent protection of conductors. In some applications, conductors are permitted to be protected by overcurrent protective devices that are sized greater than the conductor ampacity. Examples are control circuit conductors and equipment grounding conductors. In these conditions, conductor protection analysis is even more critical. Also, the smaller the wire size, the more difficult it is to provide proper protection; especially for 14 AWG and smaller. The reason is that the short circuit withstand for these smaller conductors is extremely low. The table below illustrates the inherent protection ability of current limiting fuses. This table shows, for short circuit conditions only, the smallest conductor that is protected by specific class and ampere rated fuses. The conductors are copper with 75 degree thermoplastic insulation. The conductor withstand is based on the Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. insulated cable damage charts in Publication 32-382. The fuse protection criterion is based on the maximum clearing I2t limits permitted in UL/CSA/ANCE 248, the Trinational Standards for fuses. These fuse I2t limits are established under worst case test conditions at the fuse rated voltage. It should be noted that commercially available fuses have I2t let-thru values less than these limits. Also, in most applications, the fuses are applied in systems where the voltage is less than the fuse rating and the short circuit conditions (actual short circuit current, short circuit power factor and point on voltage wave where short is initiated) may not approach the worst case test conditions required in UL/CSA/ANCE 248. This means that using commercially available fuses in practical applications, the actual fuse I2t let through values will be considerably less than the maximum limits established in the standard. So specific fuses may be able to provide short circuit protection to even smaller conductor sizes than shown in these tables. Smallest Conductor Size Protected By Specific Fuse for Short-Circuit Protection Only Based on: (1) ICEA Publication 32-382 for Conductor Withstand, (2) Copper Conductors, 75 Degree Thermoplastic Insulation, (3) Fuse Maximum Clearing I2t limits allowed per UL/CSA/ANCE 248 Fuse Standards, (4) 100,000 RMS Amperes Short-Circuit Current Fuse (Amp) LPJ 0-6 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 125 150 175 200 225 250 300 350 400 450 500 600 Wire (AWG) 20 18 18 18 18 18 16 16 16 14 14 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 6 6 6 4 4 Fuse (Amp) JJN 0-6 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 125 150 175 200 225 250 300 350 400 450 500 600 700 800 1000 1200 Fuse (Amp) LPS-RK LPN-RK 30 60 100 200 400 600 Wire (AWG) 22 20 20 20 20 18 18 16 16 16 16 14 14 14 14 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 6 6 6 6 4 4 Wire (AWG) Fuse (Amp) JJS 0-6 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 125 150 175 200 225 250 300 350 400 450 500 600 700 800 Wire (AWG) 20 18 18 18 18 18 16 16 16 14 14 12 12 12 12 12 10 10 10 10 8 8 8 6 6 6 4 4 4 4
Fuse (Amp) LP-CC 0 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30
Wire (AWG)
20 18 18
16 14 12 8 6 4
Fuse (Amp) FRS-R FRN-R 30 60 100 200 400 600
Wire (AWG)
12 10 8 6 3 2
Protection of Motor Controllers, Contacts and Relays
In this circuit, what kind of fuse must be used to provide adequate protection of the starter?
Short-Circuit Size 1 Starter (Tested by UL with 5000A available)
A current-limiting fuse, such as the Buss LOW-PEAK YELLOW or FUSETRON dual-element fuse. Such a fuse must limit fault currents to a value below the withstand rating of the starter and clear the fault in less than 1/ 2 cycle.
11

What is Type 2, motor starter protection? UL 508E and IEC 947-4-1 have test procedures designed to verify that motor controllers will not be a safety hazard and will not cause a fire. These standards offer guidance in evaluating the level of damage likely to occur during a short-circuit with various branch circuit protective devices. They address the fault protection coordination between the branch circuit protective device and the motor starter. They also provide a method to measure the performance of these devices should a short-circuit occur. They define two levels of protection (coordination) for the motor starter: Type 1. Considerable damage to the contactor and overload relay is acceptable. Replacement of components or a completely new starter may be needed. There must be no discharge of parts beyond the enclosure (door closed). Type 2. No damage is allowed to either the contactor or overload relay. Light contact welding is allowed, but must be easily separable. Also, the overload protection must retain calibration. Where Type 2 protection is desired, the controller manufacturer must verify that Type 2 protection can be achieved by using a specified protective device. Many U.S. manufacturers have both their NEMA and IEC motor controllers verified to meet the Type 2 requirements. Only current-limiting devices have been able to provide the current-limitation necessary to provide verified Type 2 protection. In many cases, Class J, Class RK1, or Class CC fuses are required, because most Class RK5 fuses and circuit breakers aren't fast enough under short-circuit conditions to provide Type 2 protection. Type 2 protection is defined and suggested in the notes to Table 1 of NFPA 79 (Electrical Standard for Industrial Machinery). Type 2 Starter Protection Tables Bussmann publishes tables by starter manufacturers of the fuse type and size that provide Type 2 protection. Visit the Application / Publications section of www.bussmann.com for these tables by starter manufacturer. Table below illustrates part of one of these tables. Protection of Circuit Breakers There are several key concepts about the protection of circuit breakers that need to be understood. 1. The user should be aware of the potential problems associated with series-rated circuit breakers. The engineer can not always "engineer" the installation as before because, 2. A molded case circuit breaker's interrupting capacity may be substantially less than its interrupting rating, see discussion in 110.9 of booklet and 3. Some molded case circuit breakers exhibit "dynamic" operation that begins in less than 1/ 2 cycle. This makes them more difficult to protect than other static electrical circuit components. The most practical and reliable solution is to specify a fullyrated fusible system. Series Rated Systems for Circuit Breaker Protection If the available short-circuit current exceeds a circuit breakers interrupting rating, it may be possible to use a series rated system where current-limiting fuses are utilized to protect the circuit breakers in specific panelboards and switchboards. See discussion in this booklet under 240.86 Series Ratings and 110.22 Series Rating Labeling Requirements.
Example of Type 2 Starter/Fuse selection table (partial) by starter manufacturers. Complete tables for several controller manufactures available on www.bussmann.com.
MOTOR CONTROLLER AND FUSE SELECTION TABLE FOR TYPE 2 PROTECTION (UL & CSA VERIFIED)
MAXIMUM THREE PHASE MOTOR HORSEPOWER STARTER 200V(FLC) 230V(FLC) 460V(FLC) 575V(FLC) SIZE CATALOG # HEATER
C O O R D I N AT E D PROTECTION .5(1.1) .75(1.3) .75(1.6) 1(1.7) 00 00 00 00 00 00 0 00 0 00 0 00 0 0 00 00 0 00 SA012V02S SA012V02S SA012V02S SA012V02S SA012V02S SA012V02S SB02V02S SA012V02S SB02V02S SA012V02S SB02V02S SA012V02S SB02V02S SB02V02S SA012V02S SA012V02S SB02V02S SA012V02S B1.67 B2.10 B2.40* B2.65* B3.30 B3.70* B3.70* B4.15 B4.15 B4.85 B4.85 B4.85 B4.85 B6.25 B6.90 B7.70* B7.70* B10.2
LPN/LPS LPJ LP-CC CLASS RK1 CLASS J CLASS CC

1.6 2 2 2 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 2.8 4 4 4 4 6 7 7 8 10 2 2.5 2.5 2.5 4 4 4 5 5 6 6 6 6 8 8 8 9 12 2.25 3 3 3 4.5 4.5 4.5 6.25 6 7.5 8 7.5 8 10 10 10 12 12
TYPE 2 PROTECTION BUSSMANN/ SQUARE D COMPANY NEMA
.5(2.2) .5(2.5)
1(2.1) 1.5(2.4) 1.5(2.4) 2(2.7) 2(2.7)
.75(3.7)
.75(3.2)
1.5(3.0) 1.5(3.0) 2(3.4) 2(3.4) 3(3.9)
1(4.2) 1(4.8) 3(4.8) 1.5(6.0)
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Protection of Bus Structures NEMA Standards Publication No. BU1-1999 Busways recognizes that current-limiting devices can be used to protect busway when the available short-circuit current exceeds the busway short-circuit current rating. In BU1-1999 under 5.5 Short Circuit Current it reads Busway may be used on circuits having available shortcircuit currents greater than the 3 cycle rating of the busway rating when properly coordinated with current-limiting devices. In the circuit below, what must be the busway short-circuit bracing?
100,000A available fault current 1600A BUSWAY NON-CURRENTLIMITING DEVICE
Protection of Automatic Transfer Switches Transfers switches are utilized to transfer power from the normal source to an emergency power source in order to feed an emergency system or critical loads. The short-circuit current withstand rating of the transfer switch must be equal to or greater than the available short-circuit current at the location where the device is installed. The required rating will be the sum of the available short-circuit current from both the normal and emergency sources if the transfer switch uses a closed transition (parallels both sources). If the transfer switch uses an open transition, the larger fault current, from the normal or emergency source, will be used. Typically the larger fault current will be from the normal source. These devices are typically tested per UL 1008 to meet basic short-circuit testing requirements. In this testing, the short-circuit withstand rating is typically dependent upon the type of upstream overcurrent protective device. The table below, shows an example of a typical manufacturers short-circuit withstand rating. Note that the transfer switch withstand rating is usually substantially higher if current-limiting fuses are used upstream. For specific short-circuit current ratings of transfer switches based upon the overcurrent protective device selected, the manufacturer of the transfer switch must be consulted.
Withstand Rating with Withstand Rating With ATS Size (Amps) Class J or L Fuse (Max Size) CB (Max Size) 100 100,000A (300A) 22,000 (150A) 400 200,000A (800A) 35,000A (600A) 600 200,000A (1,200A) 42,000A (2,500A) 800 200,000A (1,200A) 42,000A (2,500A) 1000 200,000A (2,000A) 65,000A (2,500A)
100,000 amperes, because the overcurrent device is not currentlimiting. In this circuit, what would the busway short-circuit bracing have to be?
100,000A available fault current 1600A BUSWAY KRP-C1600SP FUSE (Current-limiting)
36,000 amperes (as shown in the Minimum Bracing Table). With an available short-circuit current of 100,000 amperes, the LOWPEAK YELLOW KRP-C1600SP fuse will only let-through an equivalent of 36,000 amperes, RMS symmetrical. Minimum Bracing Required for Bus Structures at 480V. (Amperes RMS Symmetrical)
Rating* Busway 100 225 400 600 601 800 1200 1600 2000 3000 4000 Fuse 100 225 400 600 601 800 1200 1600 2000 3000 4000 Available Short-Circuit Amperes RMS Sym. 25,000 50,000 75,000 100,000 3,400 4,200 4,800 5,200 6,000 7,000 8,000 9,000 9,200 11,00 13,000 14,000 12,000 15,000 17,000 19,000 11,000 14,500 17,000 18,000 14,200 17,500 20,000 23,000 16,000 22,500 26,000 28,000 22,500 28,500 33,000 36,000 25,000 32,000 37,000 40,000 25,000 43,000 50,000 58,000 25,000 48,000 58,000 68,000
200,000 6,500 12,000 17,000 24,000 24,000 29,000 39,000 46,000 52,000 73,000
Can cable limiters protect service entrance equipment from short-circuit currents?
METER
94,000
*Fuses are: 100-600 AmpereLOW-PEAK YELLOW Dual-Element FusesLPSRK_SP (Class RK1) or LPJ_SP (Class J); 800-4000 AmpereLOW-PEAK YELLOW Time-Delay FusesKRP-C_SP (Class L). (LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuses are current-limiting fuses.)
CABLE LIMITER
UNDERGROUND CABLE
(Residential and light commercial buildings)
Current-limiting cable limiters not only can be used to isolate a faulted service cable, but also can help to protect utility meters with low withstand ratings against high short-circuit currents. (See Section 230.82). It should be noted that while meter sockets have short-circuit current ratings, the short-circuit current rating of the meter itself is not typically included, resulting in a potentially significant safety hazard.
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110.16 Flash Protection Field Marking

110.16 Flash Protection. Switchboards, panelboards, industrial control panels, and motor control centers in other than dwelling occupancies, that are likely to require examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance while energized, shall be field marked to warn qualified persons of potential electric arc flash hazards. The marking shall be located so as to be clearly visible to qualified persons before examination, adjustment, servicing, or maintenance of the equipment. FPN No. 1: NFPA 70E-2000, Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, provides assistance in determining severity of potential exposure, planning safe work practices, and selecting personal protective equipment. FPN No. 2: ANSI Z535.4-1998, Product Safety Signs and Labels, provides guidelines for the design of safety signs and labels for application to products. Reprinted from NEC 2002 2
Figure 1 - Non-Current Limiting Overcurrent Protection Staged Test.
Example of warning label this label warns of both arc flash and shock hazards plus reminds workers to use proper PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).
What is the importance of 110.16? This new requirement is intended to reduce the occurrence of serious injury or death due to arcing faults to workers who work on or near energized electrical equipment. The warning label should remind a qualified worker who intends to open the equipment for analysis or work that a serious hazard exists and that the worker should follow appropriate work practices and wear appropriate personal protection equipment (PPE) for the specific hazard (a non qualified worker must not be opening the equipment). What is an arc flash hazard? An arcing fault is the flow of current through the air between phase conductors or phase conductors and neutral or ground. An arcing fault can release tremendous amounts of energy at the point of the arc in a small fraction of a second. The result can be extremely high temperatures, a tremendous pressure blast and shrapnel (equipment parts) hurling at high velocity (in excess of 700 miles per hour). An accidental slip of a tool or a loose part tumbling across live parts can initiate an arcing fault in the equipment. If a person is in the proximity of an arcing fault, the flash can cause serious injury or death. Figure 1 shows sequential photos of one of many staged tests that helped to understand and quantify the effects of arcing faults on workers. In this test, mannequins with temperature and pressure sensors were placed in the test cell. This was a 480 volt, three phase system with an available three phase short-circuit current of 22,600 symmetrical rms amperes. A non current-limiting overcurrent protective device was the nearest upstream protective device. An arcing fault was initiated in a combination motor controller enclosure. The arcing fault quickly escalated into a three phase arcing fault in the enclosure. The current flowed for 6 cycles (1/10 second). The temperature recorders (with maximum temperature limit of 437F) on the neck and hand of the mannequin closest to the arcing fault were pegged (beyond 437F limit) (threshold for incurable burn for skin is 205F for 1/10 second). The pressure sensor on this mannequins chest pegged 14

the recorder at over 2160 lbs/ft2 (the threshold for severe lung damage is 2160 lbs/ft2). This test and others are detailed in Staged Tests Increase Awareness of Arc-Fault Hazards in Electrical Equipment, IEEE Petroleum and Chemical Industry Conference Record, September, 1997, pp. 313-322. This paper can be found on www.bussmann.com under Services/Safety Basics. One finding of this IEEE paper is that current-limiting overcurrent protective devices reduce damage and arc-fault energy (provided the fault current is within the current-limiting range). What are the labeling requirements? The type of equipment specified in 110.16 that is likely to be worked on as described is required to have a field affixed arc flash warning label. This will serve as a reminder to qualified workers that a serious hazard exists, that they or their management must assess the risk prior to approaching the hazard and that they must follow the work practices for the level of hazard they may be working on or near. 110.16 only requires that this label state the existence of an arc flash hazard. It is suggested that the party responsible for the label include more information on the specific parameters of the hazard. In this way the qualified worker and his/her management can more readily assess the risk and better insure proper work practices, PPE and tools. The specific additional information that should be added to the label includes: Available Short- Circuit Current Flash Protection Boundary Incident energy at 18 inches expressed in cal/cm2 PPE required Voltage shock hazard Limited shock approach boundary Restricted shock approach boundary Prohibited shock approach boundary Until equipment is put into a safe work condition, (there are procedural steps provided in NFPA 70E-2000 Part II 2-1.1.3), the equipment is considered to be live. One of the latter steps in this procedure is a voltage test of each phase conductor to verify they are deenergized. The worker performing this voltage testing must assume the equipment is live and therefore must wear appropriate PPE for the hazard assessed for the specific equipment and circuit parameters. How is the flash hazard assessed? The arc flash hazard can be assessed prior to working on equipment. Knowing the available bolted short circuit current, the minimum sustainable arcing fault current, and the time duration for the equipment supply overcurrent protective device to open, it is possible to calculate the Flash Protection Boundary (FPB) and Incident Energy Exposure level. NFPA 70E provides the formulas for this critical information as well as other important information on safe work practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and appropriate tools to use. A qualified worker should not enter the flash protection boundary to work on live parts unless he/she is wearing the appropriate PPE for the level of hazard that could occur. Figure 2 depicts the flash protection boundary and the three shock boundaries that shall be observed per NFPA 70E.
Figure 2 - Graphic illustrating the flash protection boundary and the three shock protection boundaries. The flash protection boundary can be greater than limited shock boundary.
Flash Protection Boundary (FPB) Must wear appropriate PPE FPB dependent on fault level and time duration. Equipment
Prohibited Shock Boundary: Qualified Persons Only. PPE as if direct contact with live part Restricted Shock Boundary: Qualified Persons Only Limited Shock Boundary: Qualified or Unqualified Persons*
* Only if accompanied by Qualified Person
Note: shock boundaries dependent on system voltage level
This example label includes more of the vital information that fosters safer work practices.
Are there restrictions on working on live equipment? OSHA regulations state in 1910.333 (a) that workers should not work on live equipment (greater than 50 volts) except for one of two reasons (NFPA 70E2000 Electrical Safety Requirements for Employee Workplaces, Part II 2-1.1.1 states essentially the same requirement): 1. Deenergizing introduces additional or increased hazards (such as cutting ventilation to a hazardous location) or 2. Infeasible due to equipment design or operational limitations (such as when voltage testing is required for diagnostics ). However, when it is necessary to work on equipment "live", it is necessary to follow safe work practices, which include assessing the risks, wearing adequate personal protective equipment and using the proper tools.
How can the risks associated with this hazard be reduced? There are viable means to reduce the risks of the shock and flash hazards. Use finger safe products that will reduce the chance that a shock or arcing fault can occur. Use current-limiting fuses or current-limiting circuit breakers. Current-limiting fuses or currentlimiting circuit breakers can reduce the risks associated with arc flash hazards by limiting the magnitude of the fault currents (provided the fault current is within the current-limiting range) and reducing the time duration of the fault. Figure 3 is the same test setup as shown in Figure 1 except that the arcing fault is cleared by 601 ampere current-limiting fuses. Consequently the arc flash was greatly reduced. Compare Figure 3 to Figure 1, which is the same test setup, but with noncurrent-limiting protection (Figure 1) versus current-limiting protection (Figure 3)! Are there resources to learn more? To learn more about electrical hazards and safety requirements see Bussmann Safety Basics Handbook for Electrical Safety. Bussmann also offers a trainers kit for electrical safety training which includes a video, handbook, electronic presentations and more order Safety Basics Kit Part # SBK from your local Bussmann distributor. For more information about Safety Basics visit www.bussmann.com.
15

Figure 3 Staged Test with Current-Limiting Protection (KRP-C 601 SP Fuses)
110.22 Field Marking of Series Combination Ratings

What are the labeling requirements for the installer? 110.22 and 240.86(A) require marking when a series combination rating is utilized. 110.22 places responsibility on the installer (electrical contractor) to field install labels on the equipment enclosures which note the short-circuit rating of the series combination and call out the specific replacement overcurrent protective devices to be utilized. If the upstream overcurrent protective device protecting the downstream circuit breaker is in a different enclosure, then both enclosures need to have fieldinstalled labels affixed. This field marking is critical to ensuring that proper devices are installed as initially intended and in the future. It becomes absolutely necessary when replacement of fuses or circuit breakers is needed; this field marking helps ensure that the original system design is maintained. If the wrong replacement circuit breaker is used on the loadside or lineside or the wrong fuse is used on the lineside, the series rating is no longer valid. This could result in a serious fire or safety hazard. Are there other labeling requirements for series rated systems? See discussion in this book on 240.86(A) for additional series rated labeling requirements that are the responsibility of the equipment manufacturer. Those requirements are meant to ensure that the switchboard, panelboard, or loadcenter is tested, listed and marked for use with the acceptable combination of devices being utilized. Also refer to the section in this book on 110.16 concerning field labeling for arc flash hazards Short-circuit calculations must be performed at panel locations where series rated combinations systems are utilized. This is necessary to assure that the series combination rating is sufficient for the short-circuit current available at the specific installation point. Where is more information on series rated systems? For more information on series combination ratings and the available fuse / circuit breaker combinations, see the discussion in this bulletin for 240.86 or visit series rated systems under Application Information at www.bussmann.com.
Contractor Installed Label Panel MDP1 CAUTION

Series Rated Combination System with panel LDP1 Rated 100,000 Amperes Replace with Bussmann LPJ-200SP Fuses Only
Panel Mfrs Label

NRTL Listing of Series Combination Rating of 100,000 amperes when XXX Circuit Breaker Protected by Maximum of 400 A Class J Fuse
Contractor Installed Label CAUTION

Series Rated Combination System with LPJ-200SP fuses in MDP1 Rated 100,000 Amperes Replace with XXX Circuit Breakers Only
Panel LDP1
Field labeling requirement (110.22) and manufacturers labeling requirement (240.86)
16
210.20(A) and 215.3 Ratings of Overcurrent Devices on Branch Circuits and Feeders Serving Continuous and Non-Continuous Loads
What is the importance of these Sections? The overcurrent protective device provided for branch circuits, must not be less than the total non-continuous load, plus 125% of the continuous load (defined as a load that continues for 3 hours or more). Rating not less than = [(10A) x 1.0] + [(8A) x 1.25] = 20A
EXAMPLE 20A Rating
An exception is given in 210.20(A) and 215.3 that reads: Where the assembly, including the fuse protecting the branch circuit(s), is listed for operation at 100% of its rating, the ampere rating of the overcurrent device must not be less than the sum of the continuous load plus the non-continuous load. Many bolted pressure switches are listed at 100% rating with Class L fuses. Other requirements in 210.20 are: 210.20(B) requires protection of conductors in accordance with 240.4. Flexible cords and fixture wires are required to be protected in accordance with 240.5. 210.20(C) requires the ampere rating of the fuse to not exceed that specified in applicable NEC Articles listed in 240.3 for specific equipment. For instance, it references Article 430 for motors. Note: See 430.52 and Table 430.52 for maximum sizing of fuses for motor branch circuits. Note for feeders: See 430.62 for increased sizing of feeders with all motor loads. See 430.63 for increased sizing of feeder with motor loads and additional lighting and appliance loads. See 430.94 for the sizing requirements feeders supplying motor control centers
Non-Continuous 10A
Continuous Load 8A
The branch circuit rating shall not be less than 20 amperes.
215.10 Requirements for Ground-Fault Protection of Equipment on Feeders

What is the importance of this Section? Equipment classified as a feeder disconnect, as shown in these examples, must have ground fault protection as specified in 230.95.
High Voltage Service 4160V VIOLATION 480Y/277V 1000A or Greater Feeder Provided w/G.F.P. Feeder W/O G.F.P.
G.F.P. is not required on feeder equipment when it is provided on the supply side of the feeder (except for certain Health Care Facilities requirements, Article 517).
G.F.P. COMPLIANCE 480Y/277V 1000A or Greater Feeder of any rating no G.F.P. Required (Except Per Article 517)
High Voltage Service 4160V COMPLIANCE 480Y/277V
Additionally, the requirements of this section do not apply to fire pumps or to a continuous industrial process where a nonorderly shutdown will introduce additional or increased hazards. See 230.95 for an in-depth discussion of Ground Fault Protection. Ground fault protection without current-limitation may not protect system components. See Section 110.10.
1000A or Greater
17
230.82 Equipment Allowed to be Connected on the Line Side of the Service Disconnect
What are the advantages of using cable limiters on the supply side of the service disconnect as permitted by 230.82(1)? Typical cable installations are shown in the illustration below. The benefits of cable limiters are several: 1. The isolation of a faulted cable permits the convenient scheduling of repair service. 2. Continuity of service is sustained even though one or more cables are faulted. 3. The possibility of severe equipment damage or burn down as a result of a fault is greatly reduced. (Typically, without cable limiters, the circuit from the transformer to the service equipment is afforded little or no protection.). 4. Their current-limiting feature can be used to provide protection against high short-circuit currents for utility meters and provide compliance with 110.10.
COMMERCIAL/INDUSTRIAL SERVICE ENTRANCE (Multiple cables per phase) RESIDENTIAL SERVICE ENTRANCE (Single cable per phase) #1 #2 RESIDENCES #3 #4 Open Faulted cable isolated; the other services continue in operation without being disturbed
What do 230.82(6) and (7) mean? The control circuit for power operable service disconnecting means and ground fault protection must have a means for disconnection and adequate overcurrent protectioninterrupting rating and component protection. Why is this important? An unprotected control circuit (without overcurrent protection) ahead of the service disconnecting means could incur an overcurrent that could cause a fault involving the service conductors on the lineside of the service disconnect. Then the protection may be provided by only the overcurrent protective devices on the transformer primary which may be slow to respond to such a condition.
Service Disconnect (Open) (Open) Faulted cable isolated; only the cable limiters in faulted cable open; others remain in operation
230.95 Ground Fault Protection for Services

What is the importance of this section? This means that 480Y/277 volt, solidly grounded wye only connected service disconnects, 1000 amperes and larger, must have ground fault protection in addition to conventional overcurrent protection. Ground fault protection, however, is not required on a fire pump or a service disconnect for a continuous process where its opening will increase hazards. All delta connected services are not required to have ground fault protection. The maximum setting for the ground fault relay (or sensor) must be set to pick up ground-faults which are 1200 amperes or more and actuate the main switch or circuit breaker to disconnect all phase conductors. A ground fault relay with a deliberate time delay characteristic of up to 3000 amperes for 1 second can be used. (The use of such a relay greatly enhances system coordination and minimizes power outages). Under short-circuit conditions, unlike current-limiting fuses, ground fault protection in itself will not limit the line-to-ground or phase-to-phase short-circuit current. When mechanical protective devices such as conventional circuit breakers are used with G.F.P., all of the available short-circuit current will flow to the point of fault limited only by circuit impedance. Therefore, it is recommended that current-limiting overcurrent protective devices be used in conjunction with G.F.P. relays. In this circuit, what protection does the fuse provide in addition to that provided by the ground fault equipment?
Ground fault protection required
In this circuit, is protection provided against high magnitude groundfaults as well as low level faults?
Ground fault protection required
SWBD
480Y/277 3, 4W Service
1000 ampere circuit breaker or larger
No, it is not. There is no current-limitation. Is G.F.P. required on all services? No. The following do not require G.F.P.: 1. Continuous industrial process where non-orderly shutdown would increase hazard. 2. All services where disconnect is less than 1000 amperes. 3. All 120/208 volts, 3, 4W (wye) services. 4. All single-phase services including 120/240 volt, 1, 3W. 5. High or medium voltage services. (See NEC 240.13 and 215.10 for equipment and feeder requirements.) 6. All services on delta systems (grounded or ungrounded) such as: 240 volt, 3, 3W Delta, 480 volt, 3, 3W Delta, or 240 volt, 3, 4W Delta with midpoint tap. 7. Service with 6 disconnects or less (230.71) where each disconnect is less than 1000 amperes. A 4000 ampere service could be split into five 800 ampere switches. 8. Resistance or impedance grounded systems.
SWBD
480Y/277 3, 4W Service
1000 ampere switch & fuse or larger
Current limitation under short-circuit conditions and high-level ground-faults.
18
230.95 Ground Fault Protection for Services

What are some of the problems associated with G.F.P.? Incorrect settings, false tripping and eventually, disconnection. (The knocking-out of the total building service or large feeders as a result of minor faults or nuisance tripping cannot be tolerated in many facilities). Unnecessary plant down time is often more critical, or even more dangerous, than a minor ground fault. Note: G.F.P. without current limitation may not protect system components. See 110.10 and 250.4(B)(4). How can ground faults be minimized? 1. To prevent blackouts, make sure that all overcurrent protective devices throughout the overall system are selectively coordinated. When maximum continuity of electrical service is necessary, ground fault protective equipment should be incorporated in feeders and branch circuits. [Per 230.95 (FPN No. 2).] 2. Insulating bus structures can greatly minimize the possibility of faults. The hazard of personnel exposure to energized electrical equipment is also reduced with insulated bus structures. 3. Specify switchboards and other equipment with adequate clearance between phase conductors and ground. Ground faults are rare on 120/208 volt systems because equipment manufacturers provide ample spacing for this voltage. Insist on greater spacing for 277/480 volt equipment and the likelihood of ground faults will be greatly reduced. 4. Avoid unusually large services; split the service whenever possible. 5. Adequately bond all metallic parts of the system to enhance ground fault current flow. Then, if a ground fault does occur, it is more likely to be sensed by fuses or circuit breakers. To respond properly to a line-to-ground feeder or branch-circuit type fault, what should be the setting of a ground fault relay located on the main disconnect? The setting should allow the feeder circuit (or preferably the branch) overcurrent protective devices to function without disturbing the G.F.P. relay. How is a G.F.P. setting determined? By making a coordination study. Such a study requires the plotting of the time-current curves of the protective devices. A simple solution to the problem of coordinating ground fault relays with overcurrent protective devices is shown in the system represented in the graph at right. The G.F.P. relay coordinates with the feeder fuses KTS-R 250. The G.F.P. relay with a degree of inverse time characteristics provides coordination with feeder fuses in order to avoid outages. (230.95 permits an inverse timedelay relay with a delay of up to 1 second at 3000 amperes.) Conventional mechanical tripping overcurrent protective devices often do not permit a selectively coordinated system* and BLACKOUTS can occur. For ground faults (and phase-to-phase short-circuits as well) of current magnitude above the instantaneous trip setting on the main circuit breakers overcurrent element, the main will nuisance trip (open) causing a blackout even though the fault is on a feeder or branch circuit. Appropriate selection of current-limiting fuses with proper G.F.P. settings can provide the highest degree of coordination and prevent blackouts. Reference the Bussmann bulletin SPD Electrical Protection Handbook for more in-depth discussion on ground fault protection and coordination of ground fault relays and overcurrent protective devices in electrical systems.
* A system wherein only the protective device nearest the fault operates and none of the other protective devices in the system are disturbed.
300 200 100 80 60 50 40 30 20 10 8 6 5 4 3 2 1 .8 .6 .5 .4 .3 .2 .1 .08 .06 .05 .04 .03 .02 .01
KRP-C1600SP GFP set at 1200 AMPS PICK UP & 0.5 SEC.
KTS-R 125
KRP-C 1600SP
TIME IN SECONDS
KTS-R250
KTS-R 250 KTS-R125
3,000 4,000 5,000 6,000 8,000 10,000
300 400 500 600 800 1,000
2,000
20,000
CURRENT IN AMPERES
240.1 Scope of Article 240 on Overcurrent Protection

What is the importance of this Section? The basic purpose of overcurrent protection is to open a circuit before conductors or conductor insulation are damaged when an overcurrent condition exists. An overcurrent condition can be the result of an overload or a short-circuit. It must be removed before the damage point of conductor insulation is reached. Conductor insulation damage points can be established from available engineering information, i.e., Publication P-32-382, Short-Circuit Characteristics of Cable, ICEA, (Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc.), IEEE Color Books, Canadian Electrical Code, and IEC Wiring Regulations. When selecting an overcurrent protective device to protect a conductor, is it adequate to simply match the ampere rating of the device to the ampacity of the conductor? No. Although conductors do have maximum allowable ampacity ratings, they also have maximum allowable short-circuit current withstand ratings. Damage ranging from slight degradation of insulation to violent vaporization of the conductor metal can result if the short-circuit withstand is exceeded. (See 110.10.) Why, in the circuit below, is the 10 AWG wire protected even though the available short-circuit current exceeds the wire withstand? The 10 AWG conductor can withstand 4300 amperes for one cycle and 6020 amperes for one-half cycle.**
**FootnoteFrom ICEA tables and formula.
Under short-circuits, the LOW-PEAK YELLOW Dual-Element

40,000A available 10 AWG THW COPPER WIRE 30A Short-Circuit Low-Peak Yellow Class RK1 Dual-Element Fuse
fuse (30 ampere) is fast acting. It will clear and limit (cut off) shortcircuit current before it can build up to a level higher than the wire withstand. The opening time of the fuse is less than one-half cycle (less than 0.008 seconds). In this particular example, the prospective current let-thru by the fuse is less than 1850 amperes. Thus, opening time and current let-through of the fuse is far lower
19
30,000
100
200
240.1 Scope of Article 240 on Overcurrent Protection

than the wire withstand. (Conductor protection is not a problem when the conductor is protected by current-limiting fuses which have an ampere rating that is the same as the conductor ampacity rating. In the case of short-circuit protection only, fuses can often be sized many times higher than the wire ampacity rating, depending upon the current-limiting characteristics of the fuse.) Does the circuit below represent a misapplication? (10 AWG THW insulated copper wire can withstand 4300 amperes for one cycle and 6020 amperes for one-half cycle).
30A MECHANICAL OVERCURRENT PROTECTIVE DEVICE (Clearing time 1 cycle; 10 AWG COPPER WIRE not current-limiting) (THW insulation) 40,000A available Conductor must be protected for its entire length Short-Circuit
CopperThermoplastic Conductor Insulation
AluminumThermoplastic Conductor Insulation
I 2 T2 + 234 A t = 0.0297 log T1 + 234
I 2 T2 + 228 A t = 0.0125 log T1 + 228
Where: I = Short-Circuit CurrentAmperes A = Conductor AreaCircular Mils t = Time of Short-CircuitSeconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature75C T2 = Maximum Short-Circuit Temperature150C
Note: ICEA (Insulated Cable Engineers Association) is the most widely accepted authority on conductor short-circuit withstand ratings. 100 80 60 50 40 30
40,000 Amps - 1 Cycle
Yes. The 40,000 ampere short-circuit current far exceeds the withstand of the 10 AWG THW wire. Note the table and chart which follow. What can be done to correct the above misapplication? There are two possible solutions: 1. Use a larger size conductor (i.e., 1/0 AWG), one with a withstand greater than the short-circuit for one cycle (see chart below). 2. Use an overcurrent protective device which is current-limiting such as that shown in the previous question. The following table is based on Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc. (ICEA) insulated cable damage charts in Publication 32-382. This table assumes that the conductor is preloaded to its ampacity before a short-circuit is incurred. The formula that was used to develop the ICEA Damage Charts is given following the table. This formula can be used to extrapolate withstand data for wire sizes or time durations not furnished in the ICEA Publication 32-382 charts. A sample chart is shown at right. The mechanical overcurrent protective device opening time and any impedance (choking) effect should be known along with the available short-circuit current and cable withstand data to determine the proper conductor that must be used. Insulated Cable Damage Table (60Hz)
Wire Size (AWG) (THW Cu) 18 16 14 12 10 8 6 4 Maximum Short-Circuit Withstand Current Amperes) at Various Withstand Times 1 Cycle 1/2 Cycle 1/4 Cycle 700* 900* 1300* 1100* 1500* 2100* 1,700* 2,400* 3,400* 2,700* 3,800* 5,400* 4,300 6,020* 8,500* 6,800 9,600* 13,500* 10,800 15,200* 21,500* 17,100 24,200* 34,200*
SHORT CIRCUIT CURRENT THOUSANDS OF AMPERES
20
4,300 Amps - 1 Cycle

10 8 6 5 4 3 2
1 .8 .6 .5 .4 .3 .2
4/0 AWG 250MCM
See Insulated Cable Engineers Association, Inc., Short-Circuit Characteristics of Cable, Pub. P-32-382, and circuit breaker manufacturers published opening times for various types of circuit breakers. * From ICEA Formula
CONDUCTOR SIZE
20
1000
1/8 Cycle 1850* 3000* 4,800* 7,600* 12,000* 19,200* 30,400* 48,400*
1/0
2/0
3/0
500
10
.1
1 C YC C 4 YC LE C -0 L Y 8 .0 16 CY CL E 30 CY CL E - 0.0 167 33 0. E SE C C 06 LE Y 3 10 60 C O 0 CY CLE - 0.13 67 SE N 0. C C D YC CL O - 0 26 33 SE E N C .5 67 SE LE D O 00 1. SE CO ND -1 0 0 SE CO ND .6 00 66 0 SE CO ND 7 N SE C C ON D O N D D 2

Conductor-Copper Insulation-Thermoplastic Curves Based on Formula I 2 T2 + 234 t = .0297 log A T1 + 234 Where I = Short-Circuit Current - Amperes A = Conductor Area - Circular Mils t = Time of Short-Circuit - Seconds T1 = Maximum Operating Temperature 75C T2 = Maximum Short-Circuit Temperature 150C
240.2 Definitions: Coordination, Current-limiting Overcurrent Protective Device, and Tap Conductors
What is the meaning of coordination as used in 240? Coordination is defined as properly localizing a fault condition so that only the affected equipment is removed from the system. This can be achieved by understanding the characteristics of overcurrent protective devices and selecting the appropriate types and sizes. See discussion in this booklet on 240.12 and an indepth discussion in Bussmann publication SPD Electrical Protection Handbook. What is the meaning of current-limiting overcurrent protective device? What is the importance of this Section?
Areas within waveform loops represent destructive energy impressed upon circuit components
To further appreciate current-limitation, assume for example, that the available prospective short-circuit current in a circuit is 50,000 amperes. If a 200 ampere LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse is used to protect the circuit, the current let-through by the fuse will be only 6500 amperes instead of 50,000 amperes. Peak current will be only 15,000 amperes instead of a possible 115,000 amperes. Thus, in this particular example, currents are limited to only 13% of the available short-circuit values. As is true of fuse application in general, the application of current-limiting fuses in respect to current-limitation and component protection (110.10) is quite simple. Graphs or tables such as the one shown below permit easy determination of the let-thru currents that a fuse will pass for various levels of prospective short-circuit currents. For example, the table below shows that the 200 ampere LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse will letthrough 6500 amperes when prospective short-circuit current is 50,000 amperes.
Normal load current Circuit breaker trips and opens short-circuit in about 11/2 cycles
Short-Circuit Size 1 Starter (Tested with 5000A available)
Initiation of short-circuit current
ACTION OF NON-CURRENT-LIMITING CIRCUIT BREAKER
For the above circuit, the Size 1 Starter has a short-circuit withstand rating of 5000 amperes.* The question is, with the 25,000 ampere available short-circuit current, will a LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse provide adequate protection of the starter? By referring to the table below, it can easily be seen that for a prospective short-circuit current of 25,000 amperes, fuses with ratings of 100 amperes or less will limit fault currents to below the 5000 ampere withstand of the starter and, thus, provide adequate protection. Current-Limiting Effects of RK1 LOW-PEAK YELLOW Fuses.
Prospective Let-Through Current (Apparent RMS Symmetrical) Short-Circuit LPS-RK_SP (600V) Fuse Ratings Current 30A 60A 100A 200A 400A 5,000 980 1,600 2,100 3,200 5,000 10,000 1,200 2,000 2,550 4,000 6,750 15,000 1,400 2,300 2,900 4,800 7,850 20,000 1,500 2,500 3,150 5,200 8,250 25,000 1,600 2,650 3,400 5,450 9,150 30,000 1,650 2,850 3,550 5,650 9,550 35,000 1,750 2,950 3,750 5,850 10,000 40,000 1,850 3,100 3,900 6,100 10,450 50,000 1,950 3,300 4,150 6,500 11,300 60,000 2,050 3,500 4,350 6,950 11,950 80,000 2,250 3,850 4,800 7,850 12,500 100,000 2,450 4,050 5,200 8,250 13,400 150,000 2,750 4,800 6,100 9,550 14,500 200,000 3,000 5,200 6,500 10,000 16,400 RMS Symmetrical Amperes
*Footnote: See discussion on Section 110.10 in this bulletin.
Fuse opens and clears short-circuit in less than 1/2 cycle
ACTION OF CURRENT-LIMITING FUSE.
Simply stated, a current-limiting protective device is one which cuts off a fault current in less than one-half cycle. It thus prevents short-circuit currents from building up to their full available values. The greatest damage done to components by a fault current occurs in the first half-cycle (or more precisely, the first major loop of the sinewave). Heating of components to very high temperatures can cause deterioration of insulation, or even explosion. Tremendous magnetic forces between conductors can crack insulators and loosen or rupture bracing structures. The levels of both thermal energy and magnetic forces are proportionate to the square of current. Thermal energy is proportionate to the square of RMS current; maximum magnetic fields to the square of peak current. If a fault current is 100 times higher than normal load current, its increased heating effect equals (100) 2 or 10,000 times higher than that of the normal current. Thus, to prevent circuit component damage, the use of current-limiting protective devices is extremely important, particularly since present-day distribution systems are capable of delivering high level fault currents.
Footnote: The more technical definition of a current-limiting protective device is expressed by 240.2.
600A 5,000 9,150 10,200 11,300 12,200 12,800 13,500 13,900 15,000 15,400 16,600 17,500 19,400 21,000
The reader should note that much of the current-limitation claimed by small ampere circuit breakers is actually the result of the significant impedance added to the circuit breaker test circuit after the circuit has been calibrated. Refer to the circuit breaker protection portion of 110.9 for further information on circuit breaker test circuits. What is the definition of tap conductors? A tap conductor is defined as a conductor, other than a service conductor that has overcurrent protection ahead of its point of supply that exceeds the value permitted for similar conductors that are protected as described elsewhere in 240.4. Repinted from NEC 2002
21
240.4 Protection of Conductors Other Than Flexible Cords and Fixture Wires
What is the meaning of 240.4(B) and 240.4(C)? Where the ampacity of a conductor does not correspond with a standard rating (240.6) of a fuse, the next standard rating may be used as long as the fuse is not above 800 amps and the conductors are not part of a multi-outlet branch circuit supplying receptacles for cord and plug-connected portable loads. What does 240.4(D) mean? It requires the fuse to not exceed 15A for 14 AWG, 20A for 12 AWG, and 30A for 10 AWG copper; or 15A for 12 AWG and 25A for 10 AWG aluminum and copper-clad aluminum after any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of conductors have been applied. This is required unless specifically permitted in 240.4(E) through (G).
12 AWG Conductor, 75C
12 AWG copper conductor, 75C, has ampacity per Table 310.16 of 25A. But, fuse must be sized 20A or less, unless otherwise allowed.
What does 240.4(F) mean? Conductors fed from single-phase, 2-wire secondary transformers and three phase, delta-delta connected transformers with threewire (single-voltage) secondaries can be considered protected by the primary side fuses if the transformer is properly protected in accordance with Section 450.3. The primary fuse must be less than or equal to the secondary conductor ampacity times the secondary-to-primary transformer voltage ratio.
240.5 Protection Flexible Cords, Fixture Cables and Fixture Wires

What is the importance of this section? Flexible cords and extension cords shall have overcurrent protection rated at their ampacities. Supplementary fuse protection is an acceptable method of protection. For 18 AWG fixture wire 50 feet or over, a 6 ampere fuse would provide necessary protection, and for 16 AWG fixture wire 100 feet or over, an 8 ampere fuse would provide the necessary protection. 18 AWG extension cords must be protected by a 7 ampere fuse. Also, 760.23, covering special non-power-limited fire alarm circuits, requires 7 ampere protection for 18 AWG conductors and 10 ampere protection for 16 AWG conductors.
Violation (EXTENSION CORD)
Violation (FIXTURE WIRE) Compliance (FIXTURE WIRE)
BRANCH CIRCUIT
BRANCH CIRCUIT To load 20A Fuse 16 AWG Fixture Wire 100 ft. or over To load 8A Fuse 16 AWG Fixture Wire 100 ft. or over
Violation (FIXTURE WIRE)
Compliance (FIXTURE WIRE)
Receptacle 20A Branch Circuits Compliance (EXTENSION CORD) 18 AWG Extension Cord
BRANCH CIRCUIT
BRANCH CIRCUIT To load 20A Fuse 18 AWG Fixture Wire 50 ft. or over To load 6A Fuse 18 AWG Fixture Wire 50 ft. or over
Receptacle 7 Amp 20A Fuse Branch Circuits 18 AWG Extension Cord
240.6 Standard Ampere Ratings

What is the importance of this section? In addition to the standard ratings of fuses and circuit breakers, this section states that the rating of an adjustable trip circuit breaker is considered to be the highest possible setting. This becomes important when protecting conductors or motor circuits. For example, if a copper 75C conductor is required to carry 200 amperes continuously, a 250 kcmil cable might be chosen. If a circuit breaker were chosen to protect this cable with an external adjustable trip from 225 through 400 amperes, the rating of the breaker would be 400 amperes, and 500 kcmil cable would therefore be required, increasing costs significantly. However, if this adjusting means is restricted, such as behind a bolted equipment door, behind locked doors accessible only by a qualified person, or if a removable and sealable cover is over the adjusting means, then the rating can be considered to be equal to the adjusted setting. Note: Standard ampere ratings for fuses and inverse time circuit breakers are 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125, 150, 175, 200, 225, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800, 1000, 1200, 1600, 2000, 2500, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 6000 amperes. In addition, standard fuse ratings are 1, 3, 6, 10 and 601. The use of nonstandard ampere ratings of fuse and circuit breakers is permitted.
22
240.8 Protective Devices Used in Parallel and 404.17 Fused Switches

What do these sections mean? There are cases in which an original equipment manufacturer, for various reasons, must parallel fuses and receive an appropriate equipment listing. For example, this would be the case of some solid-state power conversion equipment. However, for the standard safety switch, conventional branch circuit applications, switch-boards, and panelboards, the use of parallel fuses is not allowed.
240.9 Thermal Devices

What does this section mean? Thermal overload devices generally can neither withstand opening a circuit under short-circuit conditions nor even carry short-circuit currents of higher magnitudes. When using thermal overload protective devices, the use of a current-limiting fuse will not only provide short circuit protection for the circuit but for the thermal overload device as well.
240.10 Requirements for Supplementary Overcurrent Protection

What is the importance of this section? Supplementary fuses, often used to provide protection for lighting fixtures, cannot be used where branch circuit protection is required. What are the advantages of supplementary protection? The use of supplementary protection for many types of appliances, fixtures, cords, decorator lighting (Christmas tree lights. . .)*, etc., is often well advised. There are several advantages: 1. Provides superior protection of the individual equipment by permitting close fuse sizing. 2. With an occurrence of an overcurrent, the equipment protected by the supplementary protective device is isolated; the branch circuit overcurrent device is not disturbed. For instance, the in-linefuse and holder combination, such as the Type HLR fuseholder with Type GLR or GMF fuses, protects and isolates fluorescent lighting fixtures in the event of an overcurrent. 3. It is easier to locate equipment in which a malfunction has occurred. Also, direct access to the fuse of the equipment is possible.
* FootnoteSupplementary protection for series connected decorator lighting sets and parallel sets (Christmas tree string lights) was required in 1982. Manufacturers have implemented this requirement.
North American electrical system with that pertinent to IEC applications. Many devices on the market meet specific IEC requirements and specific North American electrical system requirements but the ratings are neither universal nor interchangeable. It is very easy to read the IEC ratings thinking they apply to the North American electrical system ratings. The literature from many manufacturers is easily misinterpreted or confusing concerning North American ratings and IEC ratings. Supplementary overcurrent protective devices are not general use devices, as are branch circuit devices, and must be evaluated for appropriate application in their particular use. One example of the difference and limitations is that a supplementary protector (mechanical device) recognized to UL 1077 has spacings, creepage and clearance, that are considerably less than that of a branch circuit rated circuit breaker listed to UL 489. Example: A supplemental protector, UL1077, has spacings that are 3/8 inch through air and 1/2 inch over surface. A branch circuit rated UL489 molded case circuit breaker has spacings that are 3/4 inch through air and 1 1/4 inch over surface. Branch circuit overcurrent protective devices have standard overload characteristics to protect branch circuits and feeder conductors. Supplementary overcurrent protective devices do not have standard overload characteristics and may differ from standard branch circuit overload characteristics. The interrupting ratings or short-circuit current ratings of supplementary overcurrent protective devices can ranges from less than 32 amps to 100,000 amps. When supplementary overcurrent protective devices are considered for proper use, it is important to be sure that the devices interrupting rating equals or exceeds the available short-circuit current (see the discussion for 110.9 in this booklet). Verify the supplementary overcurrent protective devices voltage rating and that the device has the proper voltage for the installation, including compliance with slash voltage rating requirements, if applicable. For discussion on slash voltage rating see 240.85 in this booklet.
What is a supplementary overcurrent protective device? A fuse or mechanical overcurrent protective device that is limited in application, due to the wide range of permissible ratings and performance. Supplementary overcurrent protective devices may be incomplete in construction or restricted in performance capabilities. Such a device is not suitable for and can not be used where branch circuit protection is required. They can only be used where specifically permitted in the NEC . The Tri-National Standard for supplementary fuses is UL/CSA/ANCE 248-14. What do I need to know about supplementary overcurrent protective devices? All too often supplementary overcurrent protective devices are being misapplied where branch circuit rated fuses or circuit breakers are required. This can be a serious safety issue. One must be sure to read the devices label, instruction sheets, and manufacturers literature for proper usage to meet the North American electrical system (NEC, NRTL & Inspection). Be sure not to confuse the device ratings and terminology pertinent to the
23
240.12 System Coordination or Selectivity

What is the importance of this section? Whenever a partial or total building blackout could cause hazard(s) to personnel or equipment, the fuses and/or circuit breakers must be coordinated in the short-circuit range. It is acceptable for a monitoring system to be used to indicate an overload condition, if the overcurrent protective devices cannot be coordinated in the overload region. However, in the vast majority of cases, both circuit breakers and fuses will be able to be coordinated in the overload range, so the monitoring systems will seldom be required. Typical installations where selective coordination would be required include elevator circuits, hospitals, industrial plants, office buildings, schools, government buildings, military installations, high-rise buildings, or any installation where continuity of service is essential.*
* Footnote: See also Section 4-5.1 of NFPA 110 (Emergency and Standby Power
Systems) and Sections 3-3.2.1.2(4) & 3-4.1.1.1 of NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities) for additional information on selective coordination.
1. The 90 ampere breaker will unlatch (Point A) and free the breaker mechanism to start the actual opening process. 2. The 400 ampere breaker will unlatch (Point B) and it, too, would begin the opening process. Once a breaker unlatches, it will open. The process at the unlatching point is irreversible. 3. At Point C, the contacts of the 90 ampere breaker finally open and interrupt the fault current. 4. At Point D, the contacts of the 400 ampere breaker open. . .the entire feeder is blacked out! Example of Non-Selective System.
1,000 800 600 400 300 200 100 80 60 40 30
VIOLATION
1000A I.T.=10x
Opens
20
Opens
TIME IN SECONDS
225A I.T.=8x
90 AMP Circuit 10 Breaker 8 6
400 AMP Circuit Breaker I.T. = 5X
400A
4 3 2 1 .8 .6 .4 .3 .2 .1 .08 .06 .04 .03
90A
20A I.T.=8x
Opens 22,000 Amp Short-Circuit
ShortCircuit
Fault exceeding the instantaneous trip setting of all 3 circuit breakers in series will open all 3. This will blackout the entire system.
COMPLIANCE 1000A Not Open
POINT D
.02
POINT C
.01 .008 .006 .004 .003 .002

POINT A
POINT B
600 800 1,000
2,000
3,000 4,000
6,000 8,000 10,000
20,000
CURRENT IN AMPERES
20A
19-B
Fault opens the nearest upstream fuse, localizing the fault to the equipment affected. Service to the rest of the system remains energized.
If the ampere rating of a feeder overcurrent device is larger than the rating of the branch circuit device, are the two selectively coordinated? No. A difference in rating does not in itself assure coordination. For example, a feeder circuit breaker may have a rating of 400 amperes and the branch breaker 90 amperes. Under overload conditions in the branch circuit, the 90 ampere breaker will open before, and without, the 400 ampere breaker opening. However, under short-circuit conditions, not only will the 90 ampere device open, the 400 ampere may also open. In order to determine whether the two devices will coordinate, it is necessary to plot their time-current curves as shown. For a short-circuit of 4000 amperes:
Now, lets take the case of fuse coordination. When selective coordination of current-limiting fuses is desired, the Selectivity Ratio Guide (next page) provides the sizing information necessary. In other words, it is not necessary to draw and compare curves. Current-limiting fuses can be selectively coordinated by maintaining at least a minimum ampere rating ratio between the main fuse and feeder fuses and between the feeder fuse and branch circuit fuses. These ratios are based on the fact that the smaller downstream fuses will clear the overcurrent before the larger upstream fuses melt. An example of ratios of fuse ampere ratings which provide selective coordination is shown in the one-line circuit diagram.
2:1 (or more) LPS-RK90SP LPS-RK400SP Short-Circuit
24
30,000 30,000
100
200
300 400
225A
Not Open
.001
240.12 System Coordination or Selectivity

*Selectivity Ratio Guide (Line-Side to Load-Side) for Blackout Prevention.
Circuit Current Rating Type Trade Name & Class Buss Symbol Time- LOW-PEAK KRP-CSP Delay YELLOW (L) Time- LIMITRON KLU Delay (L) LOW-PEAK LPN-RKSP YELLOW LPS-RKSP Dual (RK1) Ele(J) LPJSP** ment FUSETRON FRN-R (RK5) FRS-R LIMITRON KTU (L) Fast- LIMITRON KTN-R Acting (RK1) KTS-R T-TRON JJN (T) JJS LIMITRON JKS (J) Time- SC SC Delay (G) Load-Side Fuse 601-6000A 601-4000A TimeTimeDelay Delay LOW-PEAK LIMITRON YELLOW (L ) (L ) KRP-CSP 2:1 2:1 2:1 KLU 2.5:1 2:1 2.5:1 0-600A Dual-Element Time-Delay LOW-PEAK YELLOW (RK1) LPN-RKSP LPS-RKSP 2:1 2:1 2:1 2:1 1.5:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 2:1 3:1 601-6000A Fast-Acting FUSETRON LIMITRON (J)** LPJSP 2:1 2:1 2:1 2:1 1.5:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 2:1 3:1 (RK5) FRN-R FRS-R 4:1 4:1 8:1 8:1 2:1 6:1 8:1 8:1 8:1 4:1 (L ) KTU 2:1 2:1 2:1 0-600A Fast-Acting LIMITRON (RK1) KTN-R KTS-R 2:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 1.5:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 2:1 0-1200A 0-60A TimeDelay LIMITRON SC (J) JKS 2:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 1.5:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 2:1 (G) SC N/A N/A 4:1 4:1 1.5:1 N/A 4:1 4:1 4:1 2:1 0-600A
T-TRON (T) JJN JJS 2:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 1.5:1 2:1 3:1 3:1 3:1 2:1
601 to 6000A 601 to 4000A
Line-Side Fuse
.
0 to 600A 601 to 6000A 0 to 600A 0 to 1200A 0 to 600A 0 to 60A
* Note: At some values of fault current, specified ratios may be lowered to permit closer fuse sizing. Plot fuse curves or consult with Bussmann.
General Notes: Ratios given in this table apply only to Buss fuses. When fuses are within the same case size, consult Bussmann.
** Consult Bussmann for latest LPJSP ratios.
240.13 Ground Fault Protection of Equipment on Buildings or Remote Structures

What does this section require? Equipment ground fault protection of the type required in 230.95 is required for each disconnect rated 1000 amperes or more in 480Y/277V solidly grounded systems that will serve as a main disconnect for a separate building or structure. Refer to 215.10 and 230.95. Note: G.F.P. that is not current-limiting may not protect system components. See 110.10 and 250.1 (FPN).
High Voltage Service G.F.P. Not Required Building A G.F.P. Not Required
800A 480Y/277V Building B
1000A or Greater 480Y/277V
G.F.P. Required
240.21 Location Requirements for Overcurrent Devices and Tap Conductors

240.21 Location in Circuit Requires overcurrent protection to be provided in each ungrounded circuit conductor and be located at the point where the conductors receive their supply except as specified in 240.21(A)-(G). No conductor supplied per 240.21(A)-(G) shall supply another conductor, except through an overcurrent device meeting the requirements of 240.4. In other words, you cant tap a tap! Note: Smaller conductors tapped to larger conductors can be a serious hazard. If not adequately protected against short-circuit conditions (as required in 110.10 and 240.1), these underprotected conductors can vaporize or incur severe insulation damage. Molten metal and ionized gas created by a vaporized conductor can envelop other conductors (such as bare bus), causing equipment burn-down. Adequate short-circuit protection is recommended for all conductors. When a tap is made to a switchboard bus for an adjacent panel, such as an emergency panel, the use of cable limiters is recommended as supplementary short-circuit protection of the tapped conductor. These current-limiting cable limiters are available in sizes designed for short-circuit protection of conductors from 12 AWG to 1000 kcmil. They provide current-limiting short-circuit protection but not overload protection. The most common use of tap conductors for feeders, 240(B), and transformer secondary conductors, 240(C), are the 10 foot, 25 foot and outside tap conductor rules. It is important to realize that although they allow for unprotected lengths of conductors, in almost all cases, termination in a single or group of overcurrent protection devices is required. In addition, it may be necessary to meet other requirements for panelboards, 408.16, and transformers, 450.3.
25

What are requirements for 240.21(B)(1) Taps Not Over 3m (10 ft) Long? Fuses are not required at the conductor supply if a feeder tap conductor is not over ten feet long and: (1) Has an ampacity not less than the combined computed loads supplied. Not less than the rating of the device supplied, unless the tap conductors are terminated in a overcurrent protective device not exceeding the tap conductors ampacity, and (2) Does not extend beyond the switchboard, panelboard or control device which it supplies, and (3) Is enclosed in raceway, except at the point of connection to the feeder, and (4) For field installed taps, where the tap conductors leave the enclosure, the ampacity of the tap conductor must be at least 10% of the overcurrent device rating. Note: For overcurrent protection requirements for lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboards and certain power panelboards, see 408.16(A), (B), and (E). In Figure 1, the feeder fuse (600A) is sized per the NEC for the loads served. All field installed taps to the motors are 10 foot in length. The three smaller motors (FLC rating per Table 430.150) include a 1 HP (FLC = 4.2A), a 5HP (FLC = 15.2A), and a 7.5 HP motor (FLC = 22A). Per NEC 430.22, the 1 HP motor requires a conductor with a minimum ampacity of 1.25 X 4.2 = 5.25A. The 5 HP motor requires a conductor with a minimum ampacity of 1.25 X 15.2 = 19A. The 7.5 HP motor requires a conductor with a minimum ampacity of 1.25 X 22 = 27.5A. Based upon this and 310.15, the 1, 5 and 7.5 HP motors are required to have a 14 AWG, 14 AWG and 10 AWG (75 C, Cu) conductor, respectively. This assumes all lugs /terminals are rated 60/75 C. Figure 1
240V, 3 600A 10' TAP Violation Compliance
Figure 2
Wireway
200A 10' TAP
M 1 HP
M 5 HP
M 7.5 HP
The smallest of the three larger motors is a 15 HP motor with a FLC of 42A per Table 430.150. Per 430.22, the motor conductor ampacity is sized at 1.25 X 42A = 52.5 amperes. Per 310.15, this would require a 6 AWG conductor (75C, Cu, 65A ampacity, assuming 60/75C lugs). Per 240.21(B)(1)(4), this could be tapped to the 600A feeder since the ampacity of the 6 AWG, 75C, Cu conductor (65A) is more than 10% of the feeder fuse. Since, the tap conductors to the other motors (20 and 25 HP) are required to have an ampacity greater than the 15 HP motor per 430.22 and 310.15, the 20 and 25 HP motors could be tapped to 600A feeder fuses as well. What are requirements for 240.21(B)(2) Taps Not Over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long? Fuses are not required at the conductor supply if a feeder tap conductor, is not over 25 feet long, and: (1) Has an ampacity not less than 1/3 that of the feeder fuses from which the tap conductors receive their supply, and (2) Terminate in a single set of fuses sized not more than the tap conductor ampacity, and (3) Is suitably protected from physical damage. Example in Figure 3 complies with 240.21(B)(2): Taps are not over 25 ft 400A Feeder fuses 1. Minimum ampacity of 1/3 the feeder OCPD. 100 HP FLA = 124A (Table 430.150) Tap conductors to motor = 124 (1.25) = 155A (430.22) 2/0 Conductor, 75C, Cu (175A) (310.15) Maximum fuse would be 175 X 3 = 525A (400A ok) 2. Terminate in single set of fuses not more than the tap conductor ampacity (OCPD ( 175A). Optimum Fuse size: = 1.25 X FLA (or next standard size) = 1.25 X 124 = 155A (LPS-RK 175SP (175A) fuses (430.52). 3. Protected from physical damage. Figure 3
480V, 3 400A
M 1 HP
M 5 HP
M 7.5 HP
M 15 HP
M 20 HP
M 25 HP
240.21(B)(1)(4) requires that the maximum fuse for field installations shall not exceed 10 times the ampacity of the tap conductor, for example: 14 AWG, 75 C, Cu conductor (20A ampacity), max feeder overcurrent device is 200A. 10 AWG, 75 C, Cu conductor (35A ampacity), max feeder overcurrent device is 350A. To field tap the conductors of the 1, 5, and 7.5 HP motors to a 600A feeder overcurrent device would be a violation of 240.21(B)(1)(4). To comply with 240.21(B)(1)(4), the smaller motors must be fed from a feeder fuse that does not exceed the 10 times rating of the tap conductors ampacity (200A as shown in the Figure 2).
500 kcmil
2/0 75 C Taps In Conduit
25
LPS-RK 175SP Fuses
M 100 HP
M 100 HP
26

What are requirements for 240.21(B)(3) Taps Supplying a Transformer (Primary Plus Secondary Not Over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long)? Fuses are not required at the conductor supply where the conductor feeds a transformer if: (1) The primary conductor ampacity is at least 1/3 of the rating of the fuses protecting the feeder, and (2) The secondary conductor ampacity when multiplied by the secondary to primary voltage ratio is at least 1/3 of the rating of the fuses protecting the feeder, and (3) The primary plus secondary is not over 25 ft. long. (Any portion of the primary conductor that is protected at its ampacity is excluded in the 25 feet), and (4) The primary and secondary conductors is protected from physical damage, and (5) The secondary conductors terminate in a single set of fuses that will limit the load to the ampacity of the secondary conductors (per 310.15). See Figure 4. Figure 4
25 Feet or Less 150 Amp Feeder Fuse 480V 150 Amp Rated Conductor 100 Amp 50 Amp Rated Rated Conductor 240V Conductor TRANSFORMER 2:1 RATIO 100 Amp Fuse
(1) The conductors are protected from physical damage, and (2) The conductors terminate in a single set of fuses that limit the load to the ampacity of the conductors, and (3) The fuses are a part of or immediately adjacent to the disconnecting means, and (4) The disconnecting means is readily accessible and is installed outside, inside nearest the point of entrance, or installed per 230.6, nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. 240.21(C) Transformer Secondary Conductors. Conductors may be tapped to a transformer secondary, without fuses at the secondary, under several conditions as specified in 240.21(C)(1) through 240.21(C)(6). See Figure 5. Note: Refer to 450.3 for transformer overcurrent protection requirements and 408.16 for panelboard protection. Figure 5
Service
Feeder Transformer Primary OCPD
25 Feet or Less
No overcurrent protection at beginning of tap. Conductor tapped to secondary of transformer. Must meet one of the following: 240.21(C)(1) through 240.21(C)(6)
300 Amp Feeder Fuse 480V 300 Amp Rated Conductor
TRANSFORMER 1:1 RATIO 100 Amp Fuse
100 Amp 100 Amp Rated Rated Conductor Conductor 480V
What are requirements for 240.21(B)(4) Taps Over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long? Fuses are not required at the conductor supply in high bay manufacturing buildings (over 35 high at walls) if: (1) Only qualified persons will service such a system, and (2) Feeder tap is not over 25 feet long horizontally and not over 100 feet long, total length, and (3) The ampacity of the tap conductors is not less than 1/3 of the fuse rating from which they are supplied, and (4) Taps terminate in a single set of fuses that limits the load to the ampacity of the tap conductor, and (5) Taps are protected from physical damage, and (6) Taps are not spliced, and (7) Taps are sized at least 6 AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum, and (8) Taps do not penetrate walls, floors, or ceilings, and (9) Taps are made no less than 30 feet from the floor. What are requirements for 240.21(B)(5) Outside Taps of Unlimited Length? Fuses are not required at the supply for tap conductors located outside of a building or structure and where all of the following are met:
What are requirements for 240.21(C)(1) Protection by Primary Overcurrent Device? Fuses are not required on the secondary of a single-phase 2-wire (single-voltage) or three-phase, three wire (single-voltage), deltadelta transformer to provide conductor protection if: The transformer primary (supply) side is protected in accordance with 450.3, and The fuses on the primary of the transformer does not exceed the ampacity of the secondary conductor multiplied by the secondary to primary voltage ratio. Single-phase (other than 2-wire) and multiphase (other than deltadelta, 3-wire) transformer secondary conductors are not considered to be protected by the primary fuses. This eliminates the use of this tap rule on delta-wye transformers (480-208/120). What are requirements for 240.21(C)(2) Transformer Secondary Conductors Not Over 3 m (10 ft) Long? Fuses are not required on the secondary of a transformer if secondary conductors are not over 10 ft long, and: (1a) Secondary conductor ampacity is not less than the combined computed loads, and (1b) Secondary conductor ampacity is not less than the rating of the device they supply or the rating of the fuses at their termination, and (2) Secondary conductors do not extend beyond the enclosure(s) of the equipment they supply, and (3) Secondary conductors are enclosed in a raceway.
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Note: For overcurrent protection requirements for lighting and appliance branch-circuit panelboards and certain power panelboards, see Sections 408.16(A), (B), and (E). Refer to 450.3 for transformer protection. Example (Figure 6): Transformer Primary OCPD (450.3) o 70A Fuse (same as previous example) Secondary Conductors (3 AWG - 100A): o Less than or equal to 10 ft, and o Not less than computed load (80A), and o Not less than the rating of the device they supply/terminate in (100A Main), and o Do not extend beyond the enclosure(s) of the equipment they supply and they are enclosed in a raceway and Panelboard complies with 408.16(A) (lighting panel) Figure 6 What are requirements for 240.21(C)(5) Secondary Conductors from a Feeder Tapped Transformer? Transformer secondary conductors installed in accordance with 240.21(B)(3) are permitted to be protected by fuses as specified in that section. 240.21(B)(3) really covers tap conductors on both the primary and secondary of the transformer, so it covers 240.21(C)(5) as well. What are requirements for 240.21(C)(6) Secondary Conductors Not Over 7.5 m (25 ft) Long? Where the length of the secondary conductors does not exceed 25 ft and complies with all of the following. (1) Secondary conductors have an ampacity that, when multiplied by the ratio of the secondary-to-primary voltage, is at least 1/3 the rating of the transformer primary fuses, and (2) Secondary conductors terminate in a single set of fuses that limit the load current to not more than the conductor ampacity permitted by 310.15, and (3) Secondary conductors are suitably protected from physical damage. Example in Figure 7 conforms to 240.21(C)(6). Larger secondary conductors are possible. For example, 1 AWG, 75C, Cu (130A) conductors could have been used on secondary with 125A fuses in the fusible disconnect switch. Figure 7
Transformer Primary Fuse sized per 450.3 ( 70A) 45 KVA Transformer 3, (delta-wye) 480V to 120/208V Secondary Conductor, 25, in conduit. Minimum secondary conductor = 6 AWG, 75C, Cu (65A Ampacity).. 65 X (208/480) 1/3 X 70 28.17 23.3 Fusible Disc Switch with fuses sized to conductor ampacity (60A fuses)
What are requirements for 240.21(C)(3) Industrial Installation Secondary Conductors Not Over 7.5 m (25ft)? Transformer secondary conductors, if 25 ft or less, do not require fuses at the transformer terminals, for industrial installations only, if: (1) Secondary conductor ampacity is not less than the secondary full load current of the transformer and not less than the sum of the ratings of the fuses, and (2) All overcurrent devices are grouped, and (3) Secondary conductors are protected from physical damage. Note: Refer to 408.16 for panelboard protection requirements and 450.3 for transformer protection. What are requirements for 240.21(C)(4) Outside Secondary Conductors of Unlimited Length? Fuses are not required on the secondary of a transformer to provide conductor protection where the secondary conductors are located outdoors, except at the point of termination, and all of the following are met: (1) The secondary conductors are protected from physical damage, and (2) The secondary conductors terminate in one set of fuses that limits the load to the ampacity of the conductors, and (3) The fuse is part of or immediately adjacent to the disconnecting means, and (5a) The disconnecting means for the conductors is readily accessible and outside of a building or structure, or (5b) Inside nearest the point of entrance of the conductors, or (4c) Installed in accordance with 230.6, nearest the point of entrance of the conductors. Note: Refer to 408.16 for panelboard protection requirements and 450.3 for transformer protection.
Load
What are requirements for 240.21(D) Service Conductors? Service-entrance conductors are permitted to be protected by fuses in accordance with 230.91. 230.91 requires the service fuses to be an integral part of the service disconnecting means or located immediately adjacent to the disconnecting means. What are requirements for 240.21(E) Busway Taps? Busways and busway taps are permitted to be protected against overcurrent in accordance with 368.10 through 368.13. See 368.11 and 368.12 in this booklet.
28

What are requirements for 240.21(F) Motor Circuit Taps? Motor-feeder and branch-circuit conductors are permitted to be protected against overcurrent in accordance with section 430.28 and 430.53. NEC 430.28 covers motor feeder taps that terminate in branch-circuit fuses. NEC 430.53 covers group motor installations that do not require termination in a branch-circuit overcurrent protective device. What are requirements for 240.21(G) Conductors from Generator Terminals? Conductors from generator terminals that meet the size requirement in 445.5 are permitted to be protected by the generator overload protective device required by 445.4.
240.40 Disconnecting Means for Fuses

What does the section require? A line side disconnecting means must be provided for all cartridge fuses where accessible to other than qualified persons and for any fuse in circuits over 150 volts to ground. This section does not require a disconnecting means for the typical 120/240V single phase residential plug fuse application. There is no requirement for a disconnecting means ahead of a current-limiting cable limiter or other current-limiting fuse ahead of the service disconnecting means. One disconnect is allowed for multiple sets of fuses as provided in 430.112 for group motor applications and 424.22 for fixed electric space-heating equipment.
29
240.50 Plug Fuses, Fuseholders, and Adapters

What does this section mean? Normally, plug fuses are applied in 125 volt circuits for appliances, small motors, machines, etc. They may be used on 240/120 volts single-phase circuits, and 208/120 volt three-phase circuits, where the neutral is solidly grounded.
120 V 240 V M
120 V
208 V M
240.51 Edison-Base Fuses

What are these fuse types? These are generally referred to as branch circuit listed fuses which are NOT size rejecting. They can provide protection for appliances and small motors in residential, commercial, and industrial applications. For branch circuit protection, these fuses may only be used for replacements in existing installations where there is no evidence of overfusing or tampering. Edison-base fuses can be used for supplementary overcurrent protection in new installations.
240.53 and 254 Type S Fuses, Adapters and Fuseholders

What are these fuse types? These are branch circuit listed fuses that are size (ampere) rejecting. They become size rejecting when a special Type S holder or Type S adapter is used. For example, when a 20 ampere adaptor is installed, a 25 or 30 ampere fuse can not be used. What are the advantages of Type S Fuses? Type S fuses are size rejecting to prevent overfusing. They are used with special adapters that cannot easily be removed. Fuse Adapter Type S fuses are required for new installation where plug fuses are to be used as the branch circuit protection.
30
240.60 Cartridge Fuses and Fuseholders

What does this section mean? 300 volt rated fuses can be used to protect single-phase lineneutral loads when supplied from three-phase solidly grounded 480/277 volt circuits, where the single-phase line-to-neutral voltage is 277 volts.
480/277V
Branch circuit listed fuses are designed so that it is very difficult to replace an installed fuse with one of lesser capability. This is based on voltage, current, or current-limiting vs. noncurrent-limiting ratings. The interrupting rating must be marked on all branch circuit fuses with interrupting ratings other than 10,000 amperes.
400 amp NORMAL CURRENT RATING
300,000 amperes INTERRUPTING RATING
600 Volt Fuses
300 Volt Fuse 277V 1 Load
240.61 Classification of Fuses and Fuseholders

What does this section mean? All low voltage branch circuit fuses have a voltage rating associated with them. They can be properly applied at system voltages up to that rating.
New CUBEFuse. Shown is first finger-safe fuse, TCF 60 CUBEFuse, being inserted into a TCFH60 CUBEFuse base. The fuse shown has a 60 ampere normal current rating, 300,000 ampere interrupting rating and is rated 600 volts. It is dual-element, time delay fuse that is very current-limiting (Class J characteristics). For more information visit www.cubefuse.com
240.83 Circuit Breaker Markings

The interrupting rating must be marked on all branch circuit circuit breakers with interrupting ratings other than 5000 amperes. (Caution: do not confuse supplementary protectors with branch circuit circuit breakers. Supplementary protectors can only be used for supplementary protection and have many limitations. Supplementary protectors may have very low interrupting ratings. See 240.10 in this booklet.)
225 amp NORMAL CURRENT RATING
35,000 amperes INTERRUPTING RATING at 480 volts
31
240.85 Clarifies Requirements for the Use of Slash-Rated Circuit Breakers and Application of Individual Pole Interrupting Capabilities for Various Grounding Schemes
Typical plant electrical systems use three-phase distribution schemes. As an industry practice, short-circuit calculations lead to the selection of overcurrent protective devices based on available three-phase fault currents. If the overcurrent devices have an adequate three-phase interrupting rating, engineers are generally satisfied that the system complies with NEC 110.9. Figure 1 Slash-rated circuit breakers are not intended to open phase-tophase voltages across only one pole. Where it is possible for full phase-to-phase voltage to appear across only one pole, a fully rated circuit breaker must be utilized. A fully rated circuit breaker is one that has only one voltage rating, such as a 480 volt circuit breaker. For example, a 480 volt circuit breaker can open an overcurrent at 480 volts with only one pole, such as might occur when Phase A shorts to ground on a 480 volt B-Phase grounded delta system. What is the NEC change for slash ratings? 240.85 of the 2002 NEC was changed to read: 240.85 Applications. A circuit breaker with a slash rating, such as 120/240V or 480Y/277, shall be permitted to be applied in a solidly grounded circuit where the nominal voltage of any conductor to ground does not exceed the lower of the two values of the circuit breakers voltage rating and the nominal voltage between any two conductors does not exceed the higher value of the circuit breakers voltage rating The change was the addition of the words solidly grounded*. This was needed to emphasize that slash-rated devices were not appropriate on resistance-grounded and ungrounded systems. The following paragraphs explain why slash-rated devices cannot be utilized on these types of systems. * Solidly grounded is defined in 230.95 of the NEC as Connection of the grounded conductor to ground without inserting any resistance or impedance devices.
Three phase bolted fault test has all three phase conductors connected electrically together.
How often, however, do three-phase faults occur? Commonly referred to as "three-phase bolted faults", these shorts require all three legs to be electrically connected (Figure 1). Though bolted faults do occur, far more common is the mishap of a slipped screwdriver, dropped wrench, or worn insulation that shorts one phase to ground, creating a single-pole short-circuit (Figure 2). These phase-to-ground faults affect the performance of circuit breakers in different ways, depending upon the grounding scheme. Two of these performance areas were addressed by changes to the 2002 NEC. They are the proper usage of slash ratings and individual pole interrupting capabilities. The following paragraphs explain the reasons behind these 2002 Code changes. Figure 2 - Single pole short-circuit
Slash Rated Exercise 1

Can you get the correct answers to this exercise? (Answers at bottom of page)
System Voltage Secondary System Type Solidly Grounded WYE Resistance Grounded WYE Corner Grounded B Phase Delta Ungrounded L-L Volt L-G Volt Can 480Y/277 Circuit Breaker Be Used? Yes Yes No No
480Y/277 480
Grounded Equipment
480 480
277 277
Circuit breaker 480Y/277 slash voltage rating 480Y/277 Volt 480Y/277 Volt Three phase Three phase Four wire FourSolidly grounded wire Solidly grounded wye system wye system
* Ungrounded delta systems - phase conductors are capacitively coupled to ground
480 volts line to line
A B C Ground
277 volts line to ground
32
Answers to Slash Rated Exercise a) Yes b) No not solidly grounded system c) No Line to ground voltage is 480 volts which exceeds 277 volt rating d) No not solidly grounded
What is a slash rating? A slash-rated circuit breaker is one with two voltage ratings separated by a slash, such as 480Y/277 volt. The smaller of the two ratings is for overcurrents at line-to-ground voltages, meant to be cleared by one pole of the device. The larger of the two ratings is for overcurrents at line-to-line voltages, meant to be cleared by two or three poles of the circuit breaker. See Figure 3. Figure 3
480
480
480
Yes
No
480
480
Yes
No
240.85 Clarify Requirements for the Use of Slash-Rated Circuit Breakers and Application of Individual Pole Interrupting Capabilities for Various Grounding Schemes
Do fuses have slash ratings? No. Fuses, by their design, are rated for full voltage; therefore slash rating concerns are not an issue. For instance Class J fuses are rated at 600 volts. These fuses could be utilized on 600 volt or less systems irrespective if the system is solidly grounded, ungrounded or resistance grounded. single-pole interrupting capabilities according to Table 7.1.7.2 of UL 489. Table 1 on this page indicates the single-pole ratings of various three-pole molded-case circuit breakers taken from Table 7.1.7.2 of UL 489. A similar table is shown on page 54 of the IEEE Blue Book, Recommended Practice for Applying Low-Voltage Circuit Breakers Used in Industrial and Commercial Power Systems, (Std 1015-1997). Molded-case circuit breakers may not be able to safely interrupt single-pole faults above these values since they are typically not tested beyond these values. For current-limiting fuses, the marked interrupting rating is the tested single-pole interrupting rating. If the ratings shown in Table 1 are too low for the application, the actual single-pole rating for the breaker must be ascertained to insure proper application. TABLE 1 Single-Pole Interrupting Ratings for Three-Pole Molded Case Circuit Breakers (ANY I.R.) FRAME RATING 100A Maximum 250V Maximum 100A Maximum 251-600V 101 800 801 1200 1201 2000 2001 2500 2501 3000 3001 4000 4001 5000 5001 6000 240V 4,330 -8,660 12,120 14,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 480/277V -10,000 10,000 14,000 14,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 480V -8,660 8,660 12,120 14,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 600/347V -10,000 10,000 14,000 14,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 40,000 50,000 600V -8,660 8,660 12,120 14,000 20,000 25,000 30,000 40,000 50,000
Slash Rated Exercise 2

Can you get the correct answers to this exercise? (Answers at bottom of page)
System Voltage Secondary System Type Solidly Grounded WYE Resistance Grounded WYE Corner Grounded B Phase Delta Ungrounded L-L Volt L-G Volt Can 600 Volt Fuses Be Used? Yes Yes No No
480Y/277 480
480 480
277 277
480
480
480
Yes
No
480
480
Yes
No
* Ungrounded delta systems - phase conductors are capacitively coupled to ground

Answers to Slash Rated Exercise 2 a) Yes b) Yes c) Yes d) Yes
What was added about circuit breakers single pole interrupting capabilities? A Fine Print Note was added to 240.85 of the 2002 NEC to alert users that circuit breakers have single-pole interrupting capabilities that must be considered for proper application. It states: 240.85 FPN: Proper application of molded case circuit breakers on 3-phase systems, other than solidly grounded wye, particularly on corner grounded delta systems, considers the circuit breakers individual pole interrupting capability. The following paragraphs will also explain why this FPN was added to the 2002 NEC. What is a single pole interrupting capability? The single-pole interrupting capability of a circuit breaker is its ability to open an overcurrent at a specified voltage utilizing only one pole of the circuit breaker.
How about an actual example? As an example of single-pole interrupting capability in a typical installation, consider a common three-pole, 20 amp, 480 volt circuit breaker with a three-pole interrupting rating of 65,000 amperes. Referring to Table 1, this breaker has an 8,660 ampere single-pole interrupting capability for 480 volt faults across one pole. If the available line-to-ground fault current exceeds 8,660 amps at 480 volts, such as might occur on the secondary of a 1000 KVA, 480 volt, corner-grounded delta transformer, the circuit breaker may be misapplied. In this case, the circuit breaker manufacturer must be consulted to verify interrupting ratings and proper application. CALCULATING GROUND FAULT CURRENTS How much short-circuit current will flow in a ground fault condition? The answer is dependent upon the location of the fault with respect to the transformer secondary. Referring to Figure 5, the ground fault current flows through one coil of the wye transformer secondary and through the phase conductor to the point of the fault. The return path is through the enclosure and conduit to the bonding jumper and back to the secondary through the grounded neutral. Unlike three-phase faults, the impedance of the return path must be used in determining the magnitude of ground fault current. This ground return impedance is usually difficult to calculate. If the ground return path is relatively short (i.e. close to the center tap of the transformer), the ground fault current will approach the threephase short-circuit current.
Single Pole Interrupting Capabilities

A circuit breakers ability to open an overcurrent at a specified voltage utilizing only one pole of the circuit breaker
What are the single-pole interrupting capabilities for overcurrent devices? Per ANSI C37.13 and C37.16, an airframe/power circuit breaker has a single-pole interrupting rating of 87% of its three-pole rating. Listed three-pole molded case circuit breakers have minimum
33
Theoretically, a bolted line-to-ground fault may be higher than a three-phase bolted fault since the zero-sequence impedance can be less than the positive sequence impedance. The ground fault location will determine the level of short-circuit current available. The prudent design engineer assumes that the ground fault current equals at least the available three-phase bolted fault current and makes sure that the overcurrent devices are rated accordingly. SOLIDLY GROUNDED WYE SYSTEMS The Solidly Grounded Wye system shown in Figure 4 is by far the most common type of electrical system. This system is typically delta connected on the primary and has an intentional solid connection between the ground and the center of the wye connected secondary (neutral). The grounded neutral conductor carries single-phase or unbalanced three-phase current. This system lends itself well to industrial applications where 480V(L-L-L) three-phase motor loads and 277V(L-N) lighting is needed. Figure 4 - Solidly Grounded WYE System In solidly grounded wye systems, the first low impedance fault to ground is generally sufficient to open the overcurrent device on the faulted leg. In Figure 5, this fault current causes the branch circuit overcurrent device to clear the 277 volt fault. Because the branch circuit device will clear the fault with only 277 volts across one pole, a slash-rated 480Y/277 volt circuit breaker is perfectly acceptable. This system requires compliance with single-pole interrupting capability for 277 volt faults on one pole. If the overcurrent devices have a single-pole interrupting capability adequate for the available short-circuit current, then the system meets NEC 110.9. Although not as common as the solidly grounded wye connection, the following three systems are typically found in industrial installations where continuous operation is essential. Whenever these systems are encountered, it is absolutely essential that the proper application of slash ratings and single-pole interrupting capabilities be assured. This is due to the fact that full phase-tophase voltage can appear across just one pole. Phase-to-phase voltage across one pole is much more difficult for an overcurrent device to clear than the line-to-neutral voltage associated with the solidly grounded wye systems. CORNER-GROUNDED-DELTA SYSTEMS (SOLIDLY GROUNDED)
Steel Conduit
277V
Solidly Grounded WYE System

SERVICE PANEL
A
27 7V
BRANCH PANEL
A
480V
B B
C 27
7V
The system of Figure 6 has a delta-connected secondary and is solidly grounded on the B-phase. If the B-phase should short to ground, no fault current will flow because it is already solidly grounded. Figure 6 Corner-Grounded Delta System (Solidly Grounded)
480V
C N N
Corner Grounded Delta System

SERVICE PANEL BRANCH PANEL Steel Conduit
A
0V
48
If a fault occurs between any phase conductor and ground (Figure 5), the available short-circuit current is limited only by the combined impedance of the transformer winding, the phase conductor and the equipment ground path from the point of the fault back to the source. Some current (typically 5%) will flow in the parallel earth ground path. Since the earth impedance is typically much greater than the equipment ground path, current flow through earth ground is generally negligible. Figure 5 - Single-Pole Fault to Ground in Solidly Grounded Wye System
A
0V
48
B C
480V
B C
Solidly Grounded WYE System

Single pole must interrupt fault current
SERVICE PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL Steel Conduit
480V
B C B
480V
C N N
Fault to conduit
If either Phase A or C is shorted to ground, only one pole of the branch-circuit overcurrent device will see the 480V fault as shown in Figure 7. A slash rated 480Y/277 volt circuit breaker could not be utilized on this 480 volt corner-grounded delta circuit because the voltage to ground (480 volts), exceeds the lower of the two ratings (277 volts). This system also requires compliance with single-pole interrupting capabilities for 480 volt faults on one pole because the branch-circuit circuit breaker would be required to interrupt 480 volts with only one pole.
34
Figure 7 Fault to Ground on a Corner-Grounded Delta System
Corner Grounded Delta System

Single pole must interrupt fault current SERVICE
PANEL
A A
When the first fault occurs from phase to ground as shown in Figure 9, the current path is through the grounding resistor. Because of this inserted resistance, the fault current is not high enough to open protective devices. This allows the plant to continue on line. NEC 250.36(3) requires ground detectors to be installed on these systems, so that the first fault can be found and fixed before a second fault occurs on another phase. Figure 9 - First Fault in Resistance Grounded System
B C
480V
B C
Fault to conduit
High Resistance Grounded System

SERVICE PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL
Steel Conduit
480V
B C B
480V
C
First fault to steel conduit
A disadvantage of Corner-Grounded Delta systems is the inability to readily supply voltage levels for fluorescent or HID lighting (277V). Installations with this system require a 480-120V transformer to supply 120V lighting. Another disadvantage, as given on page 33 of IEEE Std 142-1991, Section 1.5.1(4) (Green Book) is the possibility of exceeding interrupting capabilities of marginally applied circuit breakers, because for a ground fault, the interrupting duty on the affected circuit breaker pole exceeds the three-phase fault duty. RESISTANCE GROUNDED SYSTEM Low or High resistance grounding schemes are found primarily in industrial installations. These systems are used to limit, to varying degrees, the amount of current that will flow in a phase to ground fault. Low resistance grounding is used to limit ground fault current to values acceptable for relaying schemes. This type of grounding is used mainly in medium voltage systems and is not widely installed in low voltage applications (600V or below). The High Resistance Grounded System offers the advantage that the first fault to ground will not draw enough current to cause the overcurrent device to open. This system will reduce the stresses, voltage dips, heating effects, etc. normally associated with high short-circuit current. Referring to Figure 8, High Resistance Grounded Systems have a resistor between the center tap of the wye transformer and ground. High resistance grounding systems are used in low voltage systems (600V or less). With high resistance grounded systems, line-to-neutral loads are not permitted per National Electrical Code, 250.36(4). Figure 8 - Resistance Grounded System
Resistor keeps first fault current low: 5 Amps or so
Low Value of Fault Current Because of Ground Resistor in Short-Circuit Path
Even though the system is equipped with a ground alarm, the exact location of the ground fault may be difficult to determine. The first fault to ground MUST be removed before a second phase goes to ground, creating a 480 volt fault across only one pole of the affected branch circuit device. Figure 10 shows how the 480 volt fault can occur across one pole of the branch circuit device. It is exactly because of this possibility that a slash rated 480Y/277 volt device can not be used in this system. 480 volts would be impressed across one pole of the branch circuit device, even though it had been tested for only 277 volts. Figure 10 - Second fault in Resistance Grounded System

Single pole must SERVICE interrupt fault current PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL
Steel Conduit
480V
C B
480V
C

Resistor
A
High Value of Fault Current Because Ground Resistor No Longer in Path
Second Fault To Enclosure
SERVICE PANEL
A
480V
B C B
480V
C
The magnitude of this fault current can approach 87% of the L-L-L short-circuit current. Because of the possibility that a second fault will occur, single-pole interrupting capability must be investigated. The IEEE Red Book, Std 141-1993, page 367, supports this requirement, One final consideration for resistance-grounded systems is the necessity to apply overcurrent devices based upon their single-pole short-circuit interrupting rating, which can be equal to or in some cases less than their normal rating.
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UNGROUNDED SYSTEMS The Ungrounded System of Figure 11 offers the same advantage for continuity of service that is characteristic of high resistance grounded systems. Figure 11 Ungrounded System The second fault from Phase B to ground (in Figure 13) will create a 480 volt fault across only one pole at the branch circuit overcurrent device. It is because of this possibility that a slashrated device cannot be used on this type of system. A pole that was tested for 277 volts might see an overcurrent and try to open 480 volts. Again, the values from Table 1 for single pole interrupting capabilities must be used for molded case circuit breaker systems as the tradeoff for the increased continuity of service. The IEEE Red Book, Std 141-1993, page 366, supports this requirement, One final consideration for ungrounded systems is the necessity to apply overcurrent devices based upon their single-pole shortcircuit interrupting rating, which can be equal to or in some cases less than their normal rating. In 250.4(B) Ungrounded Systems (4) Path for Fault Current of the 2002 NEC, it is required that the impedance path through the equipment be low so that the fault current is high when a second fault occurs on an ungrounded system. What are fuses single pole interrupting capabilities? By their inherent design a fuses interrupting rating is its single pole interrupting rating. Modern current-limiting fuses are available that have tested single pole interrupting ratings of 200,000 or 300,000 amperes. The Low-Peak LPJ_SP, KRP-C_SP, LPS-RK_SP and LPN-RK_SP Fuses all have UL Listed 300,000 ampere single pole interrupting ratings. This is a simple solution to assure adequate interrupting ratings for present and future systems no matter what the grounding scheme.
Ungrounded System
SERVICE PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL
Steel Conduit
480V
B C B
480V
C
Although not physically connected, the phase conductors are capacitively coupled to ground. The first fault to ground is limited by the large impedance through which the current has to flow (Figure 12). Since the fault current is reduced to such a low level, the overcurrent devices do not open and the plant continues to run. Figure 12 - First Fault to Conduit in Ungrounded System
Ungrounded System
SERVICE PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL
Steel Conduit
CONCLUSIONS Two significant additions to NEC 240.85 were included in the 2002 NEC. They cover voltage ratings of slash-rated circuit breakers and single-pole interrupting capabilities of circuit breakers. The proper application of both of these ratings is dependent upon the type of grounding scheme utilized. Slash-rated devices must be utilized only on solidly grounded systems. This automatically eliminates their usage on resistancegrounded and ungrounded systems. They can be properly utilized on solidly grounded wye systems, where the voltage to ground does not exceed the smaller of the circuit breakers two values and the voltage between any two conductors does not exceed the larger of the circuit breakers two values. Slash-rated devices can not be used on corner-grounded delta systems whenever the voltage to ground exceeds the smaller of the two ratings. Where slash-rated devices will not meet these requirements, fully rated devices are required. An overcurrent protective device must have an interrupting rating equal to or greater than the current available at its line terminals for both three-phase bolted faults and for one or more phase-toground faults. Although most electrical systems are designed with overcurrent devices having adequate three-phase interrupting ratings, the single-pole interrupting capabilities are easily overlooked. Simple solutions exist to provide adequate interrupting ratings if molded case circuit breaker single-pole interrupting capabilities as shown in Table 1 are not sufficient. First, the manufacturer can be consulted to see if single-pole interrupting capabilities are in compliance for the specific manufacterers circuit breaker. Second, air frame/power circuit breakers have tested single-pole interrupting ratings that are 87% of the published three-pole rating. And third, current-limiting fuses are available that have tested single-pole interrupting ratings of 200,000 and 300,000 amps. 36
480V
B C B
480V
C
Low Value of Fault Current Because of Large Capacitively Coupled Impedance to Ground
As with High Resistance Grounded Systems, ground detectors should (but are not required by the 2002 NEC) be installed, to warn the maintenance crew to find and fix the fault before a second fault from another phase also goes to ground (Figure 13). Figure 13 - Second Fault to Conduit in Ungrounded System
Ungrounded System
Single pole must SERVICE interrupt fault current PANEL
A A
BRANCH PANEL
Steel Conduit
480V
B C B
480V
C
High Value of Fault Current Because Large Impedance is No Longer in Path
Second Fault To Enclosure
240.86 Series Ratings

110.9 requires that overcurrent devices be able to safely interrupt whatever overcurrents they are apt to encounter. For branch circuit fuses and circuit breakers, this means that they must safely interrupt both overloads and short-circuits, up to the maximum available short-circuit current. There are two ways that overcurrent protective devices can meet these short-circuit requirements. They can be fully rated or they can be series rated. Fully Rated System A fully rated system is one in which all of the overcurrent protective devices have an individual interrupting rating at least as great as the available short-circuit current at their point of application. Fully rated systems can consist of all fuses, all circuit breakers, or a combination of fuses and circuit breakers. See 110.9 discussion in this booklet. Figure 1 - Fully Rated Fuse System
LPJ-200SP Fuse 300,000 A Interrupting Rating LPJ-20SP Fuse 300,000 A Interrupting Rating
What are the labeling requirements for series ratings? Factory labeling Requirement 240.86(A) requires that, when a series rated combination is used, the switchboards, panelboards, and loadcenters be tested, listed and factory marked for use with the series rated combinations to be utilized. It is the responsibility of the panelboard, switchboard and loadcenter manufacturers to have a Nationally Recognized Testing Laboratory listing for the complete package, which includes the series rated devices to be used in the specific gear. This is evidenced by a factory marked label affixed to the equipment - Figure 3. Because there is often not enough room in the equipment to show all of the legitimate series rated combinations, UL 67 (Panelboards) allows for a bulletin to be referenced and supplied with the panelboard. The bulletin is to be affixed to the panelboard. These bulletins typically provide all of the acceptable combinations. Field Labeling Requirement Besides the factory labeling requirement of 240.86(A) mentioned in the previous paragraph,110.22 requires the installer to place labels in the field which note the short-circuit rating of the series combination and call out for specific replacement overcurrent devices to be utilized - Figure 3. See the 110.22 discussion in this booklet on this requirement. Figure 3 - Field labeling requirement 110.22 and factory labeling requirement 240.86(A)
Contractor Installed Label Panel MDP1 CAUTION
Series Rated Combination System with panel LDP1 Rated 100,000 Amperes Replace with Bussmann LPJ-200SP Fuses Only
ISC=300,000 Amp Available Short Circuit ISC=300,000 Amp Available Short Circuit
What is a series rated system? A series rated system is a combination of circuit breakers, or fuses and circuit breakers, that can be applied at available short-circuit levels above the interrupting rating of the load side circuit breakers, but not above that of the main or line-side device. Series rated systems can consist of fuses protecting circuit breakers, or circuit breakers protecting circuit breakers. Figure 2 illustrates a fuse/circuit breaker series rated system. Figure 2 - Series Rated Fuse Protecting Circuit Breaker System
Panel Mfrs Label

NRTL Listing of Series Combination Rating of 100,000 amperes when XXX Circuit Breaker Protected by Maximum of 400 A Class J Fuse
Contractor Installed Label CAUTION

Series Rated Combination System with LPJ-200SP fuses in MDP1 Rated 100,000 Amperes Replace with XXX Circuit Breakers Only
LPJ 400 SP Fuse 300,000 A Interrupting Rating
Series Rated Combination 200,000 A. IR
Panel LDP1
20A Circuit Breaker 10,000 A IR
ISC=300,000 Amp Available Short Circuit ISC=200,000 Amp Available Short Circuit
What fuses protect which circuit breakers? Unfortunately, it is often difficult to determine which combinations go with which panelboards. In order to clear the confusion, Bussmann has researched the major manufacturers application literature and published the tables. These tables show, by manufacturer, the various combinations of fuses and circuit breakers that are acceptable by panelboard type. These tables are published on www.bussmann.com under Application Information/Publications. Table 1 is a partial reprinting of one of these tables.
Fully rated systems can be used everywhere, as long as individual interrupting ratings are adequate. On the other hand, series rated systems have limited applications and have extra NEC requirements that must be followed. 240.86 covers requirements for series rated systems.
37
240.86 Series Ratings

Table 1 Example of Available Fuse / Circuit Breaker Series Rating Tables by Manufacturer (partial table) What are other series rated system limitations? The biggest disadvantage of a series rated system is that, by definition, the line side (protecting) device must open at the same time, and in conjunction with the load side (protected) circuit breaker. This means that the entire panel loses power because the device feeding the panel must open under medium to high-level short circuit conditions - Figure 5. As a result, series rated systems should not be used in health care facilities (517.17), continuous process industrials, computer rooms, emergency circuits (700.25 FPN), elevator circuits (620.62), main switchgear, or critical distribution panels. On the other hand, fully rated systems can be selectively coordinated so that only the device closest to the short circuit opens, leaving the rest of the system up and running. Figure 5 - Example of lack of selective coordination inherent in series rated systems
Series Rated Combination Chart

Line Side Fuse Load Side Circuit Breaker
INQOD Panelboards
Maximum System Voltage Maximum SCCR Line Side Fuse JJS, LPJ 240 Vac 200kA JJN
(See Notes Below)

Max Fuse Current Rating Circuit Breaker QO, QOB 200 QO, QOB (AS) QO, QOB (GF I) QO, QOB 400 QO, QOB (AS) QO, QOB (GF I) Load Side Amps Poles ALL 1, 2, 3 ALL 1, 2, 3 ALL 1, 2, 3 ALL 1, 2, 3 ALL 1, 2, 3 ALL 1, 2, 3
Note for NQOD Panelboards: 1P for use at 120V Only
NOT AFFECTED
(See Notes Below)
NEHB Panelboards
Maximum System Voltage 480Y/277 Vac Maximum SCCR 100kA Line Side Fuse JJS, LPJ
OPENS
Amps Poles ALL 1, 2, 3
Max Fuse Current Rating Circuit Breaker 200 EH, EHB
Load Side
Note for NEHB Panelboards: 1P for use at 277V Only
UNNECESSARY POWER LOSS
Series Rated
NF Panelboard
Maximum System Voltage 480Y/277 Vac Maximum SCCR 100kA 200kA Line Side Fuse JJS, LPJ JJS, LPJ
(See Notes Below)

Max Fuse Current Rating Circuit Breaker 400 EDB, EGB, EJB 200 Load Side Amps Poles ALL 1, 2, 3
Fault
Note for NF Panelboards: 1P for use at 277V Only
Lack of Selective Coordination

Another disadvantage of the series rated system is the likely possibility of future expansions or system upgrades, where the new available short-circuit current exceeds the series rating. The typical solution at that point is to tear out the existing series rated panel and replace it with a new, properly rated one. Series Rating Inspection Form Check List In order to help in meeting the multitude of NEC requirements surrounding the use of series rated combinations, Bussmann has created an inspection form check list. This form can be filled out by the installer and verified by the inspector. The form provides a compliance checklist and background information, on the reverse side, on the various NEC requirements. This form is available on www.bussmann.com and the last two pages of this booklet. Where is more information on series rated systems? A more complete discussion of series rated systems and the fuse / circuit breaker series rated tables by manufacturer are on www.bussmann.com under Application Information/Publications.
NOTE (1): The data in these charts was compiled from information in Square D, Series Rating Data Bulletin No. 2700DB9901 and Square D Digest 171. Cooper Bussmann assumes no responsibility for the accuracy or reliability of the information. The information contained in the tables may change without notice due to equipment design modifications. NOTE (2): The line-side fused switch may be in a separate enclosure or in the same enclosure as the loadside circuit breaker. A line-side fused switch may be integral or remote. NOTE (3): Max fuse current rating denotes the largest amperage fuse that may be used for that series rated combination. A lower amperage fuse may be substituted for the listed fuse.
What are the series rated system motor contribution limitations? One critical requirement limits the use of series rated systems where motors are connected between the line-side (protecting) device and the load-side (protected) circuit breaker. 240.86(B) requires that series ratings shall not be used where the sum of motor full load currents exceeds 1% of the interrupting rating of the load-side (protected) circuit breaker. An application of this type would provide added short circuit current, via the motors contributing to a fault, in excess of what the load side (protected) circuit breaker was tested to handle. Example in Figure 4. Figure 4 - Example of violation of 240.86(B) due to motor contributions.
Series Rated Systems

Series Rated Combination 22,000 A. I.R.
This does not comply with NEC 240.86(B) Motor Contribution
10,000 A. I.R.
Motor F.L.A. > 100A (1% IR)
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240.90 and 240.2 Supervised Industrial Installations

What is the intent of Sections 240.90 and 240.2? The special provisions of Part VIII of Article 240 apply only to the process and manufacturing portions of an industrial installation. The intent of Part VIII is to limit its use to large industrial locations. 240.2 defines a supervised industrial installation and this criteria must be met: (1) the maintenance crew must be qualified and under engineering supervision, (2) Total load must be 2500 KVA or greater as calculated in accordance with Article 220, (3) and, there must be at least one service at 277/480 or 480 volts or higher.
240.92(B) Transformer Secondary Conductors of Separately Derived Systems (Supervised Industrial Installations only)
What does this section mean? Conductors may be connected directly to the secondary terminals of a transformer of a separately derived system, without overcurrent protection at the connection if the conductors meet special requirements for short-circuit, overload, and physical protection per 240.92(B)(1), (2), and (3).
240.92(B)(1) Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault Protection (Supervised Industrial Installations only)

What are the requirements of 240.92(B)(1)? The cable can be 100' or less as long as the primary overcurrent device is no larger than 150% of the ampacity of the secondary conductor multiplied by the secondary to primary voltage ratio, or The conductors are protected by a differential relay with a trip setting not greater than the secondary conductor ampacity, or The conductors are shown to be protected under short-circuit conditions by engineering calculations. Typical methods are found in IEEE Color Books, Canadial Electrical Code, IEC Wiring Regulations, ICEA (Insulated Cable Engineers Association), and manufacturers literature.
240.92(B)(2) Overload Protection (Supervised Industrial Installations only)

What are the requirements of 240.92(B)(2)? Overload protection can be achieved by terminating in one overcurrent device, or in up to six overcurrent devices, grouped in one location, that add up to no more than the ampacity of the conductor. Engineering calculations can be used to demonstrate overload protection. Finally, relays can be used to limit the load to the ampacity by opening devices on the line or load side.
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240.92(C) Outside Feeder Taps (Supervised Industrial Installations only)

What are the requirements for Outside Feeder Taps? Outdoor conductors may be tapped to a feeder or connected to the secondary of a transformer without overcurrent protection at the tap or connection if all 5 of the following conditions are met. 1) The conductors must be protected from physical damage. 2) The sum of the one to six grouped overcurrent devices at the termination of the outdoor conductor must limit the load to the ampacity of the conductor. 3) The conductors are outside except at the point of load termination. 4) The overcurrent device must be a part of the disconnecting means or immediately adjacent to it. 5) The disconnecting means are readily accessible and located outside or inside nearest the point of entrance.
240.100 Feeder and Branch Circuit Protection Over 600 Volts Nominal
What are the requirements of this section? This specifies the location of the overcurrent protective device for circuits of over 600 volts. It requires that protection be provided at the beginning of the feeder or branch-circuit unless another location is determined under engineering supervision. An important change to this 2002 section requires the engineering supervision to consider the available fault current, overcurrent protective devices short circuit current characteristics and the conductor withstand characteristics, as found in IEEE Color Books, Canadian Electrical Code, IEC Regulations, ICEA (Insulated Cable Engineers Association), and manufacturers literature.
240.100(B) Protective Devices

What does 240.100(B) require? This section is for applications over 600 volts. It requires overcurrent protective devices to be capable of detecting and interrupting all currents that can occur in excess of their trip setting or melting point.
240.100(C) Conductor Protection

What is the meaning of 240.100(C)? This requires that the short-circuit ratings of the cable not be exceeded. These ratings can be found in the IEEE Color books, ICEA (Insulated Cable Engineers Association), IEC Wiring Regulations, Canadian Electrical Code, and manufacturers literature.
40
250 Grounding
An electrical system with proper grounding is designed to provide for personnel safety and equipment protection. A system that can lose its grounding integrity or failure to provide a system with proper grounding is a serious safety hazard. Two important aspects of systems with proper grounding are: (1) Low impedance ground path When a ground fault occurs this reduces the electric shock hazard if a person comes in contact with any of the metalic electrical enclosures or conduit. A poor ground return path may result in enclosures or conduit having a lethal potential. A person unknowingly coming in contact may be electrocuted. The lower the impedance of the ground return path, the higher the fault current if a line to ground fault occurs; the higher the fault current the more likely the overcurrent protective device will operate to clear the fault. (2) The ground fault current path must safely carry the maximum ground fault current. This means that the equipment grounding conductors that might carry a ground fault must be selected by engineering analysis. This analysis should take into account maximum possible fault current, the operating characteristics of the fuses or circuit breakers, and the damage characteristics of these conductors. All to often, this aspect is overlooked or not properly analyzed. The result can be situations where the equipment grounding conductors change characteristics due to a fault and then the grounding system integrity is no longer as intended. Merely sizing the equipment grounding conductors per Table 250.122 may not provide a conductor size that can safely carry the maximum ground fault current. The solution may be to increase the size of the equipment ground conductor or to use the wire size in Table 250.122 in conjunction with current limiting fuses for the circuit protection. Be sure to read and comply with the following grounding requirements of Article 250.
250.2 Definitions (Grounding)

What is the definition for effective ground-fault current path? The NEC definition is: An intentionally constructed, permanent, low-impedance electrically conductive path designed and intended to carry current under ground fault conditions from the point of a ground fault on a wiring system to the electrical supply source.
250.4(A)(4) & (5) General Requirements for Grounded Systems

250.4 covers the General Requirements for Grounding and Bonding. (A) covers these general requirements for grounded systems. What is the meaning of 250.4(A)(4)? All the electrically conductive materials that could become energized are to be connected together in such a manner that there is an effective ground-fault current path. In this way, if a line to ground fault occurs there is an adequate path to complete the circuit. What is the requirement in 250.4(A)(5) for Effective Ground-Fault Current Path? This NEC section states: Electrical equipment and wiring and other electrically conductive material likely to become energized shall be installed in a manner that creates a permanent, low impedance circuit capable of safely carrying the maximum ground-fault current likely to be imposed on it from any point on the wiring system where a ground fault may occur to the electrical supply source. The earth shall not be used as the sole equipment grounding conductor or effective ground-fault current path. This means that the ground-fault current path must be designed (not left to chance) to be low-impedance and capable of adequately carrying the current that could flow under ground fault conditions. For instance, this means the equipment grounding conductors must be designed to be sure they do not become damaged or annealed due to possible ground fault currents. It is not enough to merely select equipment grounding conductors based on Table 250.122. See the discussion in this booklet on 250.122
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250.4(B)(4) General Requirements for Ungrounded Systems

(B) covers General Requirements for Grounding and Bonding of ungrounded systems. What is the requirement in 250.4(B)(4) for Path for Fault Current? Electrical equipment, wiring, and other electrically conductive material likely to become energized shall be installed in a manner that creates a permanent, low-impedance circuit from any point on the wiring system to the electrical supply source to facilitate the operation of overcurrent devices should a second fault occur on the wiring system. The earth shall not be used as the sole equipment grounding conductor or effective fault-current path. Ungrounded systems are designed so that the first line to ground fault does not cause a fault current of sufficient magnitude to open the overcurrent protective devices. However, if a second fault to ground occurs (involving another phase) it is imperative to clear the fault current as quickly as possible. The low-impedance path of likely ground faults will facilitate the operation of the overcurrent protective devices. To better understand this; see the discussion in this booklet for ungrounded systems under 240.85. The discussion includes diagrams for the first and second ground faults in ungrounded systems. Although 250.4(B)(4) does not explicitly mention resistance grounded systems, the same conditions for the first and second faults occur with these systems too.
250.90 Bonding Requirements and Short-Circuit Current Rating

What does this section mean? All bonding provided must have the capacity to conduct safely any fault current it is likely to see.
250.96(A) Bonding Other Enclosures and Short-Circuit Current Requirements

What do these sections require? All materials used in the grounding and bonding of equipment shall be capable of safely carrying the short-circuit current that could flow through the ground path. This will, in many cases, require the use of a current-limiting fuse to protect the equipment from damage. See Section 110.10 for more on component protection.
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250.122 Sizing of Equipment Grounding Conductors

What are the ramifications of 250.122 and especially the note at the bottom of Table 250.122? The integrity of the grounding path is essential for safety; it facilitates the operation of the overcurrent protective devices. Improper sizing of the grounding conductors can result in their annealing, melting or vaporizing before the protective device clears the circuit. Generally, the grounding electrode conductor and the equipment grounding conductors are smaller than the circuit conductors and their ampere rating is less than that of the overcurrent protective device. The protective device may be too slow to protect an undersized conductor against high fault currents (see Section 240.1 of this Bulletin). Consideration must be given to the size of the grounding conductors, their withstand, the magnitude of ground fault currents, and the operating characteristics of circuit overcurrent devices. Where the protective device is not fast enough to protect the undersized equipment grounding conductor, the conductor size may need to be increased, or a different overcurrent device could be chosen which could provide adequate protection for the conductor. This section of the NEC requires this analysis. Caution: Table 250.122 in the NEC gives Minimum Size Equipment Grounding Conductors for Grounding Raceway and Equipment This table has a note that reads: Note: Where necessary to comply with 250.4(A)(5) or 250.4(B)(4), the equipment grounding conductor shall be sized larger than given in this table.
VIOLATION Grounded Service Neutral 1/0 AWG Copper Grounding Electrode Conductor
For example, Table 250.122 allows a circuit protected by a 400 ampere overcurrent device to have a 3 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor. If the 400 ampere overcurrent device takes one cycle to open in a circuit where 50,000 amperes are available, typical cable manufacturers withstand charts show that the 3 AWG conductor would be damaged. One solution would be to install a 2/0 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor which would be able to withstand the 50,000 amperes for one cycle. The other alternative is to limit the 50,000 amperes to within the 22,000 ampere for one cycle limit of the 3 AWG conductor. This can be accomplished easily with the use of current-limiting fuses. What is the importance of 250.122(D)? Since instantaneous only circuit breakers (MCPs) can be set as high as 1700% of motor full-load current, the equipment grounding conductor shall be sized based on the motor overload relay. What is the problem with 250.122(F)(2)? This allows for protection of a parallelled equipment grounding conductor in a multiconductor cable with equipment ground fault protection. However, ground fault protection is not a substitute for overcurrent protection. It is designed to prevent the burn down of switchboards. It was not designed for, nor is it fast enough to protect equipment grounding conductors from annealing under short-circuit conditions. Take a 4,000 ampere circuit with 50,000 amperes available, as an example. Nine 750 kcmil/phase with one 500 kcmil as an EGC could be used. However, if 9 conduits are utilized, the 1996 code required a 500 kcmil EGC in each conduit. The requirements starting in the 1999 code would allow for a 2 AWG EGC in each conduit. (75C, 750 kcmil is rated for 475 amps, and EGC associated with a 500 ampere overcurrent device is a 2 AWG.) The I2t required to anneal a 2 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor (Soares validity rating) is 24.5 x 106 ampere squared seconds. The I2t let-through for GFP, set at 475 amperes for a typical delay of .3 seconds at 50,000 amperes, is 50,000 x 50,000 x .3 = 750 x 106. Thats more than 30 times the I2t needed to anneal the copper. After a fault, the equipment grounding conductor would not be tight under the lug. In other words, there would no longer be an effective ground fault path. The 500 kcmil required by the previous NEC has an I2t rating of 1,389 x 106 ampere squared seconds, more than enough to stay tight under a lug after a fault occurs. For more detailed explanation of these concepts, review the latest edition of Soares Book on Grounding, now published by IAEI. Another serious conductor damage level is the Onderdonk conductor melting point. This is the I2t at which the metal of a given size conductor melts. In the example of the previous paragraph the Onderdonk I2t melting point for 2 AWG copper is 83.1 x 10 6 and 500 kcmil is 4,721. x 10 6. This means in the example given with the GFP I2t let-thru of 750 x 106, that the 2 AWG copper equipment grounding conductor could melt. So after a ground fault there would no longer be an effective ground fault current path. If this did occur, the electricians repairing the fault may not even notice that the equipment grounding conductor is no longer effective unless they ran specific tests for this condition.
50,000A RMS
500 kcmil Copper Service Equipment Metal Enclosure 400A Non-CurrentLimiting Device
3 AWG Copper Equipment Grounding Conductor 3 Load Would need to increase Equipment Grounding Conductor to 2/0. COMPLIANCE Grounded Service Neutral 1/0 AWG Copper Grounding Electrode Conductor
Non-Metallic Raceway
Metal Enclosure
50,000A RMS
500 kcmil Copper Service Equipment Metal Enclosure 400A CurrentLimiting Device
3 AWG Copper Equipment Grounding Conductor 3 Load
Non-Metallic Raceway
Metal Enclosure
Conforms to Section 110.10, Table 250.122, and 250.4(A)(5) or 250.4(B)(4)
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310.10 Temperature Limitation of Conductors

What is the purpose of the fine print note in this section? The fine print note is intended to point out the need for conductor derating at high ambient temperatures. It also directs the user to be aware of other information, such as conductor size and number, to assure proper application.
(3) 12 AWG 75C Copper Conductors in a Raceway 35C Environment This fuse is sized at 25 (amperes) x .94 (temperature derating factor) = 23.5 amperes. The next standard size is 25 amperes, but the obelisk for 12 AWG copper, 75C in Table 310.16 directs the reader to Section 240.4(D) where the maximum overcurrent device is given as 20 amperes. (9) 12 AWG 75C C Copper in a Raceway 35C Environment
This fuse is sized at 25 (amperes) x .94 (temperature derating factor) x .70 (9 conductors in a raceway derating factor from Table 310.15(B)(2)(a) to ampacity tables) = 16.45 amperes. The next standard size is a 20 ampere Fuse.
368.11 and 368.12 Busway Reduction and Feeders or Branch Circuits

What does 368.11 section mean? Overcurrent protection is required whenever busway is reduced in ampacity unless all of the following conditions are met: 1. Industrial establishment only. 2. Length of smaller bus does not exceed 50 feet. 3. Ampacity of smaller bus must be at least 1/3 that of the upstream overcurrent device. 4. Smaller bus must not contact combustible material. What does 368.12 require? 368.12 requires busway used as a feeder to have devices or plugin connections for tapping off feeder or branch circuits from the busway which contain fuses for the feeder or branch-circuits. Exceptions are permitted as follows: 1. As permitted in 240.21 2. For fixed or semifixed light fixtures (luminaires), where the branch-circuit overcurrent device is part of the fixture (luminaire) cord plug on cord-connected fixtures (luminaires). 3. Where fixtures (luminaires) without cords are plugged directly into the busway and the overcurrent device is mounted on the fixture (luminaires).
408.16 Panelboard Overcurrent Protection

What is the meaning of 408.16(A)? Lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboards must be protected by a main overcurrent device (up to two sets of fuses, as long as their combined ratings do not exceed that of the panelboard), unless the feeder has overcurrent protection not greater than the rating of the panelboard. What is the meaning of 408.16(B)? A Power Panelboard having supply conductors which include a neutral and having more than 10% of its overcurrent devices protecting branch circuits of 30 amperes or less, shall have individual protection on the line side not greater than the rating of the panelboard. Individual protection is not required when the power panel is used as service equipment in accordance with 230.71. General CommentThe service entrance split bus load center or panelboard having up to 6 main disconnects is no longer permitted on new installations. The tap rules found in 240.21 do not remove these requirements for lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboard protection, nor do they remove the requirements for transformer protection found in 450.3.
430.1 Scope of Motor Article

What is the importance of this section? It offers an overview of protection for motors, motor circuits, motor controllers, and motor control centers.
430.6 Ampacity of Conductors for Motor Branch Circuits and Feeders

What is the importance of this section? It states that conductors supplying motors shall be selected from applicable tables in Article 310 and Section 400.5. The determination of conductor ampacity, or ampere rating of switches, branch circuit protection, etc., should be taken from the motor F.L.A. tables in Article 430, Tables 430.147 through 430.150. There is an exception for listed motor-operated appliances with both a horsepower rating and a full load current rating marked on the nameplate. In this case, the ampere rating on the nameplate should be used to determine the ampacity or rating of the motor circuit conductors, disconnecting means, controller, and the branch circuit short-circuit and ground fault protection. Similar exceptions exist for multispeed motors (Exc. 1) and equipment employing shaded pole or permanent-split capacitor-type fan or blower motor. The separate overload device should always be based on the nameplate current rating.
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430.8 Marking on Controllers

What is the purpose of this FPN? This FPN was added to warn the user about the delicate nature of small contacts and overload relays which can easily be damaged under short circuit conditions unless properly protected by current-limiting protective devices.
430.32 Motor Overload Protection

What are the typical ways of providing motor overload protection external to the motor? Generally, motor starters with overload relays and/or Class RK1 and RK5 dual-element fuses are used to provide motor running protection. M
LOW-PEAK YELLOW Class RK1 Dual-Element Fuse
Do fuses sized as above also provide branch circuit protection requirements? Yes. Sizing FUSETRON Class RK5 and LOW-PEAK YELLOW Class RK1 Dual-Element fuses for motor running overload protection also provides the necessary short-circuit protection per 430.52. The use of these dual-element fuses permits close sizing. Thus, fuse case sizes often can be smaller, thereby permitting the use of smaller switches. Can circuit breakers and fuses other than Class RK1 and RK5 dualelement fuses be used to give motor overload protection? Not generally. The conventional circuit breakers usually must be sized at 250% of the motor full-load amperes to avoid tripping on motor starting current, and thus cannot provide overload protection. Instantaneous only circuit breakers or motor shortcircuit protectors are only equipped with a short-circuit tripping element and, therefore, are incapable of providing overload protection. For motor applications, the non-time-delay fuses such as the LIMITRON KTS-R fuses normally have to be sized at 300% of a motor full-load current rating to avoid opening on motor startup and, therefore, do not provide overload protection. When single-phasing occurs on a 3-phase motor circuit, unbalanced currents flow through the motor, which can damage the motor if not taken off-line. Class RK1 and RK5 dual-element, time-delay fuses, sized for motor overload protection, can provide single-phase damage protection. See 430.36.
FootnoteAbnormal Motor Operation: The application of motors under certain abnormal operating conditions often requires the use of larger size fuses than would normally be required. The use of oversize fuses limits protection to short-circuit or branch circuit protection only. The types of abnormal motor installations that may be encountered include the following: (a) Fuses in high ambient temperature locations. (b) Motors having a high Code Letter (or possibly no Code Letter) with full-voltage start. (c) Motors driving high inertial loads or motors which must be frequently cycled off-and-on. Typical high inertial loads are machines such as punch presses having large mass flywheels, or machines such as centrifugal extractors and pulverizers, or large fans which cannot be brought up to speed quickly. (d) High efficiency motors with high inrush currents.
Typically, how are the devices selected for protection of motors? With starters and overload relays, the proper heater element is selected from manufacturers tables based on the motor nameplate full-load current rating. The level of protection reached in this selection process complies with Article 430. When employing only dual-element Class RK1 and RK5 fuses for motor running overload protection, the rating of the fuse should be as follows:
LOW-PEAK YELLOW Class RK1 or FUSETRON Class Class RK5 Dual-Element Fuse Size at 125% or less of motor full-load amps M S.F. 1.15 or higher or temp. rise 40C. or less M S.F. less than 1.15 or temp. rise over 40C. LOW-PEAK YELLOW Class RK1 or FUSETRON Class Class RK5 Dual-Element Fuse Size at 115% or less of motor full-load amps
430.36 Fuses Used to Provide Overload and Single-Phasing Protection

What does this section require? This section clarifies the need for overload protection in all three phases of a 3-phase, 3-wire system, where one phase also serves as the grounded conductor.
A LPS-RK171/ 2SP
B LPS-RK171/ 2SP C LPS-RK171/ 2SP
460 Volts 10HP F.L.A. = 14A
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430.52 Sizing of Various Overcurrent Devices for Motor Branch Circuit Protection
What is the basic content of this section? This Section deals with the protection of motor branch circuits against short-circuit damage. It establishes the maximum permissible settings for overcurrent protective devices. (Branch circuits include all the circuit componentswire, switches, motor starters, etc.) As is apparent in Code Table 430.52, maximum settings vary with different types of motors, each type having unique starting characteristics. Motors to which the maximum permissible settings or ratings apply (shown in the condensed Table below) include all types of single-phase, three-phase squirrel cage and three-phase synchronous motors. The table below does not apply to Design E, Wound Rotor, and dc motors. These maximum values do not preclude the application of lower sizes. Also, compliance with Section 110.10 must be analyzed. Motor starters have relatively low short-circuit current withstands. Refer to Buss bulletin SPD for specific fuse recommendations. Maximum Rating or Setting of Protective Devices
Fuse Non-Time-Delay All Class CC 300% Dual-Element Time-Delay 175% Circuit Breaker* Instantaneous Type Only 800% Inverse Time Type 250%
Yes. Because the LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse is currentlimiting, excellent short-circuit protection is provided, even though available short-circuit current greatly exceeds 22,000 amperes. (Specifically, the LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse would give protection against fault currents through 200,000 amperes.) It is also significant to note that because the Class RK1 LOW-PEAK YELLOW fuse is a time-delay fuse, it actually could be sized at 125% of full-load current or the next larger size (30 amperes) with the advantage of permitting the use of a smaller disconnect switch, and providing backup overload protection and even better shortcircuit protection. These maximum sizing allowances are all overridden if a manufacturer's label shows overcurrent protection values lower than what 430.52 allows. The overload relay heater elements of a motor controller often have relatively low short-circuit current withstand ratings. The maximum ratings of protective devices given in Table 430.52, thus, do not necessarily apply since they may be too large to provide adequate protection. Consequently, the starter manufacturer often includes an overload relay table within the starter enclosure. If the table states the maximum fuse size ratings to be used which will adequately protect the overload relays, the protective device must be a fuse. TYPICAL EXAMPLE: The chart shown below is typical for starter manufacturers and may be found on the inside of the door of the starter enclosure. (See starter manufacturer for specific recommendation.)
Heater Code Marking XX03 XX04 XX05 XX06 XX14 XX15 XX16 XX17 XX18 Full Load Current of Motor (Amperes) (40C Ambient) .25- .27 .28- .31 .32- .34 .35- .38 .76- .83 .84- .91 .92-1.00 1.01-1.11 1.12-1.22 Max. Fuse 1 3 3 3 6 6 6 6 6
See Article 430, 430.52. * For latest information, check manufacturers data and/or Underwriters Laboratories U.L. Standard #508 for damage and warning label requirements.
What about starter withstandability and Section 110.10 requirements for component protection?
SIZE 1 STARTER LISTED FOR 22,000 AMPS WITH THE 50A BREAKER 71/2 HP (22A) Short-circuit current should not exceed M 22,000 amperes NON-CURRENT-LIMITING CIRCUIT BREAKER
Under short-circuit conditions, the branch circuit protective device must protect the circuit components from extensive damage. Therefore, the following factors should be analyzed: available short-circuit current, let-through characteristics of the overcurrent protective device, and starter withstandability. As an Example, this Size 1 Starter has been tested by U.L. with 22,000 ampere available short-circuit current per U.L. Standard 508. Thus, in the example above, the available short-circuit currents should not exceed 22,000 amperes since the circuit breaker is not current-limiting. Additionally an MCP, if used in a combination controller, must be listed for that specific combination. The MCP cannot be used as a separate motor branch circuit short-circuit protective device to protect a motor controller. Applications of MCPs on many motors, i.e., high efficiency or high Code Letter, may cause the MCP to operate needlessly, even when sized at 1700% of motor current. In the circuit below using a Buss LOW-PEAK YELLOW dual-element time-delay fuse, can available short-circuit current exceed 22000 amperes?
SIZE 1 STARTER LISTED FOR 200,000 AMPS WITH A 40A CLASS R FUSE 230V 3 LOW-PEAK DUAL-ELEMENT CLASS RK1 FUSE Max. size: 175% x 22 = 38.5. Go to next standard size of 40A. 71/2 HP (22A)
240.6 has an exception listing additional standard fuse ampere ratings of 1, 3, 6 and 10 amperes. The lower ratings were added to provide more effective protection for circuits with small motors, in accordance with 430.52 and 430.40 and requirements for protecting the overload relays in controllers for very small motors. Fuse manufacturers have available other intermediate fuse ampere ratings to provide closer circuit protection (such as sizing Class RK1 and RK5 dual-element fuses at 125% of motor current) or to comply with Maximum Fuse sizes specified in controller manufacturers overload relay tables.
46
430.52 Sizing of Various Overcurrent Devices for Motor Branch Circuit Protection
Type 2 Starter Protection Tables Is there a way to be sure a motor starter has legitimate short circuit protection? Yes, specify Type 2 motor starter protection Motor starters typically have low short circuit withstand ratings. The damage level permissible under short circuit testing per UL 508 for motor starters may not meet the expectations of many designers and users; the heaters are allowed to disintegrate and the contacts allowed to weld or disintegrate. This level of protection is referred to as Type 1. There is another alternative, which is Type 2 protection. Type 2 is no damage protection; heater elements are not permitted to be damaged and the contacts must be able to be easily parted (if slightly welded). Motor starters in conjunction with specific type and size current-limiting fuses that are tested to Type 2 protection are available. Bussmann publishes tables by starter manufacturers of the fuse type and size that provide Type 2 protection. Visit the Application / Publications section of www.bussmann.com for these tables by starter manufacturer. Also, see the discussion in this booklet under 110.10. For a more in-depth discussion see the Bussmann SPD, Electrical Protection Handbook. 430.52(C)(5) allows other fuses to be used in place of those allowed in Table 430.52. Why is this Code provision necessary? Some solid-state motor starters and drives require fuses specifically designed to protect semiconductor components. The Code provision was necessary in order to give branch circuit, short-circuit and ground fault status to these fuses. What is the significance of 430.52(C)(3) Exc. 1, (C)(6) & (C)(7)? Design B energy efficient motors are included with Design E motors as far as protection with instantaneous trip circuit breakers (MCPs), self-protected combination controllers, and motor shortcircuit protectors (MSCPs) are concerned. These branch-circuit devices may be set as high as 1700% of the motor full load current as shown in Tables 430.147 through 430.150. Motor controllers may have difficulty opening at current levels just below the 1700% rating.
430.53 Connecting Several Motors or Loads on One Branch Circuit

What does this section mean? Simply stated, branch circuit protection for group motor installations must be testing agency and factory listed for such installations. This listing can be accomplished as a factory installed assembly with specified marking, or field installed as separate assemblies listed for use with each other, with instructions provided by the manufacturer. For the best protection of group motor installations, the branch circuit protective device must be current-limiting. The Fine Print Note reference to 110.10 emphasizes the necessity to comply with the component shortcircuit withstand ratings. If the equipment nameplate specifies MAX fuse for a multimotor circuit, what must the branch circuit device be? It must be a fuse, rated at not more than what is specified on the nameplate. The best type of fuse to use is a current-limiting fuse.
BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSE
If the equipment nameplate specifies MAX circuit breaker of a certain manufacturer and part number, what must be used? Only that specific type and manufacturer may be used. In other words, that controller has been tested and listed with a certain circuit breaker, with certain short-circuit characteristics. Although breakers of other manufacturers and interrupting ratings may be interchangeable, that substitution is not allowed by 430.53(C)(3). This is due in part to the fact that there is no standardization of short-circuit performance of circuit breakers. Also, some circuit breakers exhibit current-limitation, to a degree, while not being marked current-limiting. This could prove to be a hazard if a noncurrent-limiting breaker of the same form and fit were to be installed.
M M Nameplate specifies max fuse as branch circuit device.
430.62 and 430.63 Sizing Fuses for Feeders with Motor Loads
What are the requirements for sizing fuses for feeders with only motor loads? Per NEC 430.62, a fuse protecting a feeder supplying a specific fixed motor load(s), with conductor sizes based on 430.24, is required to have an ampere rating not greater than the permissible largest ampere rating of the branch-circuit shortcircuit and ground-fault protective device for any motor supplied by the feeder (based on the maximum permitted value per 430.52 & Table 430.52), plus the sum of the full-load current of the other motors of the group. The ampere rating of the feeder fuses is permitted to be based on the ampacity of the feeder conductors that have an ampacity greater than required by 430.24. For a fuse supplying a motor control center, the provisions of 430.94 apply. What are the requirements for sizing fuses for feeders with motor and other loads? Per NEC 430.63, a fuse protecting a feeder which supplies motor load and, in addition, a lighting or a lighting and appliance load, is required to have an ampere rating that is sufficient to carry the lighting or the lighting and appliance load as determined in accordance with Articles 210 and 220 (125% of continuous nonmotor load plus 100% of the non-continuous non-motor load) plus, for a single motor, the ampere rating permitted by 430.52 and Table 430.52, and, for two or more motors, the ampere rating permitted by 430.62. For a fuse supplying a motor control center, the provisions of 430.94 apply.
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430.71 Motor Control-Circuit Protection

What does this section mean?
BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSE
430.71 defines the control circuit of a motor controller (control apparatus). The relationship of a control circuit to the circuit carrying the main power current is illustrated in the circuit diagram at left.
CONTROL CIRCUIT
430.72(A) Motor Control-Circuit Overcurrent Protection

What does this section mean:
BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSE
M
Branch circuit or supplementary-type fuse
CONTROL CIRCUIT
As shown in the above circuit, the motor control circuit tapped on the load side of the motor branch circuit protective device can be
protected by either a branch or supplementary type protective device (such a control circuit is not to be considered a branch circuit). For motor controllers listed for available fault currents greater than 10,000 amperes, the control circuit fuse must be a branch circuit fuse with a sufficient interrupting rating. (The use of Buss FNQ-R, KTK-R, LP-CC, LPJ_SP, JJS, or JJN fuses is recommended; these fuses have branch circuit listing status, high interrupting rating, current-limitation, and small size.)
430.72(B) Motor Control-Circuit Conductor Protection

What does this section mean? Control circuit conductors must be protected by a fuse rated at not more than those values shown in Column A of Table 430.72(B).
BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSE
Do the circuits shown below require individual control circuit protection?

LPS-RK40SP M 25 HP 34A
M
16 AWG Wire Within Enclosure Branch circuit or supplementary-type fuse
CONTROL CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
What if the control conductors remain within the enclosure? If the control conductors do not leave the enclosure, they can be considered to be protected by the branch circuit fuse, if that fuse does not exceed the values of Table 430.72(B) Column B. (430.72(B)(2))
No. The LPS-RK40SP fuses are sized within the 40 ampere requirement for 16 AWG conductor within an enclosure. (See Table 430.72(B).)
80A M 10A Required 25 HP 34A
M
Control circuit within enclosure The motor branch protective device is considered to also protect the control conductors if the conductors do not extend beyond the enclosure and the maximum rating of the protective device is not greater than Table 430.72(B) Column B. 16 AWG Wire Within Enclosur
Yes. Individual control circuit fuses are required since the 80 ampere circuit breaker has a rating in excess of the 40 ampere requirement for 16 AWG conductor within an enclosure. (See Table 430.72(B).
Note: 110.10 and 240.1 require that component withstand not be exceeded. Not all overcurrent devices sized per 430.72(B) can actually protect small conductors. See discussion on 240.1 in this booklet.
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430.72(B) Motor Control-Circuit Conductor Protection

What if the control conductors leave the enclosure? If the control conductors leave the enclosure, they can be considered to be protected by the branch circuit fuse, if that fuse does not exceed the values of Table 430.72(B) Column C. (430.72(B)(2))
480V M Control conductors extending beyond enclosure The motor branch circuit protective device is considered also to protect the control conductors if it does not exceed the values of Column C. 100VA 18 AWG Copper within enclosure BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSE M .5 Amp 120V 2 WIRE
From Table 430.72(B) Wire Size Max. Protection 18 AWG Copper 7 Ampere Fuse Maximum primary fuse shall not exceed 1.75A as determined by 120V x 7A = 1.75A 480V Therefore, .5 amp primary fuse complies.
What does 430.72(B) Exception No. 2 mean? Primary fusing of a control transformer can be considered to protect the 2-wire, secondary conductors if the fuse rating does not exceed the value of multiplying the appropriate rating from Table 430.72(B) with the secondary-to-primary voltage ratio.
Comparison By Largest HP Motor (460V) Circuit Where Branch Circuit Protective Device Is Considered To Protect The Control Conductors Per 430.72(B) (2).
Protective Device Approx. Size As Percent Motor F.L.A. Level Of Protection Overload and Branch Circuit Control Circuit Within Enclosure 18 AWG 16 AWG 15HP 25HP Control Circuit Extending Beyond Enclosure 18 AWG 16 AWG 3HP 5HP
14 AWG 60HP
14 AWG 25HP
125% LOW-PEAK YELLOW Class RK1 or FUSETRON Class RK5 dual-element Fuse 175% Non-Time-Delay 300% Fuse Thermal Magnetic 250% Circuit Breaker Instantaneous 1000%* Only Circuit Breaker
10HP 5HP Branch Circuit Only 5HP 1HP
15HP 71/2 H P 10HP 2HP
40HP 20HP 30HP 5HP
2HP 1HP 11/2 H P

1
3HP 11/2 H P 2HP

1
15HP 10HP 10HP 2HP
/4 H P
/2 H P
*Instantaneous only circuit breakers cannot provide any overload protection. Typically to hold starting currents, instantaneous trip is set at 1000% to 1700% of motor full-load amperes.
Even though a fuse or circuit breaker can be sized at 300% or 400% of the conductor ampacity, what level of control conductor protection can be expected? The protective device would respond only to high level conductor overcurrents; the control conductors would not be protected against lower overcurrent levels. This lack of protection could result in a prolonged 200% control circuit overcurrent and eventual
insulation breakdown and melting of the conductors. For example, if the control circuit run were of considerable length, the conductor impedance might be sufficiently high to limit fault currents to 200% to 400% of the conductor ampacity. Thus, oversized overcurrent devices would provide inadequate protection. In contrast, fuses sized to the conductors ampacity would provide full-range overcurrent protection; their use is to be recommended.
430.72(C) Motor Control-Circuit Transformer Protection

What does this section mean? Primary Fuse Protection Only.
Transformer Primary Current Less than 2 amperes 2 to 9 amperes 9 amperes or more Primary Fuse Ampacity Must Not Exceed 500% (430.72(C)(4)) 167% 125%
Primary and Secondary Fuse Protection.

Primary Fuse Does Not Exceed 250% 250% Secondary Current 9 amperes or more Less than 9 amperes Secondary Fuse 125% 167%
The conditions of 430.72(C)(3), permit the use of a control transformer rated less than 50 VA* without the inclusion of individual protection on the primary side of the transformer in the control circuit proper. Thus, protection of the transformer primary against short-circuit currents is dependent upon the device used
*Control Transformers rated less than 50 VA are usually impedance protected or have other types of protection, such as inherent protection.
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430.72(C) Motor Control-Circuit Transformer Protection

for branch circuit protection. However, consideration should be given to protecting the control transformer on the primary side with individual fuses specifically sized for control transformer protection.
60A Symbol Voltage Ampere Rating Rating Branch Circuit Rejection Fuses 1/4 thru 30 FNQ-R 600V 1/ 2 thru 30 LP-CC 600V LPJ 600V 1 thru 600 SC 600V 6 thru 20 SC 480V 25 thru 60 1/10 thru 30 KTK-R 600V JJN 300V 1 thru 1200 JJS 600V 1 thru 800 1/ 2 thru 5 SC 600V Supplementary Fuses 1/10 thru 30 FNQ 500V FNW 250V 12 thru 30 FNM 250V 0 thru 1 FNM 250V 1.1 thru 3.5 FNM 250V 3.6 thru 10 FNM 125V 10.1 thru 15 FNM 32V 15.1 thru 30 1/10 thru 8/10 FNA 250V FNA 125V 1 thru 15 FNA 32V 15.1 thru 30 1/10 thru 30 KTK 600V 1/ 2 thru 1 BAF 250V BAF 250V 1.1 thru 3.5 BAF 250V 3.6 thru 10 BAF 250V 10.1 thru 15 BAF 125V 15.1 thru 30 2/10 thru 1 BAN 250V BAN 250V 1.1 thru 3.5 BAN 250V 3.6 thru 10 BAN 250V 10.1 thru 15 BAN 250V 15.1 thru 30
* U.L. Listed
Class CC* CC* J* G* G* CC* T* T* G* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP. SUP.* SUP.* SUP. SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP.* SUP. SUP. SUP. SUP. SUP. SUP.
Interrupting Rating 200KA 200KA 300KA 100KA 100KA 200KA 200KA 200KA 100KA 10KA 10KA 35A 100A 200A 10KA 1KA 35A 10KA 1KA 100KA 35A 100A 200A 750A 10KA 35A 35A 100A 200 A 750A
Comment
Time-delay in overload region
*
480V (25VA) .05A normal F.L.C. (breakdown of transformer windings could cause current to increase many times over normal level but less than 60A) *Conductor protection is still required per Section 430.72(B) 120V
No intentional time-delay in the overload region
Take the case, for instance, in which a short occurs in a control transformer (such as would result from insulation deterioration and breakdown). (See diagram above in which a 60 ampere branch circuit fuse is shown.) Now, if the overcurrent drawn by the control circuit as a result of the shorted control transformer is relatively low (actually could be less than 60 amperes) compared to the response time of the 60 ampere branch circuit fuse or circuit breaker, the transformer could become so hot that extensive damage could be done to the insulation of the control conductors . . . the transformer itself could burst into flames.
*Control Transformers rated less than 50 VA are usually impedance protected or have other types of protection, such as inherent protection.
Time-delay in the overload region
However, inclusion of fuse protection in the primary of the control transformer would minimize this type of hazard. Buss FNQ-R Time-Delay fuses are excellent choices. When applying fuses, the time-current characteristics should be checked to determine if the fuse can hold the inrush magnetizing current of the transformer. Fuses Commonly Used in Control Circuits. There are several fuse types which have small dimensions that are ideally suited for control circuit protection. The KTK-R, FNQ-R and LP-CC fuses are listed as Class CC fuses, and JJN (JJS) fuses are listed as Class T fuses. When used for control transformer, coil, or solenoid protection, the fuse should be selected to withstand the inrush current for the required time.
No intentional time-delay in the overload region
430.83(E) Requirements for Controllers with Slash Voltage Ratings

What are the voltage rating requirements for controllers in 430.83(E)? Controllers with slash voltage ratings, such as 480Y/277 Volts, must be applied only on solidly grounded systems where the voltage to ground does not exceed the lower of the two ratings and the voltage between any two conductors does not exceed the higher of the two ratings. To understand the concepts and proper application of slash rated devices, see the discussion for 240.85 in this booklet.
430.94 Motor Control Center Protection

What are the requirements of this section? Where motor control centers (MCC) are specified, proper overcurrent protection shall be supplied in the MCC as an integral main, or remote main. These devices should be rated based on the common power bus rating.
COMPLIANCE COMPLIANCE
LPS-RK600SP 600A MCC
LPS-RK600SP 600A MCC
600A Bus
LPS-RK 600SP 600A Bus
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430.102 Requirements For Disconnecting Means Within Sight Of Motors

Introduction 430.102 covers the requirements for the location of disconnecting means of motor circuits. 430.102(A) covers the requirements for the controller disconnecting means, while 430.102(B) contains the requirements for the motor disconnecting means. What are the old 1999 NEC Requirements? The basic requirement from the 1999 NEC was that a disconnecting means was required within sight (visible and within 50 feet) of every motor controller (430.102(A)). A disconnecting means was also required within sight of every motor, unless the disconnecting means for the controller was capable of being locked in the off position (430.102(B) Exception). The 2002 NEC Requirements for motor disconnecting means reads (without exception): 430.102(B) Motor. A disconnecting means shall be located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location. The disconnecting means required in accordance with 430.102(A) shall be permitted to serve as the disconnecting means for the motor if it is located in sight from the motor location and the driven machinery location. The 2002 NEC requires that a disconnecting means be within sight of that 50 hp motor. There is much less chance that the worker will attempt to work the equipment hot. What does the exception under 430.102(B) permit? The exception, modified during the Comment period, makes allowances for situations where the disconnecting means would be impractical or increase hazards, or where located in an industrial installation that has written safety procedures and only qualified people can work on the equipment. A Fine Print Note was added to give examples of increased hazards, such as very large motors, equipment with more than one motor (most industrial machinery), submersible motors, drives, and motors for classified areas. The NEC reads: 430.102(B) Exception: The disconnecting means shall not be required to be in sight from the motor and the driven machinery location under either condition (1) or (2) below, provided the disconnecting means required in accordance with 430.102(A) is individually capable of being locked in the open position. The provision for locking or adding a lock to the disconnecting means shall be permanently installed on or at the switch or circuit breaker used as the disconnecting means. (1) Where such a location of the disconnecting means is impracticable or introduces additional or increased hazards to persons or property. (2) In industrial installations, with written safety procedures, where conditions of maintenance and supervision ensure that only qualified persons will service the equipment. FPN No. 1: Some examples of increased or additional hazards include, but are not limited to: motors rated in excess of 100 hp, multi-motor equipment, submersible motors, motors associated with variable frequency drives and motors located in hazardous (classified) locations. Are permanently installed lockout provisions required? Yes, a major change was also made to the locking requirements (see the NEC exception above). New wording mandates that the lock or provisions for locking must be permanent. This was added to specifically eliminate the portable locking devices, which are easily defeated, and those devices that can be overcome by simply removing a cover. The type of lockout provision or fixture (not the lock) that is added onto the circuit breaker or switch at the time of the lockout procedure is not permissible.
The new general rule is that a disconnecting means is required within sight of every motor, whether or not the disconnecting means at the controller is capable of being locked in the off position. This is a very significant change and an enormous advancement for improved worker safety. An example might help. Assume an MCC, with a lockable combination starter, feeds a 50 hp motor located 500 feet from the MCC. According to the 1999 NEC, a disconnecting means was not required within sight of the 50 hp motor because the disconnecting means for the controller, in the MCC, was capable of being locked in the off position. A maintenance worker that was called to the motor would have to walk the 500 feet back to the MCC to disconnect and lock off the motor circuit, and then return 500 feet to work at the motor. After the work was finished, the worker must walk 500 feet to re-energize the circuit and then walk back to the motor to check that everything is working correctly. In situations like this, some workers have been tempted to work the equipment hot, rather than walk back and forth to shut down and lock out the circuit properly.
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430.109(A)(6) Manual Motor Controller as a Motor Disconnect

What are the requirements of 430.109(A)(6)? Manual motor protectors or manual motor controllers can be used as a motor disconnecting means if they are marked Suitable as Motor Disconnect and located between the final branch-circuit overcurrent device and the motor. The required location would preclude their use as the branch circuit disconnecting means. Note that these devices can not be used as the branch-circuit overcurrent device even though some of them have the ability to open short-circuit currents.
440.5 Marking Requirements on HVAC Controllers

How does this section affect the overcurrent protection requirements? If the nameplate on the equipment controller is marked with "MAX FUSE", that means a fuse must be used to protect the equipment. See Section 110.3(B) for proper installation and protection.
440.22 Application and Selection of the Branch Circuit Protection for HVAC Equipment
What are the requirements of 440.22(A)? The branch circuit protective device may be sized at the maximum value of 175% of the motor-compressor rated load current. If the motor cannot start due to high inrush currents, this value may be increased to, but cannot exceed, 225% of motor rated current. What are the requirements of 440.22(C)? 440.22(C) states that if the manufacturer's heater table shows a maximum protective device less than that allowed above, the protective device rating shall not exceed the manufacturer's values (refer to Section 430.52 also).
450.3 Protection Requirements for Transformers

What is the importance of Note 2 found on Table 450.3(A) and 450.3(B)? The required secondary protection may be satisfied with multiple overcurrent devices that protect feeders fed from the transformer secondary. The total ampere rating of these multiple devices cannot exceed the allowed value of a single secondary overcurrent device. If this method is chosen, dual-element, timedelay fuse protection offers much greater flexibility. Note the following examples: This design utilized a single secondary overcurrent device. It provides the greatest degree of selectively coordinated transformer protection, secondary cable protection, and switchboard/panelboard/load center protection. The transformer cannot be overloaded to a significant degree if future loads are added (improperly) in the future. If the single secondary overcurrent device is eliminated, much of the protection will be reduced.
250% 150 KVA 208/120V IFLA = 417A This fuse or circuit breaker may be sized at 1.25 x 417A = 522A. The exception allows the next standard size of 600A to be used.
200A Switch LPN-RK 110SP
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
52
450.3 Protection Requirements for Transformers

Using the same logic, if the single secondary main is eliminated and thermal magnetic circuit breakers are utilized as branch circuit protection, only three of the motors can be connected because the thermal magnetic breakers will have been sized at approximately 250% of motor F.L.A. (83 x 250% = 207.5A)
No Single Secondary Device No Single Secondary Device
250% 150 KVA 208/120V IFLA = 417A
250% 150 KVA 208/120V 200A ThermalMagnetic Circuit Breaker IFLA = 417A 200A ThermalMagnetic Circuit Breaker 200A ThermalMagnetic Circuit Breaker M 83A 581A MCP
Only one motor can be connected when the MCP is utilized.
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
If the single secondary main is eliminated, and dual-element fuses are utilized as branch circuit protection, the transformer can continue to be loaded with the five 83 ampere motors because 5 x 110 = 550 amperes (which is less than the maximum of 600 amperes).
No Single Secondary Device
Using a 200 ampere circuit breaker would allow three (600 200) motors to be connected. If the single secondary main is eliminated and MCP's are utilized as branch circuit protection, the transformer will be seriously underutilized because only one motor can be connected. For one motor, 1 x 700% of 83 = 581 amperes. For two motors, 2 x 700% of 83 = 1162 amperes. Since the sum of the devices cannot exceed 600 amperes, only one motor can be connected when the motor circuit is protected by an MCP. If the MCP will not hold at the 700% setting due to a high starting current, it cannot be adjusted beyond 722% (60083) and therefore it may not be able to be used.
250% 150 KVA 208/120V IFLA = 417A
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
M 83A
450.3(A) Protection Requirements for Transformers Over 600 Volts

What is the general content of this section?
Z = 6% (or less) PRI. SEC. over 600V 600V or less
Unsupervised Location Fuse at 125% of F.L.A. of secondary
Fuse at 300% of F.L.A. of primary
This part of the section sets the overcurrent protection requirements of transformers (over 600 volts): For primary and secondary protection, the primary should be protected by an individual protective device with fuse rating not in excess of 300% of the primary's rated current. Secondary sizing (600V and below) is at 125%* for any location or up to 250% for supervised installations. Secondary sizing (over 600V) can be up to 250%* for % Z 6% and 225% for % Z > 6%. For supervised installations, secondary protection is not required (above, at, or below 600 volts) if the primary is at 250% (or the next standard size if 250% does not correspond to a standard fuse size) of the primary full load amps. Note that conductor protection and panelboard protection may still be required.
*Where this does not correspond to a standard fuse size, the next higher standard size shall be permitted.
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450.3(B) Protection Requirements for Transformers 600 Volts or Less

What is the general content of this section? This section covers protection requirements of transformers, 600 volts or less. Fusing requirements are shown in the illustrated example below. Where the primary FLA is 2 amps, but < 9 amps, the primary fuse may be sized at 167% or less. If the primary FLA < 2 amps, the primary fuse may be sized at 300% or less.
PRIMARY PROTECTION ONLY No secondary protection Fuse must not be larger than 125%* of F.L.A. of primary PRI. & SEC. 600V or less
Protection of circuit conductors is required per Articles 240 and 310; protection of panelboards per Article 408. Specific sections which should be referenced are Sections 240.4, 240.21 and Section 408.16. Note: Transformer overload protection will not be provided by using overcurrent protective devices sized much greater than the transformer F.L.A. The limits of 167%, 250% and 300% will not adequately protect transformers. It is suggested that for transformer overload protection, the fuse size should be within 125% of the transformer fullload amperes. There is a wide range of fuse ampere ratings available to properly protect transformers. FUSETRON (Class RK5) and LOWPEAK YELLOW (Class RK1) dual-element fuses can often be sized on the transformer primary and/or secondary, rated as low as 125% of the transformer F.L.A. These dual-element fuses have time delay to withstand the high magnetizing inrush currents of transformers. There is a wide ampere rating selection in the 0 to 15 ampere range for these dual-element fuses to provide protection for even small control transformers.
PRIMARY AND SECONDARY PROTECTION PRI. & SEC. 600V or less
Secondary F.L.A. 9A 125% of F.L.A. of secondary* (For secondary < 9A, the fuse may be sized up to 167%)
Fuse no larger than 250% of F.L.A. of primary when secondary fuses are provided at 125%
*Where this does not correspond to a standard fuse size, the next standard size may be used.
450.6(A)(3) Tie Circuit Protection

What does this section require? Current-limiting cable limiters shall be used on each end of the tie conductors, specified per the size of the conductors.
455.7 Overcurrent Protection Requirements for Phase Converters

What does this section mean? Phase converters supplying variable loads must be protected at not more than 125% of the nameplate single-phase input full-load current. For converters supplying fixed loads, the conductors shall be protected at their ampacity, but in no case can the overcurrent protection exceed 125% of the phase converter nameplate single phase current. Where the required rating does not correspond to a standard rating, sizes up to the next standard rating may be used.
LPS-RK100SP P/C Nameplate = 80 Amperes
M
3 Motor
A maximum fuse rating LPS-RK100SP will meet the 125% requirements.
460.8(B) Overcurrent Protection of Capacitors

What are the requirements of this section? Overcurrent protection must be provided in each ungrounded conductor supplying a capacitor bank, except for a capacitor located on the load side of a motor overload protective device. The rating of this overcurrent protective device shall be as low as practical. When energized, capacitors have a high inrush current of short time duration. Generally, dual-element time-delay fuses can be sized at 150% to 175% of the capacitor rated current. The purpose of fusing a capacitor is for short-circuit protection. When a capacitor fails, it shorts out. Proper fusing can prevent the shorted capacitor from rupturing.
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501.6(B) Fuses for Class I, Division 2 Locations

What is the meaning of 501.6(B)(3)? The intent of this reference is to suggest the use of non-indicating, filled, current-limiting fuses. The following is a partial list of filled, non-indicating fuses which are current-limiting: Data sheet 8003 on www.bussmann.com under application information/publications provides a list of fuses meeting these requirements. Some of these are: Class CC Class J Class L LP-CC 1/2 - 30, KTK-R 1/2 - 30, FNQ-R 8/10 - 30 LPJ_SP 1 - 600, JKS 1 - 600 KRP-C_SP 601 - 6000, KTU 601 - 6000, KLU 601 - 4000 Class RK1 KTN-R 1 - 600, KTS-R 35 - 600 What is the importance of 501.6(B)(4)? General CommentThese fuses are used to isolate a faulted fixture ballast and maintain continuity of service. Listed or recognized branch circuit or supplementary fuses may be used. Additionally, the GLR fuse is used on ballasts that have a 200 ampere shortcircuit withstand rating such as Class P ballasts.
20A CIRCUIT BREAKER 2,000 Amperes 20' 12 AWG WIRE Available Lighting Panel
Row of Fluorescent Fixtures
GLR Fuse Opens Fixture
Faulted Ballast
Ballasts
517.17 Requirements for Ground Fault Protection and Coordination in Health Care Facilities
What does this section mean? If ground fault protection is placed on the main service or feeder of a health care facility, ground fault protection must also be placed on the next level of feeders. The separation between ground fault relay time bands for any feeder and main ground fault relay must be at least 6 cycles in order to achieve coordination between these two ground fault relays. In health care facilities where no ground fault protection is placed on the main or feeder, no ground fault protection is necessary at the next level down. Therefore, if the requirements of Sections 230.95 and 215.10 do not require ground fault protection, then no ground fault protection is required on the downstream feeders either. If the ground fault protection of the feeder coordinates with the main ground fault protection, will complete coordination between the main and feeder be assured for all ground faults? No, not necessarily! Merely providing coordinated ground fault relays does not prevent a main service blackout caused by feeder ground faults. The overcurrent protective devices must also be selectively coordinated. The intent of Section 517.17 is to achieve 100 percent selectivity for all magnitudes of ground fault current and overcurrents. 100% selectivity requires that the overcurrent protective devices be selectively coordinated for medium and high magnitude ground fault currents because the conventional overcurrent devices may operate at these levels. (See discussion of Section 240.12, System Coordination, for a more detailed explanation of selective coordination). What is one of the most important design parameters of the power distribution system of a health care facility? Selective coordination. To minimize the disruption of power and blackouts in a distribution system, it is absolutely mandatory that the overcurrent protective devices be selectively coordinated. What is selective coordination? A selectively coordinated system is one in which the overcurrent protective devices have been selected so that only the overcurrent device protecting that circuit in which a fault occurs opens; other circuits in the system are not disturbed. The danger of a major power failure in a health care facility such as a hospital is self evident. In any facility, a power failure is at least inconvenient, if not quite costly; in a hospital, it can easily give rise to panic and endanger lives. Continuity of electrical service by selective coordination of the protection devices is a must. (See Section 240.12, System Coordination, of this bulletin for a more detailed explanation of selective coordination. Also publication SPD, Electrical Protection Handbook has a detailed explaination of selective coordination.).
520.53(F)(2) Protection of Portable Switchboards on Stage

What does this section require? Compliance with Sections 110.9 and 110.10 is mandatory. Shortcircuit ratings must be marked on the switchboard.
CURRENTLIMITING FUSE Switchboard short-circuit rating 50,000A when protected by a currentlimiting fuse
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550.6(B) Overcurrent Protection Requirements for Mobile Homes and Parks

What does this section mean? Branch circuit fuses installed in a mobile home should not exceed the rating of the conductors they supply. These fuses should not be more than 1.5 times the rating of an appliance rated 13.3 amperes or more on a single branch, and not more than the fuse size marked on the air conditioner or other motor operated appliance. Do these branch circuit fuses conform to the requirements of 550.6(B)? Yes.
Note: If the nameplate on a device states Maximum Fuse Size, then fuses that size or smaller must be used somewhere in the circuit. APP 13.3 Amps 20A FUSE 14 AWG Conductor 15A FUSE 60A MAIN M 20A FUSE Air Conditioning Unit marked max. fuse 20 Amp.
610.14(C) Conductor Sizes and Protection for Cranes and Hoists

What does this section mean? #18 conductors can be used in control circuits of cranes and hoists if they are fused at not greater than 7 amperes.
Article 620 Elevators, Dumbwaiters, Escalators, Moving Walks, Wheelchair Lifts, and Stairway Chair Lifts
What is an electrical contractor responsible for in an elevator installation? The electrical contractor is responsible for supplying the disconnecting means for the power to the elevator. These include the main supply power (620.51), the car lighting (620.22(A) and 620.53), and the HVAC (620.22(B) and 620.54). What are the requirements of 620.22(A) and 620.53? 620.22(A) requires the lighting, receptacle(s), auxiliary lighting power source, and ventilation for the elevator car to be supplied by a separate branch circuit and the overcurrent protective device must be located in the elevator machine room or machinery space. 620.53 requires a single disconnecting means for the car lighting, receptacle(s) and ventilation that must be capable of being locked in the open position and located in the machine room or machinery space. It is also required to have an identifying number to correspond to the elevator that it supplies. This disconnect must be separate from the disconnecting means that supplies the main power to the elevator car for motion (620.51) and the disconnecting means that supplies the heating and airconditioning (620.22(B) and 620.54). What are the requirements of 620.22(B) and 620.54? 620.22(B) requires the heating and air-conditioning source to be supplied by a dedicated branch circuit for each car and the overcurrent protective devices for each circuit must be located in the machine room or machinery space. 620.54 requires a single disconnecting means for the heating and air-conditioning source that must be located in the machine room or machinery space and must be capable of being locked in the open position. This disconnect must also be separate from the disconnecting means that supplies the main power to the elevator car for motion (620.51) and the disconnecting means that supplies the lighting, receptacle(s), auxiliary lighting power source, and ventilation (620.22(A) and 620.53).
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620.51 Disconnecting Means (Elevators)

What are the requirements for the main elevator power disconnect? 620.51(A) requires a single disconnecting means that must be an enclosed externally operable fused motor circuit switch or circuit breaker that is capable of being locked in the open position and must be listed. What other concerns are there when installing this disconnecting means? Since this is an elevator circuit, consideration needs to be made for the interaction with the elevator code (ANSI/ASME A17.1, Safety Code for Elevators and Escalators). While the electrical contractor does not usually get involved with the elevator installation, there are requirements from the elevator code that the electrical contractor needs to be aware of that may affect what he does have to install. The most influential of these requirements being Rule 102.2(c)(3) from ASME A17.1 which states that if sprinklers are installed in the elevator hoistway or machinery space then the elevator power must be removed prior to the application of water. NEC 620.51(B) permits this removal of power on the disconnecting means to the elevator and can be accomplished with a fusible shunt trip switch. The reasons for removing this power is to reduce the hazards associated with water on live elevator electrical equipment. This includes, but is not limited to, the braking system of the elevator, which if water were applied may not be able to operate properly and may cause the elevator car to stop between floors and leave the hoistway exposed. Another concern is that the control circuitry for the door operation that is located on top of the elevator cab could become shortcircuited when water is applied and allow the elevator to travel up and down with the doors open, again causing an exposed hoistway. Since this removal of power is to occur prior to the sprinkler activation, there must also be interaction with the fire alarm system, which means involvement with NFPA 72 (National Fire Alarm Code ). Shutdown is most commonly accomplished by the activation of a heat detector located in the hoistway or machine room. This heat detector is required to be located within two feet of each sprinkler head and is usually set at 135F, compared to the fusible element of the sprinkler head, which is most commonly set at 165F. (So, in theory, the system should operate as follows. First, the elevator is sent to a designated floor by the smoke detector, where the doors stay open. If the fire gets to the point where it is detected by the heat detector(s), power is removed before it gets hot enough to release water through the sprinkler heads.) When a fire alarm system is installed in a building, section 3-9.2.1 of NFPA 72-1999 requires the elevator shutdown to be monitored for integrity. Since the fire alarm system usually operates at 24V and the shunt trip coil usually operates at 120V, they cannot be directly connected. This means that the heat detector should activate a relay (Isolation Relay), which in turn will allow power to be supplied to the shunt trip coil and cause the disconnecting means to open the circuit. This relay can be monitored for integrity by the fire alarm system to make sure that the wiring remains intact and must be located within three feet of the shunt trip device per 3-9.2.1. To help insure that the system is fail-safe, an additional relay (Volt Monitor Relay) is required by 39.4.4 of NFPA 72-1999 to monitor for presence of the shunt trip voltage. This relay will be placed in parallel to the shunt trip coil so that it receives the same voltage. Then the contacts from this relay can be monitored for integrity by the fire alarm system. If at any time the voltage is not present to the relay, a trouble signal would be sent to the fire alarm system and annunciate an alarm so that someone will correct the problem. See Figure 1. Figure1
If contact closure occurs by either heat detector in Loop A, PLC 1 contact closes and energizes the Isolation Relay. When the Isolation Relay energizes, the IR Contact closes and the Shunt Trip Coil becomes energized, causing the switch to open and disconnect the power to the elevator. If the wiring in Loop A, Loop B, or Loop C becomes disconnected or short-circuited, the PLC will detect it and then close PLC 2 contact and cause the Trouble Signal Alarm to be activated which will notify someone that there is a problem that needs to be examined. This system is designed to be fail-safe so that if any problem occurs in the system, it can be fixed quickly and operational when it is needed to operate. These requirements are commonly overlooked in the bidding process and usually cause extreme confusion. To find out more about how to comply with these codes and standards with one complete package, contact Bussmann for information on the Power Module Switch and Panel for elevator circuits. The Power Module complies with these codes and standards and reduces contractor installation to a minimum in a UL listed assembly. For more information, including data sheets, look for Power Module, under products, at www.bussmann.com. Where should the disconnecting means be located? 620.51(C) requires the disconnecting means to be located where it is readily accessible and within sight of the elevator controller.
620.61 Overcurrent Protection (Elevators)

What requirements must be met for overload protection? Most elevators are rated for intermittent duty and 620.61(B)(1) requires the elevator motor to be protected against overloads by 430.33. This section says that if a motor is rated as intermittent or similar duty, it is allowed to be protected against overloads by the branch-circuit short-circuit overcurrent protective device provided it does not exceed the values specified in Table 430.52. If the motor is rated for continuous duty, such as for escalators and moving walks, 620.61(B)(2) requires the overload protection to be sized in accordance with 430.32. This means that it must have a separate overload device sized no greater than 125% of FLA. What about short-circuit protection? According to 620.61(D), short-circuit protection is to be provided by the branch-circuit overcurrent protective device and must be sized in accordance with Article 430 Part IV.
57
620.62 Selective Coordination (Elevators)

What does 620.62 require when it comes to coordination? When more than one driving machine is fed from a single feeder, selective coordination is required between the overcurrent protective device in each disconnecting means and any other supply side overcurrent protective devices. Selective coordination for elevator overcurrent protective devices is critical. For example, in Figure 2, if a fault were to occur that would cause overcurrent protective device M1 to open, all of the elevators in the building would lose power. One of the reasons that coordination is so important is because firefighters commonly use the elevator to get closer to a fire during fire-fighting operations. See Figure 2. Figure 2 ampacity, these two OCPDs cannot be coordinated together and are not required to be. The only way to meet 620.62 with B4 and F4 is to insure that both B4 and F4 are coordinated with M1. See Figure 3. Figure 3
Since F2 (Feeder 2) is a single feeder to multiple elevators, the branch OCPDs B1, B2, and B3 must be selectively coordinated with F2 to comply with Section 620.62. Now look at the load side of M1. This is also a single feeder to multiple elevators and must also be selectively coordinated with F2, F4, and B4 in order to eliminate the possibility of having a fault on one elevator cause the upstream OCPD to open, thereby removing the power to the other elevators. Since B4 and F4 are usually at or near the same
Notice that each of the feeders supplies their own elevator. This does not bypass the requirements of 620.62, which requires selective coordination when there is more than one driving machine being fed from a single feeder. According to Article 100, a feeder is considered to be all circuit conductors between the service equipment and the branch-circuit OCPD. This would mean that the load side conductors from M1 would be a single feeder to multiple driving machines. This would require F1, F2, F3, and F4 to be selectively coordinated with M1 in order to comply with 620.62. These situations would require selective coordination through to the main OCPD in the building. Otherwise, safety may be compromised if a fault occurs on the branch level that causes the main OCPD to operate. For more information on selective coordination see the discussion on 240.12 in this booklet or see the Bussmann Electrical Protection Handbook SPD for a more in depth discussion.
620.91 Emergency and Standby Power Systems (C)Disconnecting Means (Elevators)

If there is a secondary source of power used for emergency purposes, how is the elevator disconnecting means affected? The disconnecting means referenced in 620.51 must be capable of disconnecting all sources of power for maintenance purposes. Hydraulic elevators have the capability of using a battery pack to lower the elevator in a loss of power situation. The battery attachment is utilized as an extra level of safety to keep from stranding people in the elevator for long periods of time. Under normal operation, the main line power from the disconnecting means controls the raising of the elevator through a pump motor and the lowering of the elevator through a solenoid and a drain valve. To send the cab upward, the pump motor pumps hydraulic fluid into the piston that forces the elevator upward. To return the cab back down, a drain valve at the bottom of the piston is opened by a solenoid valve and as the fluid drains back into the reservoir, the elevator lowers. If the main line power is lost, this battery pack attachment can supply enough power to actuate the solenoid. See Figures 4 and 5. Figure 4 Normal Operation w/Out Auxiliary Contact (DOES NOT COMPLY)
Elevator Disconnect Without NC Auxiliary Contact
+ l CR
Battery for Lowering
Control Relay NC Contact (While Relay is De-energized) Elevator Controller Solenoid
Drain Valve Elevator Motor
(To Lower Elevator)
58
620.91 Emergency and Standby Power Systems (C)Disconnecting Means (Elevators)

Figure 5 Loss Of Power w/Out Auxiliary Contact (DOES NOT COMPLY)
Elevator Disconnect Without NC Auxiliary Contact
Figure 7 Loss of Power per NEC 620.91(C) (COMPLIES)

Elevator Disconnect With NC Auxiliary Contact
(Switch is ON)
+ l
+ l CR
Control Relay NC Contact (While Relay is De-energized) CR Elevator Controller Solenoid Elevator Controller
Control Relay NC Contact (While Relay is De-energized) Solenoid
(To Lower Elevator)
(To Lower Elevator)
Please note Figure 5. By not having the auxiliary contact, the manual opening of the Elevator Disconnect will be viewed by the Elevator Controller as a loss of power. A control relay is used to sense the main line power. When de-energized, this control relays contacts will become closed and allow the battery pack attachment to activate the solenoid. This could be a serious problem if a maintenance person is the one that opened the disconnecting means to work on the elevator. If he or she is going to work in the pit, he or she will bring the elevator up a floor or two to enable access. Depending upon the timing involved, this could potentially result in the elevator lowering with the maintenance worker in the pit. This is why 620.91(C) requires an auxiliary contact. See Figure 6. Figure 6 Normal Operation per NEC 620.91(C) (COMPLIES)
(Switch is ON)
During a normal loss of power (from the utility or other devices turned off upstream) the battery pack attachment would be able to operate the solenoid and lower the elevator. See Figure 8. Figure 8 Manual Operation of Disconnecting Means (COMPLIES)
(Switch is OFF)
+ l CR
Control Relay NC Contact (While Relay is De-energized) Elevator Controller Solenoid
Drain Valve + l Battery for Lowering Elevator Motor
(To Lower Elevator)
Control Relay NC Contact (While Relay is De-energized) CR Elevator Controller Solenoid
(To Lower Elevator)
As you can see, during normal operation having the auxiliary contact compromises nothing. See Figure 7.
As you can see in Figure 8, by having the auxiliary contact in the switch, the main line power and the battery pack attachment would both be disconnected when the switch is turned off so that the elevator will not be able to move. This is why 620.91(C) is important. Inspection plays a key part in this section in that the electrical contractor usually installs the disconnecting means and the elevator contractor usually installs the battery attachment. It is critical that the wiring for this be verified at the time of installation by both the electrical inspector and the elevator inspector. Both should have jurisdiction over this circuit to insure the highest level of safety.
670.3 Industrial Machinery

What does this section mean? If a main overcurrent protective device is provided on an industrial machine, the nameplate shall state, among other things, the interrupting rating of the device. The machine shall also be marked overcurrent protection provided at machine supply terminals.
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700.5 Emergency Systems Their Capacity and Rating

What does 700.5(A) require? Emergency systems and equipment must be able to handle the available short-circuit current at their line side. If the equipment cannot, it may be damaged, causing additional hazards to personnel. The use of current-limiting fuses can be a solution to this high fault current problem.
700.16 Emergency Illumination

What does this section require? Emergency lighting systems cannot allow a blackout in any area requiring emergency illumination due to the failure of any one element of the lighting system. Such failures could be caused by the burning out of a light bulb or the opening of a branch circuit protective device due to a faulted ballast. The solution to the burnt out light bulb is to have additional bulb(s) in the area. The solution to the open branch circuit protective device is to install listed supplementary fuses on each ballast. In that way, a faulted ballast would be taken off the line by the supplementary fuse, not by the branch circuit protective device, allowing the rest of the emergency system to remain energized.
VIOLATION Fixture No. 1 Fixture No. 2 Fixture No. 3 Fixture No. 4 The fault in Fixture #3 causes the 20 ampere branch circuit overcurrent device to open, causing a blackout in the entire area. Fault COMPLIANCE Fixture No. 1 20A Branch (Remains energized) Fixture No. 2 Fixture No. 3 (Open) Fixture No. 4 The fault in Fixture #3 will open just the supplementary fuse. The 20 ampere branch circuit device does not open and Fixtures 1, 2 and 4 remain energized, preventing a blackout.
Fault
20A Branch (Opens)
700.25 Emergency System Overcurrent Protection Requirements (FPN)

What is the meaning of this fine print note? In order to maximize the reliability of emergency systems, the overcurrent devices must be selectively coordinated. Time-current curves of both fuses and circuit breakers must be examined to determine whether or not only the overcurrent device closest to a fault opens. If additional upstream devices open, the system is not selectively coordinated, causing additional sections of the emergency system to black out and therefore, reducing the reliability of that system.*
BLACKOUT! Reduced Reliability VIOLATION 1000A I.T.=10x Not Open BLACKOUT PREVENTION! Increased Reliability COMPLIANCE
1000A
Not Open
Opens instantaneous at 10,000 A
225A
225A I.T.=8x. Opens instantaneous at 1,800 A 20A I.T.=8A Opens 22,000 Amp Short-Circuit Fault exceeding the instantaneous trip setting of all three circuit breakers in series will open all three. This will blackout the entire emergency system.
*See also Section 4.5.1 of NFPA 110 (Emergency and Standby Power Systems) and Sections 3.3.2.1.2(4) & 3.4.1.1.1 of NFPA 99 (Health Care Facilities) for additional information on selective coordination.
20A
Fault opens the nearest upstream fuse, allowing other circuits to remain energized. Reliability of the emergency system is increased.
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701.6 Legally Required Standby Systems Capacity and Rating 702.5 Optional Standby Systems Capacity and Rating 705.16 Interconnected Electric Power Production Sources Interrupting and Short-Circuit Current Rating
What do these three sections mean? The NEC requires that emergency and standby systems shall have the capability of safely interrupting the available short-circuit current available at the line terminals of the equipment. Refer to Sections 110.9 and 110.10.
725.23 Overcurrent Protection for Class 1 Circuits

What does this Section mean? Class 1 Control Circuit Conductors shall be protected by fuses at their ampacities. In addition, 18 AWG and 16 AWG shall be protected at 7 amperes and 10 amperes, respectively. What must be added to this Control Circuit to comply with 725.23?
VIOLATION 20 Amp BRANCH
18 AWG Control Wire
A 7 ampere fuse must be added to protect the #18 control wire.

COMPLIANCE 20 Amp BRANCH 7 Amp Fuse 18 AWG Control Wire
760.23 Requirements for Nonpower-Limited Fire Alarm Signaling Circuits

What does this provision require? Fire protective signaling circuits with conductors 18 AWG and larger must be protected at their ampacities as shown: 18 AWG 7 ampere fuse maximum 16 AWG 10 ampere fuse maximum 14 AWG (and larger). . .Max. fuse size as dictated in Section 310.15. Fuses shall be located at the supply terminals of the conductor.
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This and the facing page can be copied as a two sided sheet. This page is a check list that can be completed by the installer and verified by the inspector. The facing page provides background information on the various NEC requirements. This form is available on the Bussmann website at www.bussmann.com.
INSPECTION FORM: Series Ratings

ISSUED BY: ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
This form provides documentation to assure compliance with the following National Electrical Code sections on the use of Series Rated Systems. NFPA 70, NEC 2002, Section 110.22 NFPA 70, NEC 2002, Section 240.86 JOB #: NAME: LOCATION: ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________
CONTRACTOR: ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ESSENTIAL INFORMATION: Load Side Panel Designation Load Side Circuit Breaker Part Number Load Side Circuit Breaker Interrupting Rating Line Side Panel Designation (If applicable) Line Side Overcurrent Protective Device Part Number Line Side Overcurrent Protective Device Interrupting Rating Available Short Circuit Current Series Combination Short Circuit Rating
______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________ ______________________
Compliance Checklist (For further information see discussion on reverse side for each item) 1. Manufacturers Label Are both devices in use for the series rated combination marked on the end use equipment (or contained in a booklet affixed to the equipment) as required in 240.86(A)? YES NO 2. Field Installed Label Is the field label, required by 110.22, installed on all the end use equipment containing the devices used in the series rated combination with proper identification of the replacement parts, panel locations, and series combination short circuit rating? YES NO 3. Motor Contributions If motors are connected between the series rated devices, is the combined motor full load current less than 1% of the downstream circuit breakers interrupting rating? YES NO 4. Selective Coordination Series rated systems should not be used in health care facilities (NEC517.17), emergency systems (NEC 700.25 FPN), or elevator circuits which contain more than one elevator (NEC620.62). Is this series rated system being installed per these requirements? YES NO
AN ANSWER OF NO TO ANY OF THESE QUESTION IS EVIDENCE OF LACK OF COMPLIANCE. LACK OF SUBMITTALS IS CONSIDERED AS EVIDENCE OF LACK OF COMPLIANCE.
Series Rated Systems

What is a Series Rated Combination: A combination of two devices, that have been tested under specific test conditions, that work together to clear a fault. The allowed combinations are limited to those that have been selected by the circuit breaker manufacturer for testing. Only tested combinations can be used. Why is a Series Rated Combination used? A series rated system allows a load side circuit breaker to be applied in a system where the available short circuit current exceeds the interrupting rating marked on that circuit breaker. BACKGROUND TO CHECKLIST ITEMS 1) Manufacturers Label Since the use of series rated systems is limited to specific combinations that have been tested, the end use equipment is required to be marked, by the manufacturer, per 240.86(A) of the 2002 National Electrical Code. Since there are hundreds of combinations, this marking may be in a book that is affixed to the end use equipment, as allowed in UL67. The manufacturers marking is used to verify that both devices are part of a recognized series rated combination, the panelboard is listed for use with the combination, and that the series combination interrupting rating is sufficient for the available short circuit current. This label also provides guidance for future upgrades as to the specific replacement devices that are allowed. 2) Field Installed Label 110.22 of the 2002 National Electrical Code requires the installer to apply a field caution label warning that a series rated combination is being used. This label must be applied on the panel containing the series rated combination or on both pieces of electrical equipment if the line side device is located separate from the load side circuit breaker to assure that the proper devices have been installed and that proper future replacements are made. The inspector can check the devices noted on the field label required by 110.22 against the recognized combinations tested by the manufacturer and marked per 240.86. 3) Motor Contribution A series rated combination is evaluated under specific testing conditions of which motor contribution is not a part of the criteria. If a motor is connected in the middle of the combination, it would supply extra fault current that did not exist when the combination was tested. 240.86(B) of the 2002 National Electrical Code addresses this by restricting the use of series rated combinations when the sum of the full load current of the motors exceeds 1% of the LOAD SIDE circuit breakers interrupting rating. For example, if the load side circuit breaker is rated 10,000 A.I.R., with motor loads exceeding 100 amps, then a series rated combination could not be used. 4) Selective Coordination The biggest disadvantage of a series rated system is that, by definition, the line side (protecting) device must open at the same time, and in conjunction with, the load side (protected) circuit breaker. This means that the panel loses power because the device feeding the panel must open under medium to high level short circuit conditions. As a result, series rated systems should not be used in health care facilities (NEC517.17), emergency systems (NEC700.25 FPN) and elevator circuits which contain more than one elevator (NEC620.62).
General Data Selection Chart

Buss Branch Circuit Fuse Selection Chart (600 Volts or Less)
Circuit Load Ampere Fuse Rating Type Symbol Voltage Rating (AC) Class Interrupting Rating (kA) 300 Remarks
Conventional DimensionsClass RK1, RK5 (0-600A), L (601-6000A) All type loads (optimum overcurrent protection). Motors, welder, transformers, capacitor banks (circuits with heavy inrush currents). 100,000A Interrupting Rating (RMS symmetrical) or Greater Current-Limiting 0 to 600A 601 to 6000A 0 to 600A 0 to 600A 601 to 4000A Non-motor loads (circuits with no heavy inrush currents). LIMITRON fuses particularly suited for circuit breaker protection. 0 to 600A LOW-PEAK (dual-element, time-delay) LOW-PEAK (time-delay) FUSETRON (dual-element, time-delay) DURA-LAGTM (dual-element, time-delay) LIMITRON (time-delay) LPN-RK_SP LPS-RK_SP KRP-C_SP FRN-R FRS-R DLN-R DLS-R KLU KTN-R KTS-R LIMITRON (fast-acting) KTU 600V L 200 250V 600V 600V 250V 600V 250V 600V 600V 250V 600V RK1 All-purpose fuses. Unequaled for combined short-circuit and overload protection. (Specification grade product) Moderate degree of current-limitation. Time-delay passes surge-currents.
L RK5
300 200
RK5
200
L RK1
200 200
Main, Feeder and Branch
All-purpose fuse. Timedelay passes surge-currents. Same short-circuit protection as LOW-PEAK fuses but must be sized larger for circuits with surge-currents; i.e., up to 300%. A fast-acting, high performance fuse.
_____
601 to 6000A
Reduced Dimensions For Installation in Restricted SpaceCUBEFuse (0-60A+), Class J(0-600A), T(0-1200A), CC(0-30A), G(0-60A) All type loads 0 to 60A+ CUBEFuse TCF 600V J*** 300 Finger-safe. All-purpose fuses. (optimum (finger-safe, Unequaled for combined overcurrent dual-element, short-circuit and overload protection). time-delay) protection. (Specification grade product) All type loads (optimum overcurrent protection). LOW-PEAK (dual-element, time-delay) LPJ_SP 600V J 300 All-purpose fuses. Unequaled for combined short-circuit and overload protection. (Specification grade product) Very similar to KTS-R LIMITRON, but smaller. The space saver (13 the size of KTN-R/KTS-R). Very compact (1332 x 112); rejection feature. Excellent for motor circuit protection. Very compact (1332 x 112); rejection feature. Excellent for outdoor highway lighting. Very compact (1332 x 112); rejection feature. Excellent for control transformer protection.
13
0 to 600A
__________
Non-motor loads (circuits with no heavy inrush currents). Motor loads (circuits with heavy inrush currents.) Non-motor loads (circuits with no heavy inrush currents.) Control transformer circuits and lighting ballasts; etc. General purpose; i.e., lighting panelboards. 10,00050,000 AIC Miscellaneous
LIMITRON (quick-acting) T-TRONTM (fast-acting) LOW-PEAK (time-delay)
JKS JJN JJS LP-CC
600V 300V 600V 600V
J T CC
200 200 200
0 to 1200A 0 to 30A 0 to 30A 0 to 30A 0 to 60A 0 to 600A
LIMITRON (fast-acting)
KTK-R
600V
CC
200
Branch
TRON (time-delay) SC
FNQ-R
600V
CC
200
SC
0-20A 600V 21-60A 480V 250V 600V 125V
100
Current limiting; 32 dia. x varying lengths per amp rating.
ONE-TIME
NON NOS S
H or K5
10
Forerunners of the modern cartridge fuse. Base threads of Type S differ with amp ratings. T and W have Edison base. T & S fuses recommended for motor circuits. W not recommended for circuits with motor loads.
General Purpose (noncurrent limiting fuses)
Plug fuses can be used for branch circuits and small component protection.
0 to 30A
FUSTAT (dual-element, time-delay) FUSETRON (dual-element, time-delay) Buss Type W
10
125V
**
10
125V
**
10
** U.L. Listed as Edison Base Plug Fuse. Some ampere ratings are available as U.L. Class K5 with a 50,000A interrupting rating. RK1 and RK5 fuses fit standard switches, equipped for non-rejection fuses (K1, K5 and H) fuseblocks and holders; however, the rejection feature of Class R switches and fuseblocks designed specifically for rejection type fuses (RK1 and RK5) prevent the insertion of the non-rejection fuses (K1, K5, and H). + Higher ampering ratings planned. ***Class J performance, special finger-safe dimensions.
Reorder No. 3062-103-00-40M
2002 Bussmann, Inc. P.O. Box 14460 St. Louis, MO 63178-4460 Phone: 636-394-2877 Fax: 1-800-544-2570 Visit us on the Web at http://www.bussmann.com
Catch Phrases
arc fault arc flash arc flash hazard bonding cable limiters circuit breaker standard ampere ratings Class I, Division 2 component protection component withstand conditions of listing conductor withstand coordination 110.16 110.3(A)(5), (6) & (8) 110.16 110.16 250.90 250.96(A) 230.82 240.6 501.6(B) 110.10 110.10 240.1 110.3(B) 110.10 240.2 517.17 240.12 620.62 240.12 240.85 240.2 110.10 240.40 430.102 250.2 250.4(A)(4) & (5) 620 620.51 620.61 620.62 620.91 620.51 620.91(C ) 620.62 620.61 620.91(C ) 700.5 700.16 700.25 701.6 702.5 705.16 250.122 110.16 110.22 110.3(A)(5), (6) & (8) 110.16 110.9 240.86 240.86 p. 64 240.6 240.8 & 404.17 215.10 230.95 240.13 517.17 grounding
(Page A1 of A2)
250 250.2 250.4(A)(4) & (5) 250.90 250.96(A) 430.53 670.3 110.9 110.9 240.60 240.85 110.16 110.22 240.86 110.3(B) 430.52 430.6 430.62 & 430.63 430.102 430.102 430.32 110.22 240.86 110.16 110.10 430.52 110.10 460.8(B) 110.10 240.1 430.72(B) 430.72(A) 110.10 430.8 250.122 250 215.10 230.95 240.13 517.17 240.92(B)(1) 440.22 110.3(B) 430.71 430.72(A) 430.72(B) 430.72(C) 430.72 (C) 455.7 110.10 430.8 430.52 430.72 (C) 450.3 450.3(A) 450.3(B)
group motor installations industrial machinery interrupting capacity interrupting rating
labeling requirement
coordination, selective corner-grounded delta system current limiting disconnecting means effective ground fault current path elevator circuits
listed and labeled motor branch circuit protection motor circuit conductors motor circuit feeders motor controller disconnecting means motor disconnecting means motor overload protection protection of circuit breakers protection, arc flash protection, automatic transfer switch protection, busway protection, capacitors protection, conductor
elevator disconnecting means elevator overcurrent protection elevators, hydraulic emergency systems
protection, controller protection, equipment grounding conductors protection, ground fault
equipment grounding conductors field marking finger safe flash protection fully rated systems fuse protection of circuit breakers fuse selection chart fuse standard ampere ratings fuse, paralleling ground fault protection
protection, HVAC protection, motor control circuits
protection, motor control transformer protection, phase converters protection, starter
protection, transformer
Catch Phrases
purpose of overcurrent protection resistance grounded system selective coordination series ratings 110.10 240.1 240.85 240.12 517.17 110.22 240.86 form p. 62 & 63 240.86 110.3(A)(5), (6) & (8) 110.10 110.9 110.10 240.92(B)(1) 240.85 slash rated circuit breakers slash voltage ratings
(Page A2 of A2)
240.85 240.85 430.83(E) 240.85 240.10 240.2 240.12 110.10 430.52 250.4(B)(4) 240.85 110.16 110.10 240.1 240.100(C)
solidly grounded wye system supplementary protection tap conductors Type 2 protection ungrounded systems warning label withstand, component or conductor
series ratings, limitations shock short circuit current rating short circuit current, available short circuit protection single pole interrupting capability

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Overcurrent Protection And The 2002 National Electrical Code

presentation format of questions and answers has been

Free Training at www.bussmann.com

Copyright March 2002 by Cooper Bussmann, Inc. Printed U.S.A.

90.2 Scope of the NEC

110.3(A)(5), (6) and (8) Requirements for Equipment Selection

110.3(B) Requirements for Proper Installation of Listed and Labeled Equipment

AIR CONDITIONER MARKED WITH "MAX" FUSE

LISTED SECTION OF CENTRAL COOLING AIR CONDITIONER TYPE NO.

FOR OUTDOOR USE

230 230 37 60 207

Violates NEC & Listing Requirements

Typical Nameplate of a Central Air Conditioning Unit.

Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements

AIR CONDITIONER MARKED WITH "MAX" FUSE

Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements

BRANCH CIRCUIT FUSED DISCONNECT

AIR CONDITIONER MARKED WITH "MAX" FUSE

Conforms to NEC & Listing Requirements 5

110.3(B) Requirements for Proper Installation of Listed and Labeled Equipment

110.9 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices

In this circuit, what interrupting rating must the fuse have?

110.9 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices

Fuses must have 100,000 amperes interrupting rating or greater

FEEDER CIRCUIT BREAKERS

Answer: at least 100,000 amperes.

JJN FUSE (up to 1200A)

JJN FUSE (up to 1200A) CLASS T FUSES

110.9 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices

Power Systems Division

RATING CAT NO % IMP BIL-KV HV FULL-WAVE TANK & FITTINGS UNTANKING

PCWN 416124-500-L1 WDG. 1.3 MAT LV

0 ANGULAR DISP. H1H2H3 H0X0 X1 X2 X3

110.9 Requirements for Proper Interrupting Rating of Overcurrent Protective Devices

IRMS = 22,000A Amps

P.F. = 20% IRMS = 22,000 Amps

These values are known as the circuit breakers interrupting capacities.

Figure G illustrates the test circuit as allowed by U.L. 489. Figure G

Note: For calculations, RCB and XCB are assumed negligible.

110.10 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits

In this circuit, what is the maximum permissible available short-circuit current?

Footnotes*Reprinted from ICEA. **From ICEA formula

110.10 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits

Fuse (Amp) LP-CC 0 - 15 16 - 20 21 - 30

Fuse (Amp) FRS-R FRN-R 30 60 100 200 400 600

Protection of Motor Controllers, Contacts and Relays

Short-Circuit Size 1 Starter (Tested by UL with 5000A available)

110.10 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits

LPN/LPS LPJ LP-CC CLASS RK1 CLASS J CLASS CC

TYPE 2 PROTECTION BUSSMANN/ SQUARE D COMPANY NEMA

1(2.1) 1.5(2.4) 1.5(2.4) 2(2.7) 2(2.7)

1.5(3.0) 1.5(3.0) 2(3.4) 2(3.4) 3(3.9)

1(4.2) 1(4.8) 3(4.8) 1.5(6.0)

110.10 Proper Protection of System Components from Short-Circuits

(Residential and light commercial buildings)

110.16 Flash Protection Field Marking

110.16 Flash Protection Field Marking

Note: shock boundaries dependent on system voltage level

110.16 Flash Protection Field Marking

110.22 Field Marking of Series Combination Ratings

Contractor Installed Label Panel MDP1 CAUTION

Panel Mfrs Label

Contractor Installed Label CAUTION