Q. What is the Code definition of a “tap conductor”?
See the answer below.
This answer is based on the 2017 NEC.
A. The NEC defines a tap conductor as a conductor, other than a service conductor, that has overcurrent protection rated more than the ampacity of a conductor. See Sec. 240.21(A) and Sec. 240.21(B) for details [240.2], as shown in the Figure.
About the Author
Mike Holt
Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.