- The Site Sheet
- Posts
- π NEC Chapter 2 Breakdown: Wiring & Protection Essentials
π NEC Chapter 2 Breakdown: Wiring & Protection Essentials
Code Breakdown β NEC Article Breakdown & Field Insights
πΉ Article 200 β Grounded Conductor ID
Neutrals (#6 and smaller): Must be white, gray, or striped.
Larger than #6? You can tape or mark it at terminations.
π‘ Why it matters: Prevents misidentifying a neutral as a hot.
πΉ Article 210 β Branch Circuits
Covers receptacle spacing, GFCI/AFCI locations, and circuit sizing.
π‘ On site: Know your kitchen, bathroom, and exterior outlet rules cold.
πΉ Article 215 β Feeders
Feeders go from the main panel to subpanels.
Watch for ampacity, length derates, and disconnects.
πΉ Article 220 β Load Calcs
How to calculate service, feeder, and branch loads.
Required for panel sizing and avoiding overloading.
πΉ Article 225 β Outside Feeders
For feeders run outside but not part of the service.
Think conduits on rooftops, or shed panels.
πΉ Article 230 β Services
Where utility power enters the building.
Service entrance conductors, main disconnects, clearances.
πΉ Article 240 β Overcurrent Protection
Covers breaker and fuse sizing.
Key for tap rules, conductor protection, and short-circuit safety.
πΉ Article 250 β Grounding & Bonding
Probably the most cited article in the field.
Think: ground rods, equipment bonding, water pipe grounding, isolated grounds.
β Why It Matters to You
If itβs wired, it better be protected.
If itβs metal, it better be grounded.
Chapter 2 makes sure both happen.
β Quick Code Check
Choose the correct answer:
β Question:
Youβre installing a sub panel 100β away from the main. What do you check first?
A) Conduit fill
B) Voltage drop & conductor size
C) Lighting layout
D) Exit sign spacing
Answer below π
π§ Think it through β this conductor isnβt for carrying fault current, but to equalize voltage potential across all metal parts in and around the pool.
β Answer: B) Voltage drop & conductor size
π Reference:
NEC 215.2(A)(1) & 220.61 β These sections address feeder conductor sizing and load calculations, which are essential when installing sub-panels, especially at long distances where voltage drop becomes a key concern.
π Next Issue Preview:
Coming up: βThe 5 Things a Field PM Should Track Daily (But Often Doesnβt)β