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πŸ“˜ NEC Chapter 2 Breakdown: Wiring & Protection Essentials

Code Breakdown β€” NEC Article Breakdown & Field Insights

πŸ”Ή Article 200 – Grounded Conductor ID

  • Neutrals (#6 and smaller): Must be white, gray, or striped.

  • Larger than #6? You can tape or mark it at terminations.

  • πŸ’‘ Why it matters: Prevents misidentifying a neutral as a hot.

πŸ”Ή Article 210 – Branch Circuits

  • Covers receptacle spacing, GFCI/AFCI locations, and circuit sizing.

  • πŸ’‘ On site: Know your kitchen, bathroom, and exterior outlet rules cold.

πŸ”Ή Article 215 – Feeders

  • Feeders go from the main panel to subpanels.

  • Watch for ampacity, length derates, and disconnects.

πŸ”Ή Article 220 – Load Calcs

  • How to calculate service, feeder, and branch loads.

  • Required for panel sizing and avoiding overloading.

πŸ”Ή Article 225 – Outside Feeders

  • For feeders run outside but not part of the service.

  • Think conduits on rooftops, or shed panels.

πŸ”Ή Article 230 – Services

  • Where utility power enters the building.

  • Service entrance conductors, main disconnects, clearances.

πŸ”Ή Article 240 – Overcurrent Protection

  • Covers breaker and fuse sizing.

  • Key for tap rules, conductor protection, and short-circuit safety.

πŸ”Ή Article 250 – Grounding & Bonding

  • Probably the most cited article in the field.

  • Think: ground rods, equipment bonding, water pipe grounding, isolated grounds.

βœ… Why It Matters to You

If it’s wired, it better be protected.
If it’s metal, it better be grounded.
Chapter 2 makes sure both happen.

❓ Quick Code Check

Choose the correct answer:

❓ Question:
You’re installing a sub panel 100’ 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 πŸ‘‡

🧠 Think it through – this conductor isn’t for carrying fault current, but to equalize voltage potential across all metal parts in and around the pool.

βœ… Answer: B) Voltage drop & conductor size

πŸ“˜ Reference:
NEC 215.2(A)(1) & 220.61 – 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.

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