From what i get 2008 table 310.15{b}(6) is no longer code. I hear 310.15(b)(7) has replaced it. Trying to find out what is the smallest size aluminum wire for 100 amp sup panel 10 feet away? That is the question and that is the wire type.Have had some answers.Some say #2 allowed and others say not allowed due to 310.15(b)(7). Also if you know a web page where i could read ((b)(7) would be helpful .thank you
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When determining feeder conductor size, you'll want to consider the "lowest temperature rating of any connected termination, conductor, or device" as per National Electrical Code (NEC) Article 110.14(C).
While the cable/wire may be rated at 90°C, you'll likely find that the terminals are rated at 75°C, or not labeled at all. 110.14(C)(1)(a) tells us, that since we're working with 100 amperes or less. We should use the 60°C column of Table 310.15(B)(16) to determine the conductor size, unless the equipment is listed and labeled for a higher temperature.
National Electrical Code 2014
ARTICLE 110 Requirements for Electrical Installations
110.14(C)(1) Equipment Provisions. The determination of termination provisions of equipment shall be based on 110.14(C)(1)(a) or (C)(1)(b). Unless the equipment is listed and marked otherwise, conductor ampacities used in determining equipment termination provisions shall be based on Table 310.15(B)(16) (formerly 310.16) as appropriately modified by 310.15(B)(6).
(a) Termination provisions of equipment for circuits rated 100 amperes or less, or marked for 14 AWG through 1 AWG conductors, shall be used only for one of the following:
(1) Conductors rated 60°C (140°F).
(2) Conductors with higher temperature ratings, provided the ampacity of such conductors is determined based on the 60°C (140°F) ampacity of the conductor size used.
(3) Conductors with higher temperature ratings if the equipment is listed and identified for use with such conductors.
(4) For motors marked with design letters B, C, or D, conductors having an insulation rating of 75°C (167°F) or higher shall be permitted to be used, provided the ampacity of such conductors does not exceed the 75°C (167°F) ampacity.
Since the cable will run from a breaker in the main service panel, to either a breaker or lugs in a subpanel. We have to consider the temperature rating of...
- The conductors
- The terminals in the main panel where the conductors will connect.
- The terminals in the sub panel where the conductors will connect.
We'll then use the lowest value, or 60°C if any of the above are not labeled. Once we know the size of the overcurrent devices, and the lowest temperature rating, we can use Table 310.15(B)(16) to determine the conductor size and material we'll need.
This will give us the current carrying conductor size required for our feeder.
But wait...
If you're working in a one-, two-, or multi-family dwelling unit, is Article 310.15(B)(7) applicable?
National Electrical Code 2014
ARTICLE 310 Conductors for General Wiring
310.15 Ampacities for Conductors Rated 0–2000 Volts.
(B) Tables. Ampacities for conductors rated 0 to 2000 volts shall be as specified in the Allowable Ampacity Table 310.15(B)(16) through 310.15(B)(19), and Ampacity Table 310.15(B)(20) and Table 310.15(B)(21) as modified by (B)(1) through (B)(7).
The temperature correction and adjustment factors shall be permitted to be applied to the ampacity for the temperature rating of the conductor, provided the corrected and adjusted ampacity does not exceed the ampacity for the temperature rating of the termination in accordance with the provisions of 110.14(C).(7) 120/240-Volt, 3-Wire, Single-Phase Dwelling Services and Feeders.
(a) For individual dwelling units of one-family, two-family, and multifamily dwellings, conductors, as listed in Table 310.15(B)(7), shall be permitted as 120/240-volt, single-phase service-entrance conductors and service lateral conductors.
NO.
Notice the codes says
"shall be permitted as 120/240-volt, single-phase service-entrance conductors and service lateral conductors".
After reading the definition of these terms, it's clear that this does not apply to the wire between the main panel and a subpanel.
Service-Entrance Conductors, Overhead System. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and a point usually outside the building, clear of building walls, where joined by tap or splice to the service drop or overhead service conductors.
Service-Entrance Conductors, Underground System. The service conductors between the terminals of the service equipment and the point of connection to the service lateral or underground service conductors.
Service Lateral. The underground conductors between the utility distribution system and the service point.
tl;dr
Conductors and all terminals rated at or above 75°C.
Use 3 AWG copper or 1 AWG aluminium for the current carrying conductors.
Conductors rated at or above 75°C, terminals rated at 60°C or unlabeled.
Use 1 AWG copper or 1/0 AWG aluminium for the current carrying conductors.
Conductors and terminals rated at 60°C.
Use 1 AWG copper or 1/0 AWG aluminium for the current carrying conductors.
Conductors rated at 60°C, terminals rated higher than 60°C
Use 1 AWG copper or 1/0 AWG aluminium for the current carrying conductors.
What type of cord are you using? I have never seen a type of cord that it is rated for direct burial.
Article 550.10 is pretty clear regarding mobile home power cords but it is at the beginning of the Code that states you need to follow all listing, labeling, and manufacturer's instructions.
110.3(B) Installation and Use. Listed or labeled equipment shall be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling.
According to the Code, you only need conduit where the cord is exposed to damage, passes through walls or floors, (or where buried because it is not listed / labeled for direct burial).
550.10(G) Protected. Where the cord passes through walls or floors, it shall be protected by means of conduits and bushings or equivalent.
I would just pass the cord through the skirt and not worry about burying it, or install some PVC from directly under the panel inside to the power pedestal and pull the cord into that. You could use a bushing to pass up into the mobile home. It should already have the bushing if it was wired right from the factory.
Good luck in the spring!
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Best Answer
#1 Al
Because 310.15(b)(7) doesn't have anything to do with subpanel feeder. It's for wiring that is in lieu of service entrance wire, and performs that function.
This is NFPA's concession to the fact that power companies (who don't follow NEC, they follow a different code) are allowed to use smaller wire on the power drop to your house.
You are not allowed to use 310.15(b)(7) bonus 83% derate unless all the dwelling's electrical service flows through that wire (because that serves the function of a service-entrance wire). It's not allowed on subpanel runs.
Prior to 2014 NEC, 310.15(b)(7) was not stated as an 83% bonus derate. It was expressed as a separate table, listing wire sizes and allowable ampacity for each. On that table you see #2Al being allowed for 100A. Naturally, people looking for wire size just dive right into NEC and look around for a table that states it. Their eyes glaze over when they see the correct table 310.15b16, because it is a complex table to interpret and requires referring to the prose. However, they found 310.15b7 and it looked like exactly what they're after - simple, straightforward, and even said "feeder"! The prose disclaimed that, but nobody reads.
All good reasons to get rid of that table entirely...