User: bluebuzz81, Location: Greensboro NC
Asked on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 7:32 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 8:00 pm EDT
Question: Going over practice questions to prepare for master electrician exam and I have a question,An individual apartment in a multi-family dwelling is supplied by 255-amp THW copper feeders. The feeder conductors are protected by 225-amp breakers from the main 800 amp building service. The water piping systems in the apartment is metal but, tap is pvc. What size equipment bonding jumper is needed?Shouldn't the answer be #2 copper?How I came with this, I went to table 310.16 and figured feeder conductor is 250AWG.Then I went to table 250.102(C)(1) and got #2 from the table.Answer shows it should be #4.HELP!
You're on the right track, but let's break down where the difference is coming from. You're focusing on the feeder size, but the key is the overcurrent protection protecting that feeder.Here's the correct reasoning and relevant code sections:1. The Key: Overcurrent Protection Device - The size of the equipment bonding jumper is based on the rating of the overcurrent device protecting the conductors, not the conductor size itself. This is a critical concept. In your question, the feeder is protected by a 225-amp breaker.2. Table 250.102(C)(1) for Equipment Bonding Jumpers - This is the correct table to use. Look at the left-hand column, "Rating or Setting of Automatic Overcurrent Protective Device in Circuit Ahead of Equipment, Conduit, etc., Not Exceeding (Amperes)."3. Finding the Correct Row - You're looking for the row where 225 amps falls. The table will likely show ranges like: 151-200 201-300 (This is the one!)4. Reading the Table - Across from the "201-300" row, the column for "Copper" will specify the required size of the equipment bonding jumper. In this case, it should be #4 CopperWhy you were initially off
You correctly identified the feeder conductor size from Table 310.16 based on its ampacity.
However, you incorrectly based your answer on the size of the feeder conductors. The code dictates that it's the overcurrent protection that determines the bonding jumper size.
Important Considerations
Main Bonding Jumper vs. Equipment Bonding Jumper
Make sure you understand the difference. The main bonding jumper (at the service equipment) is sized based on the service entrance conductors. The equipment bonding jumper (like the one in your question) is sized based on the overcurrent protection.
Local Amendments
Be aware that some jurisdictions may have local amendments to the NEC, which could change the required bonding jumper sizes. Always check with your local electrical inspector or authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) to confirm the requirements in your area.
Minimum vs. Requirement The table provides the minimum required size. You are always permitted to upsize the conductor.
In summary, the answer should be #4 copper because the 225-amp breaker is what determines the size of the equipment grounding conductor (EGC), not the 250 kcmil conductors. Flag for review