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Article 215: Feeders — Episode 1

Scope & Minimum Feeder Sizing

Welcome to Article 215 — Feeders!

In Article 210, we covered branch circuits. Now we're moving one step upstream to Article 215, where we focus on feeders — the conductors supplying power to the branch-circuit overcurrent devices.

In this first episode, we'll cover the scope of Article 215 and the minimum rating and sizing requirements for feeders.

📘 215.1 — Scope

Article 215 covers the installation, overcurrent protection, minimum size, and ampacity requirements for feeders operating at:

• 1000 volts AC or less

• 1500 volts DC or less

For systems exceeding these voltage limits, Article 266 applies.

🔌 What Is a Feeder?

A feeder is the conductor run between the service equipment, or another power source, and the final branch-circuit overcurrent device.

Think of it as the trunk line that carries power before it splits into individual branch circuits.

🔢 215.4 — Minimum Rating and Size

Feeder sizing involves many of the same continuous-load calculations covered in Article 210.

Continuous and Noncontinuous Loads

For a feeder supplying a combination of continuous and noncontinuous loads, the minimum ampacity is calculated using:

Noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load

This is the general calculation unless a qualifying 100%-rated assembly or another applicable provision allows different treatment.

Special Feeder Segment

A feeder segment connected at both ends with separately installed pressure connectors may be sized based on the maximum actual load without the additional 125% continuous-load factor, as described in the source material.

Grounded (Neutral) Conductor

When the grounded conductor is not connected to an overcurrent device, it does not require the 125% continuous-load factor under the provision described here. It is sized at 100% of the load.

The feeder's grounded conductor also cannot be smaller than the size required by 250.122 for an equipment grounding conductor of the same circuit.

Service-Conductor Relationship

When a feeder carries the full load of service conductors rated 55 amperes or less, the feeder ampacity cannot be less than the ampacity of those service conductors.

🧠 Quick Quiz

Question: A feeder supplies a combination of continuous and noncontinuous loads. What is the minimum ampacity formula, absent a 100%-rated assembly?

A) Continuous load only

B) Noncontinuous load + 125% of continuous load

C) 80% of total load

D) Noncontinuous load + 100% of continuous load

✅ Correct Answer: B

The formula is noncontinuous load plus 125% of continuous load, as described in 215.4(A)(1).

This is the same general continuous-load calculation concept covered in Article 210, now applied to feeders.

⚡ Episode 1 Takeaway

Feeders are the conductors supplying branch-circuit overcurrent devices. Understanding their minimum ampacity requirements is essential when moving from branch circuits to the larger distribution system.

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📚 Next: Episode 2 — Overcurrent Protection, Equipment Grounding, Tapped Conductors & Feeder GFCI.

Study note: This is an educational overview. Consult the applicable 2026 NEC text and local requirements for complete installation rules.

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