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run on (or between) structures or poles (Fig. 1). The NEC differentiates between buildings
and structures, but for convenience we'll refer to both of them as structures.
<b>Fig. 1.</b> Article 225 contains the installation requirements for outside branch circuits and feeders run on or
between buildings, structures, or poles.
Other articles also pertain to outside branch circuits (see Other Articles Related to
Outside Branch Circuits on page 71); most of these are application-specific. Lighting is
the most common application. Make sure you don't place 277V luminaires within 3 feet of
platforms, fire escapes, or windows that open [225.7(C)] (Fig. 2 on page 69). See 210.6(C)
for the types of luminaires permitted on 277V or 480V branch circuits.
<b>Fig. 2.</b> Luminaires on a 227V or 480V branch circuit cannot be located within 3 feet of platforms or windows
that open.
Festoon lighting is a string of outdoor lights suspended between two points [Art. 100]. It's
commonly used at carnivals and similar functions [525.20(C)]. Festoon lighting conductors
must be at least 12 AWG, unless messenger wires support them. Overhead festoon lighting
conductors must be supported by messenger wire (with strain insulators) when spans
exceed 40 feet [225.6(B)].
Attachments
<b>Fig. 3.</b> The point of attachment must not be less than 10 feet above the finished grade and must be located
so the conductor clearance contained in 225.18 is maintained.
The points of attachment for overhead conductors must be at least 10 feet above finished
grade. Maintain the minimum conductor clearance required by 225.18, even if that means
raising the points of attachment (Fig. 3 on page 70).
When attaching open conductors, use fittings identified for use with conductors.
Alternatively, you can use noncombustible, nonabsorbent insulators securely attached to the
structure. You can attach branch conductors to the service mast, but don't attach aerial
communications cables or antennas to it [810.12].
Vertical clearances
For overhead conductors of 600V or less, maintain the following clearances: [225.18]:
10 feet above finished grade, sidewalks, platforms, or projections from which they
might be accessible to pedestrians if circuits are 150V to ground or less. Article 225 doesn't
provide a clearance for over 150V.
12 feet above residential property and driveways, and commercial areas not subject
to truck traffic if circuits of 300V to ground or less. It's 15 feet for circuits over 300V to
ground.
18 feet over public traffic ways, parking areas subject to truck traffic, driveways on
other than residential property, and other areas traversed by vehicles (e.g., those used for
cultivation, grazing, or forestry).
Observe the clearance requirements in 680.8 for any conductor that runs above pools,
outdoor spas, outdoor hot tubs, diving structures, observation stands, towers, or platforms.
Overhead clearances
Conductors must maintain a vertical clearance of 8 feet above the surface of a roof, for least
3 feet from the edge of the roof. Four exceptions exist, and they're listed in 225.19(A).
Conductors must maintain a vertical, diagonal, and horizontal clearance of at least 3 feet
from signs, chimneys, radio and television antennas, tanks, and other structures (buildings
and bridges are excluded) [225.19(B)].
<b>Fig. 4.</b> Overhead conductors must not be installed under an opening through which materials might pass,
and they must not obstruct an entrance or building opening.
Don't install conductors under an opening through which materials might pass, or where
conductors will obstruct building openings [225.19(D)(3)] (Fig. 4 on page 70). Arrange
raceways on exterior surfaces so they drain. In wet locations, they must be rain-tight
[225.22].
Multiple structures
Where more than one structure is on the same property, each must be served by no more
than one feeder or branch circuit [225.30]. As you might expect, the NEC provides several
exceptions.
The first one is Special Conditions. You can provide additional circuits for:
Fire pumps,
Emergency systems,
Systems designed for connection to multiple sources of supply for the purpose of
enhanced reliability.
You can also, by special permission, provide additional feeders for:
1.
2.
Different voltages, frequencies, or uses. For example, control of outside lighting from
multiple locations.
3.
Disconnects
Provide a disconnecting means for all conductors that enter a structure [225.31]. Install it at
a readily accessible location nearest the point of entrance of the conductors [225.32]. You
can locate it elsewhere:
Where documented safe switching procedures are established and maintained. But it
must be monitored by qualified persons (see Art. 100).
Also:
A disconnecting means isn't required within sight of poles that support luminaires.
The disconnecting means for a sign doesn't need to be readily accessible if installed
per the requirements for signs. Each sign must be controlled by an externally operable
switch or circuit breaker that opens all ungrounded conductors to the sign. The sign
disconnecting means must be within sight of the sign, or the disconnecting means must be
capable of being locked in the open position [600.6(A)].
The structure disconnecting means can consist of no more than six switches (or circuit
breakers) in a single enclosure, or separate enclosures for each supply permitted by 225.30.
Group all disconnects in one location [225.34], and mark each one to indicate the loads
served [110.22].
To minimize accidental interruption of the critical power systems, 225.30(A) requires the
disconnecting means for a fire pump [695.4(B)(2)] or standby power [701.11(E)] to be
located remotely from the normal power disconnect. First responders to a fire can shut
down power to the facility without shutting off the fire pump.
One-circuit installation
Two-circuit installation
One-family dwelling
installations, you should have no problem complying with Art. 225. Be sure to review Table
225.2 for other applicable Articles and comply accordingly.
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 remote control, signaling, and power-limited circuits
(Art. 725)