National Electrical Code

Code Q&A

Aug. 9, 2004

Q. On a 1,600A 277/480V service, is the neutral conductor from the utility transformer to the service disconnect considered a current carrying conductor if the only line-to-neutral loads is a 200A lighting panel supplying non-linear loads? A. The ...

Mike Holt

A. The neutral (grounded) service conductor for this installation is considered a current carrying conductor for conductor ampacity adjustment purposes because a major portion of the load consists of nonlinear loads [310.15(B)(2)(a) and 310.15(B)(4)(c)].

Got a Code question for Mike? Send it to him at [email protected].

About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.