Under seven conditions described in Sec. 240.21(A) through (H) of the 2014 NEC, you don’t have to install an overcurrent protection device (OCPD) at the point of conductor supply [240.21]. Continuing where we left off in Part 3, here are some additional requirements to keep in mind.
• Service conductors can be protected by OCPDs [240.21(D)]. Each OCPD must be integral to the service disconnecting means or located immediately adjacent to it [230.91].
• Busway taps can be protected by OCPDs [240.21(D)], if the installation complies with Sec. 368.17.
• Motor feeder and branch-circuit conductors can be protected against overcurrent (notice here, we are not using the term “OCPD”) per Sec. 430.28 and Sec. 430.53, respectively.
• Conductors from generator terminals can be protected against overload by the generator OCPDs required by Sec. 445.12, but only if they meet the size requirement in Sec. 445.13.
• You can install OCPDs to protect battery conductors. You can place these OCPDs as close as practicable to the battery terminals in an unclassified (see the 500.2 definition) location. You can also install battery conductor protection OCPDs within a hazardous location.
Generally, you install OCPDs at the point of conductor supply — but not always.
