Designing Service Entrance Panelboard Equipment

Engineering Encyclopedia
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards
DESIGNING SERVICE ENTRANCE

PANELBOARD EQUIPMENT
Note: The source of the technical material in this volume is the Professional
Engineering Development Program (PEDP) of Engineering Services.
Warning: The material contained in this document was developed for Saudi
Aramco and is intended for the exclusive use of Saudi Aramco’s employees.
Any material contained in this document which is not already in the public
domain may not be copied, reproduced, sold, given, or disclosed to third
parties, or otherwise used in whole, or in part, without the written permission
of the Vice President, Engineering Services, Saudi Aramco.
Chapter : Electrical For additional information on this subject, contact

File Reference: EEX-103.02 PEDD Coordinator on 874-6556
Engineering Encyclopedia Electrical Power Systems III
Designing Service Entrance
Panelboard Equipment
Section Page
INTRODUCTION............................................................................................................ 6
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A SERVICE ENTRANCE ................................................. 7
Introduction ............................................................................................................... 7
Elements of a Grounding System ............................................................................. 8
Grounding Electrode............................................................................................ 9
Grounded Service Conductor (Neutral) ............................................................. 10
Grounding Electrode Conductor ........................................................................ 10
Neutral Bus........................................................................................................ 10
Equipment Grounding Bus................................................................................. 10
Equipment Grounding Conductors .................................................................... 11
Bonding Jumper and Main Bonding Jumper...................................................... 11
Service Entrance Conductor Components.............................................................. 11
Phase Conductors ............................................................................................. 11
Grounded Conductor (Neutral) .......................................................................... 12
Types of Branch Circuits......................................................................................... 12
Lighting Branch Circuit ...................................................................................... 12
Receptacle Branch Circuit ................................................................................. 12
Power Branch Circuit......................................................................................... 13
Types of Panelboards ............................................................................................. 13
Power Distribution Panelboard .......................................................................... 13
Lighting and Appliance Branch Circuit Panelboard............................................ 13
Main Lugs Only (MLO) Panelboard ................................................................... 14
Main Breaker Panelboard .................................................................................. 14
SIZING LIGHTING, RECEPTACLE, AND POWER BRANCH CIRCUITS.................... 18
Branch Circuit Definitions........................................................................................ 18
General.............................................................................................................. 18
Lighting Branch Circuits..................................................................................... 18
Receptacle Branch Circuits ............................................................................... 20
Power Branch Circuits ....................................................................................... 20
Lighting Branch Circuits .......................................................................................... 20
Color Coding of Conductors .............................................................................. 20
Voltage Limitations ............................................................................................ 21
Receptacle Branch Circuits..................................................................................... 23
Types of Receptacles and Plugs ....................................................................... 23
General Purpose Ratings .................................................................................. 27
Specific Equipment Ratings............................................................................... 28
Color Coding...................................................................................................... 28
Voltage Limitations ............................................................................................ 29
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) ........................................................... 31
Common Neutrals ................................................................................................ 32
Power Branch Circuits ............................................................................................ 33
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Receptacle and Other Types ............................................................................. 33

Color Coding and Voltage Limitations .............................................................. 33
NEC Requirements for Branch Circuits Over 50 Amperes ................................ 33
Branch Circuit Sizing Selection Factors .................................................................. 34
Loads................................................................................................................. 34
Conductors ........................................................................................................ 35
Protection .......................................................................................................... 38
Conduit Sizing (NEC Tables)............................................................................. 39
SIZING LIGHTING AND POWER DISTRIBUTION PANELBOARDS .......................... 41
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 41
Types of Loads ....................................................................................................... 41
Lighting Branch Circuits..................................................................................... 41
Receptacle Branch Circuits ............................................................................... 42
Power Branch Circuits ....................................................................................... 42
Feeder Circuits .................................................................................................. 42
NEC Panelboard Requirements.............................................................................. 42
Used as a Service Entrance .............................................................................. 42
Phase Arrangements......................................................................................... 43
Lighting Panelboard........................................................................................... 43
Number of Overcurrent Devices ........................................................................ 44
Ratings .............................................................................................................. 44
Circuit Directory ................................................................................................. 45
Panelboard Selection Factors ................................................................................. 45
Load .................................................................................................................. 46
Protection .......................................................................................................... 47
Miscellaneous Factors ....................................................................................... 50
SIZING SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS ......................................................... 54
National Electric Code (NEC) Requirements .......................................................... 54
Number of Services Permitted........................................................................... 54
Insulation ........................................................................................................... 54
Physical Protection ............................................................................................ 54
Termination at Service Equipment..................................................................... 55
Disconnecting Means ........................................................................................ 55
Overcurrent Protection ...................................................................................... 55
Sizing Selection Factors ......................................................................................... 56
Load Data and Phase Conductors..................................................................... 56
Grounded Conductors ....................................................................................... 57
SIZING THE SERVICE ENTRANCE GROUNDING SYSTEM ..................................... 60
Introduction ............................................................................................................. 60
Types of Grounding Electrodes............................................................................... 60
Water Piping ...................................................................................................... 61
Structural Steel Building Frame ......................................................................... 61
Concrete-Encased Electrodes .......................................................................... 62
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

Ground Ring (Peripheral) .................................................................................. 63

Ground Rod and Pipe Electrodes ...................................................................... 64
Buried Plate Electrodes ..................................................................................... 69
Grounded Service Conductor (Neutral) Selection Factors ...................................... 70
Routing .............................................................................................................. 70
Sizing................................................................................................................. 70
Grounding Electrode Conductor Selection Factors ................................................. 71
Outside Premises Location................................................................................ 71
Panelboard Connection ..................................................................................... 71
Requirements Based on Size of Service Entrance Conductors......................... 72
Neutral and Equipment Grounding Bus Selection Factors...................................... 73
Neutral Bus........................................................................................................ 73
Ground Bus ....................................................................................................... 73
Bonding Jumper Sizes....................................................................................... 73
WORK AID 1: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE LIGHTING,
RECEPTACLE, AND POWER BRANCH CIRCUITS ........................... 74
Work Aid 1A: SAES-P-100 (11 MAR 96)................................................................ 74
Work Aid 1B: SAES-P-104 (7 DEC 94) .................................................................. 75
Work Aid 1C: SAES-P-111 (24 FEB 96) ................................................................ 76
Work Aid 1D: National Electric Code (NEC)
Handbook Articles 210 and 220 ....................................................... 78
Work Aid 1E: Applicable Procedures for Sizing Lighting, Receptacle, and
Power Branch Circuits...................................................................... 79
WORK AID 2: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE LIGHTING AND POWER
DISTRIBUTION PANELBOARDS ........................................................ 85
Work Aid 2A: SAES-P-100 (11 MAR 96 ) .............................................................. 85
Work Aid 2B: SAES-P-104 (7 DEC 94 ) ................................................................. 85
Work Aid 2C: SAES-P-111 (24 FEB 96 ) ............................................................... 85
Work Aid 2D: 1996 NEC Handbook Article 384 ..................................................... 85
Work Aid 2E: Applicable Procedures ..................................................................... 85
WORK AID 3: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE SERVICE ENTRANCE
CONDUCTORS ................................................................................... 87
Work Aid 3D: 1996 NEC Handbook Articles 230 and 240...................................... 87
Work Aid 3E: Applicable Procedures ..................................................................... 87
WORK AID 4: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE A SERVICE ENTRANCE
GROUNDING SYSTEM ....................................................................... 89
Work Aid 4D: 1996 NEC Handbook Article 250 ..................................................... 89
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iii

Word Aid 4E: ANSI/IEEE Standard 142-1991 (IEEE Green Book) ........................ 89
Work Aid 4F: Applicable Procedures ..................................................................... 90
GLOSSARY ................................................................................................................. 92
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. Service Entrance Components....................................................................... 7

Figure 2. Elements of a Grounding System................................................................... 8
Figure 3. Typical Grounding Electrodes ........................................................................ 9
Figure 4. Service Entrance Lighting and Appliance Branch Circuit
Panelboard ............................................................................................. 15
Figure 5. MLO Panelboard Protected by a Feeder Breaker ........................................ 16
Figure 6. Panelboard Supplied Through a Transformer .............................................. 16
Figure 7. Panelboards Tapped Off a Main Feeder ...................................................... 17
Figure 8. Color Coding of Branch Circuits ................................................................... 19
Figure 9. NEMA Configurations for Receptacles and Plugs ........................................ 24
Figure 10. Types of Single Receptacles...................................................................... 25
Figure 11. Duplex Receptacle ..................................................................................... 26
Figure 12. Triplex Receptacle ..................................................................................... 27
Figure 13. Non-Interchangeability of Receptacles and Plugs...................................... 30
Figure 14. GFCI Circuit ............................................................................................... 32
Figure 15. Conduit Fill Rate Example.......................................................................... 40
Figure 16. UL-Approved Panelboard Protection.......................................................... 48
Figure 17. Feeder Device Protection of a Panelboard................................................. 49
Figure 18. Typical Lighting Panelboard Schedule ....................................................... 51
Figure 19. Circuit Wiring Layout Diagram.................................................................... 52
Figure 20. Ground Fault Detection .............................................................................. 56
Figure 21. Balanced 60 Hz Currents - Neutral Current Equals Zero (0) ...................... 58
Figure 22. Third Harmonic (180 Hz) Currents - Neutral Current Equals 3.0
p.u........................................................................................................... 59
Figure 23. Structural Steel Building Frame.................................................................. 61
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iv

Figure 24. Concrete-Encased Electrodes................................................................... 62

Figure 25. Ground Ring (Peripheral) ........................................................................... 63
Figure 26. Ground Rod Electrode ............................................................................... 64
Figure 27. Ground Rod Length and Spacing............................................................... 65
Figure 28. Ground Rod Rock Bottom Installation ........................................................ 65
Figure 29. Effects of Deep Driven Ground Rods ......................................................... 66
Figure 30. Effects of Ground Rod Diameter ................................................................ 67
Figure 31. Effects of Multiple Ground Rods................................................................. 68
Figure 32. Buried Plate................................................................................................ 69
Figure 33. Grounding Electrode Conductor Connection to the Panelboard................. 72
Figure 34. SAES-P-100 Ambient Temperatures ......................................................... 74
Figure 35. Standard Saudi Aramco Wire Sizes ........................................................... 82
Figure 36. Typical Main Breaker Panelboard Ratings ................................................. 86
Figure 37. Ground Fault Detection Methods ............................................................... 91
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards v

INTRODUCTION
The service entrance equipment is the main control and means

of cutoff for the supply or source of electrical power to the
building. The service entrance equipment consists of
conductors, a disconnecting means, a grounding system
(electrodes and conductors), switchboards and panelboards,
and the different overcurrent devices that protect the various
groupings of electrical loads throughout the building.
The purpose of this Module is to teach the Participant to:
• Size lighting, general purpose receptacle, and small power

branch circuits.
• Size the lighting and power distribution panelboards.
• Size the service entrance conductors, which includes the

phase conductors, the grounded conductor (neutral), and
the equipment grounding conductor.
• Size the service entrance grounding system, which

includes the grounding electrode and the grounding
electrode conductor.
Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A SERVICE ENTRANCE
Introduction
The major components of a service entrance are the grounding

system, service entrance conductors, branch circuits, and
panelboard. Figure 1 illustrates the major components of a
service entrance system.
Figure 1. Service Entrance Components

Elements of a Grounding System
Figure 2 is a typical circuit diagram of the elements of a

grounding system.
Figure 2. Elements of a Grounding System

Grounding
Electrode
As specified in NEC Articles 250-81 and 250-83, the grounding
electrode is the nearest available effectively grounded structural
member of the building, metal water pipe, or other “made”
electrodes. Figure 3 illustrates several types of grounding
electrodes that are approved by the NEC .
Figure 3. Typical Grounding Electrodes

Grounded Service
Conductor
(Neutral)
The NEC defines the grounded conductor as the conductor that
is intentionally grounded. For purposes of this Module, the
grounded conductor is assumed to be solidly grounded. Note:
The grounded conductor will also be called (labeled) the neutral
conductor and the service entrance conductor; all three terms
are used interchangeably throughout the Module.
Grounding
Electrode
Conductor
The grounding electrode conductor is the conductor that is used
to connect the grounded conductor (neutral) to the grounding
electrode. Outside the premises, the grounding electrode
conductor connects the middle wire or neutral point of the
transformer to the grounding electrode.
Neutral Bus
The neutral bus is the common point (connection) inside a
switchboard or panelboard where the grounded conductor
(neutral) is connected to the grounding electrode conductor.
The neutral bus is the terminal origination point for all feeder or
branch circuit neutral conductors (where applicable) are
connected, and it is also the point in a grounded system where
the equipment grounding bus is bonded, by means of the main
bonding jumper, to the grounded conductor at the service
disconnecting location for grounded power systems.
Equipment
Grounding Bus
The equipment grounding bus is the common point (connection)
inside a switchboard or panelboard where all feeder or branch
circuit equipment grounding conductors are connected. It is
also the point where the neutral bus, by means of the main
bonding jumper, is bonded to the equipment grounding bus (see
the above paragraph).

Equipment
Grounding
Conductors
The equipment grounding conductors are the conductors that
are used to connect the non-current-carrying metal parts of
equipment, raceway, panelboards, etc., to the equipment
grounding bus (see the above paragraph) .
Bonding Jumper
and Main Bonding
Jumper
A bonding jumper (or equipment bonding jumper) is a conductor
that serves to permanently join metal parts to form an
electrically conductive path that will ensure electrical continuity.
In addition, the bonding jumper has the capacity to conduct
safely any current that is likely to be imposed, and it will
maintain an equipotential condition on the equipment enclosure
or housing to which it is bonded.
The main bonding jumper is a conductor that serves to connect

the grounded circuit conductor and the equipment grounding
conductor at the service entrance. The main bonding jumper is
one of the most critical elements in the grounding system,
because it provides the bonding conductor connection link
between the grounded service conductor, the equipment
grounding conductor, and the grounding electrode conductor.
The connection carries the fault current for the service
enclosure as well as from the equipment system.
Service Entrance Conductor Components
The service entrance conductor components consist of phase

conductors and the grounded conductor (neutral).
Phase Conductors
Service entrance phase conductors supply the power to the
facilities, and they are sized to carry the loads, as computed
according to NEC Article 220.

Grounded
Conductor
(Neutral)
The service entrance grounded service conductor (neutral), as
previously described, is the conductor that is intentionally
grounded, and it is physically routed with the service entrance
phase conductors. The grounded conductor is sized in
accordance with NEC Article 250-23b.
Types of Branch Circuits
The NEC defines a branch circuit as the circuit conductors that

are between the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit
and the outlet(s). This Module will describe three types of
branch circuits: lighting, receptacle, and power. Other types of
branch circuits, for example, motor branch circuits, are beyond
the scope of this Module.
Lighting Branch
Circuit
For purposes of this Module, a lighting branch circuit is a branch
circuit that supplies power to lighting fixtures. The load for a
lighting branch circuit is computed based on the voltampere
(VA) rating of the lamps, and ballasts if arc discharge type
lamps such as fluorescent lamps are being used.
Receptacle Branch
Circuit
For purposes of this Module, a receptacle branch circuit is a
branch circuit that supplies power to general purpose
receptacles. NEC Article 220-3 requires that the load for
receptacle branch circuits be computed based on 180 VA per
outlet.

Power Branch
Circuit
For purposes of the Module, a power branch circuit is a branch
circuit that supplies power to a specific appliance or other load,
except for lighting, receptacle, motor, or other special purpose
loads. For example, a branch circuit supplying dedicated power
to an office copier machine would be considered a power
branch circuit.
Types of Panelboards
Power Distribution
Panelboard
A power distribution panelboard, which is often incorrectly called
a switchboard, is defined by the NEC as a single panel or a
group of panel units that are designed for assembly in the form
of a single panel. A power distribution panelboard includes
buses and automatic overcurrent devices for the control of light,
heat, or power circuits, and it is designed to be placed in a
cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall or partition and
accessible only from the front. All panelboards, not separately
defined as lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboards,
are classified as power distribution panelboards. A switchboard,
although similar to a panelboard, is generally accessible from
the rear as well as from the front, and it is not intended to be
installed in cabinets.
Lighting and
Appliance Branch
Circuit Panelboard
NEC Article 384-14 defines a lighting and appliance branch-
circuit panelboard as a panelboard that has more than 10
percent of its overcurrent devices rated 30 amperes or less, for
which neutral connections are provided. Figure 4 illustrates a
typical lighting and appliance panelboard. Note: Lighting and
appliance panelboards are often just referred to as lighting
panelboards.

Main Lugs Only

(MLO) Panelboard
Each lighting and appliance panelboard is required by NEC
Article 384-16 to be individually protected on the supply side of
the panelboard; however, if a feeder supplying the panelboard
has overcurrent protection that does not exceed the rating of the
panelboard, individual protection at the panelboard is not
required. This type of panelboard, without overcurrent
protection at its supply side, is called a main lugs only (MLO)
panelboard (Figure 5). Note: Saudi Aramco design standards
do not permit MLO panelboards.
Main Breaker
Panelboard
Main breaker panelboards, such as the panelboard that is
shown in Figure 4, are protected by means of main breakers
installed in the same cabinet enclosure as the phase, neutral,
and equipment grounding buses, and the branch circuit
overcurrent devices. Panelboards supplied through a step-
down transformer (Figure 6) or tapped off a feeder conductor
(Figure 7) are required by the NEC to include main breakers for
the protection of the panelboards.

Figure 4. Service Entrance Lighting and Appliance

Branch Circuit Panelboard

Figure 5. MLO Panelboard Protected by a Feeder Breaker
Figure 6. Panelboard Supplied Through a Transformer

Figure 7. Panelboards Tapped Off a Main Feeder

SIZING LIGHTING, RECEPTACLE, AND POWER BRANCH CIRCUITS
Branch Circuit Definitions
The NEC defines 26 types of branch circuits. To limit the scope

of this Information Sheet, only lighting, receptacle, and power
branch circuits will be covered. NEC Articles 210 and 220
describe the general procedures for sizing branch circuits that
are covered in this Information Sheet.
General
NEC Article 100 defines a branch circuit as “the circuit
conductors between the final overcurrent device protecting the
circuit and the outlet(s)”. An outlet is defined by the same article
as “a point on the wiring system at which current is taken to
supply utilization equipment.”
Lighting Branch
Circuits
A lighting branch circuit consists of conductors supplying power
intended for the direct connection of a lighting fixture (luminaire).
Branch circuits for lighting shall have a maximum rating of 20
amperes unless the lighting units have heavy-duty lampholders.
Therefore, branch circuits for fluorescent lighting and for the
smaller wattage, medium base incandescent lamps (up to 300
watts), are restricted to 15 or 20 amperes. Fixed lighting units
with heavy duty lampholders, for example, the larger wattage,
mogul-base incandescent and high intensity discharge (HID)
lamps, such as mercury vapor (MV), metal halide (MH), and
high pressure sodium (HPS) can be connected to circuits rated
up to 50 amperes when installed in commercial or industrial
facilities.

Phase Conductors, which are defined by the NEC as being

ungrounded conductors, are required to be colored (insulation)
or marked (Figure 8), such that they are clearly distinguishable
from grounded (e.g., the neutral conductor) and grounding
conductors (e.g., the equipment grounding conductors). These
phase (ungrounded) conductors shall be distinguished by colors
other than white, natural gray, or green, or by a combination of
color plus distinguishing markings. The distinguishing markings
shall also be in a color other than white, natural gray, or green,
and shall consist of a stripe or stripes or a regularly spaced
series of identical marks.
Figure 8. Color Coding of Branch Circuits

Receptacle Branch
Circuits
NEC Article 100 defines a receptacle as “a contact device
installed at the outlet for the connection of a single attachment
plug.”
A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit must

have an ampere rating not less than that of the branch circuit
rating. For example, a single receptacle on a 20-ampere circuit
must be rated at 20 amperes. As the only exception to this rule,
2 or more 15-ampere receptacles are permitted on a 20-ampere
receptacle branch circuit. Receptacles installed on 15 and 20-
ampere branch circuits must be of the grounding type, which
means that all 120-volt general purpose plug outlets must be of
the three-pole type. The grounding terminal must be properly
bonded to the equipment grounding conductor and the outlet
box (if metal).
Power Branch
Circuits
For purposes of this Information Sheet, power branch circuits
are those branch circuits supplying power to non-general-
purpose receptacle or non-lighting loads. For example, a 30-
ampere branch circuit supplying power to a computer aided
drafting (CAD) machine would be considered as a power branch
circuit if it is hard-wired or plug-connected.
Lighting Branch Circuits
Color Coding of
Conductors
Note: The color coding of conductors applies to all types of
branch circuit conductors, whether they are lighting, receptacle,
or power branch circuits.
Grounded Conductors, or the neutral conductor of a branch

circuit, are required by the NEC to be identified by a continuous
white or natural gray conductor (Figure 8).

Equipment Grounding Conductors for branch circuits are

required by the NEC to be identified by a continuous green color
or a continuous green color with one or more yellow stripes
(Figure 8).
Voltage
Limitations
NEC Article 210-6 describes the voltage limitations of lighting
branch circuits.
120/240 V and 208Y/120 V Circuits - All lighting units that use

medium base, screw shell, incandescent type lamps, regardless
of their location, are restricted by the NEC to branch circuits that
do not exceed 120 volts. The ballasts for arc discharge lighting
(fluorescent and HID) are permitted to be connected to circuits
exceeding 120 volts, but they are not permitted to be connected
to circuits that exceed 277 volts nominal-to-ground. Ballasts
from HID lamps may be operated from line-to-ground or line-to-
line voltages; however, if ballasts are operated line-to-line, two
winding ballasts should be used to permit grounding of the
mogul-base shell.
General illumination of small, commercial and industrial facilities

is usually supplied at 120 volts line-to-neutral, either from
120/240-volt single-phase, three-wire systems, or from
208Y/120-volt three-phase, four-wire systems. One of the major
disadvantages of 120-volt lighting branch circuits is that every 1
volt drop on the 120-volt circuit results in a 0.833 percent
voltage drop (100 x 1/120). Restricting the voltage drop to
approximately 3.6 volts (3 percent) or less, as required by the
NEC and Saudi Aramco design standards, would limit the
conductor runs to approximately 117 feet, using AWG No. 12
wire for a 16- ampere fluorescent lighting load. See Example A.
Example A: What is the maximum length of AWG No. 12

copper wire that is permitted by the NEC for a 16-
ampere, 0.95 p.f. fluorescent lighting load on a
120-volt circuit? Assume that ZL = (2 + j 0.068) Ω
per 1000 ft (NEC Table 9) and VD max = 3.6 V.

Answer:
• VD = I (R cos θ + X sin θ) = IZ = 3.6 V (max)
• I = 16 A, R = 2 Ω/1000 ft, X = 0.068 Ω/1000 ft
• cos θ = 0.95, sin θ = sin (cos-1 0.95) = .312
• 3.6 = 16[(2/1000)(.95)(# ft) + (.068/1000)(.312)(# ft)]
• 3.6 = (.0304)(# ft) + (.00034)(# ft)
• # ft ≈ (3.6)/(.0304 + .00034) ≈ (117 ft total length)
• # ft ≈ 117/2 = 58.5 ft (one-way length)
The other major disadvantage of 120-volt lighting branch circuits

is that 120-volt branch circuits would require additional circuits
including circuit breakers, wiring, conduits, etc., versus higher
277-volt lighting circuits. See Example B.
Example B: How many branch circuits are required to supply

20 kVA of lighting at 120 volts line-to-neutral? at
277 volts line-to-neutral? Assume that there are
no more than 16 amperes per circuit.
Answer:
1. 120 V:
• I = VA/V = 20000/120 = 166.7 A
• # circuits = 166.7/16 = 10.4 circuits = 11 circuits
2. 277 V:
• I = 20000/277 = 72.2 A
• # circuits = 72.2/16 = 4.5 circuits = 5 circuits

3. Using 120-volt circuits versus 277-volt circuits would

require 6 additional circuits (protective devices,
conduit, wiring, etc.).
480Y/277 V Circuits - The general illumination for large office

and industrial areas uses fluorescent and HID lamps that are
supplied at 277 volts line-to-neutral from 480Y/277-volt, three-
phase, 4-wire systems. The major advantages of this system
voltage (480Y/277 V) are lower voltage drops of approximately
0.36 percent (100 x 1/277) for every 1-volt drop and a lesser
number of circuits (see Example B). Other advantages are that
(1) larger areas of a facility can be served from a single lighting
panelboard and (2) three-phase motors can be supplied from
the same source. A disadvantage is that 120-volt general
purpose receptacle and lighting loads must be supplied by
separate dry-type transformers that are strategically located
throughout the building.
Receptacle Branch Circuits
NEC Article 210-7 describes the requirements for receptacles

and plug and cord-connected equipment.
Types of
Receptacles and
Plugs
Figure 9a illustrates the NEMA configuration for 125 V, 250 V,
and 277 V single-phase, 2-pole, 3-wire grounded receptacles
and plugs; Figure 9b illustrates the NEMA configuration for
125/250 V and three-phase, 250 V, 3-pole, 4-wire grounded
plugs.

Figure 9. NEMA Configurations for Receptacles and Plugs

Single Receptacles installed on an individual branch circuit

must have an ampere rating that is not less than that of the
branch circuit. For example, a single receptacle installed on a
30-ampere branch circuit must be rated at 30 amperes. See
NEMA receptacle types 5-30R, 6-30R, 7-30R of Figure 9a or
types 14-30R and 15-30R of Figure 9b. The one exception to
this ampere rating requirement is that two or more 15-ampere
receptacles (e.g., NEMA type 5-15R of Figure 9a) are permitted
on a 20-ampere circuit. Figure 10a is an illustration of a single,
2-pole (2P), 3-wire (3W) grounded receptacle. Figure 10b is an
illustration of a twist-lock single receptacle and plug.
Figure 10. Types of Single Receptacles

Duplex Receptacles are the most common type of general

purpose receptacles that are used in residential, commercial,
and industrial facilities. Figure 11 is an illustration of a general
purpose 125-volt, 15-ampere duplex receptacle.
Figure 11. Duplex Receptacle

Triplex Receptacles are the least common types of receptacles

that are found in commercial and industrial use. Many
engineers are reluctant to specify triplex receptacles because
of their concerns that the branch circuit might end up being
overloaded. Figure 12 is an illustration of a triplex receptacle.
Figure 12. Triplex Receptacle
General Purpose
Ratings
The majority of receptacles are installed for general purpose
and the exact loads are more than likely unknown to the design
engineer. In this general purpose case, the NEC specifies a
minimum loading of 180 voltamperes (VA) for each general
purpose receptacle. The 180 VA rating applies to each outlet
regardless of whether it is a single, duplex, triplex, or any
combination of receptacles installed on the individual branch
circuit.
Example C: What are the maximum number of outlets, for

example, duplex receptacles, permitted by the
NEC on a 120-volt, 15-ampere branch circuit? a
20-ampere branch circuit?
Answer:
1. No. of outlets = (V x A)/180 VA

2. 15 A branch circuit:
• No. of outlets = (120 x 15)/180 = 10 outlets
3. 20 A branch circuit:
• No. of outlets = (120 x 20)/180 = 13 outlets

Specific
Equipment
Ratings
In general, the minimum load for an outlet installed for a specific
piece of equipment, appliance, or load is determined by the
ampere rating of the piece of equipment, appliance, or load. As
previously discussed, a single receptacle installed on an
individual branch circuit shall have an ampere rating that is not
less than the rating of the branch circuit. In most cases, the
NEC restricts the continuous load served by the branch circuit to
80 percent of the branch circuit’s rating, unless the overcurrent
protective device is listed for continuous operation at 100
percent of its rating.
Color Coding
As mentioned previously under the section “Color Coding of
Conductors”, the branch circuit phase (ungrounded) conductors
may be any color except white, natural gray, or green. The
grounded conductor (neutral) colors are white or natural gray
and the equipment grounding conductor colors are green or
green with yellow stripes.

Voltage
Limitations
Receptacles are commercially available that range from 125 to
277 volts in general purpose-nonlocking types, and that range
from 125 to 600 volts in specific purpose-locking types.
Although receptacles are readily available at all voltage levels,

NEC Article 210-6 is very specific at defining what types of
equipment (e.g., light fixtures, receptacles, cord and plug
connected equipment, etc.) may be supplied at different voltage
levels. For example, all 120-volt, 15 and 20-ampere outlets must
be the grounded, three-pole type. As another example, NEC
Article 210-6 requires that receptacles having different voltages,
amperes, etc., and located on the same premises, shall be of
such design that the attachment plugs used on these circuits
are not, as illustrated in Figure 13, interchangeable. The 20-
ampere receptacles illustrated in Figures 13a and 13c will not
accept the 30-ampere plugs that are illustrated in Figures 13b
and 13d, nor will the 250-volt receptacles illustrated in Figures
13c and 13d accept the 125-volt plugs that are illustrated in
Figures 13a and 13b. Figure 9 also illustrates that none of the
plugs and receptacles at different voltage and ampere ratings
are interchangeable.

Figure 13. Non-Interchangeability of Receptacles and Plugs

Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupters
(GFCI)
NEC Articles 210-8(b)(1) and 210-8(b)(2) require GFCI
protection for personnel, for all 125-volt, 15 and 20-ampere
receptacles that are installed in bathrooms and rooftops. A
variety of GFCI devices are available. For example, GFCI can
be installed on the branch molded case circuit breaker or as part
of the receptacle.
Figure 14 illustrates GFCI for personnel protection. The

operating characteristic of GFCI is very simple. As long as the
current flowing out on the phase conductor (Iφ) equals the return
current flowing on the neutral conductor (IN), the device (e.g.,
receptacle or circuit breaker) remains in a closed position. If
either of the conductors come in contact with a grounded object,
either directly or through a person’s body, some of the current,
called the unbalanced current (Iu), will return by an alternative
path. The unbalanced current is sensed by the toroidal coil, and
a secondary current (Is) flows on the secondary side of the
toroidal coil, which will shunt-trip open the circuit. The GFCI
typically operates on an unbalanced current of approximately 5
mA (0.005 A), with a range of 4 to 6 mA being the values that
are required by standard. The GFCI devices also have test
circuits (e.g., a pushbutton), so that the GFCI can be
periodically checked to ensure proper operation.

Figure 14. GFCI Circuit
Common Neutrals
One important advantage over the years of using 3-phase, 4-
wire wye power system configurations is that it permits up to
three circuits (one on phase A, one on phase B, and one on
phase C) to be connected to one common neutral. Under
balanced conditions, the neutral current equals zero, and under
unbalanced conditions, the neutral conductor only carries the
unbalance. Even if one of the circuits is totally disconnected, the
worst case of current flowing in the neutral conductor would be
the phasor sum of the two remaining currents, which still only
equals the magnitude of one of the phase currents; however, in
recent years, harmonic currents (non-sinusoidal currents)
routinely flow in building branch circuits. The most prominent
harmonic current is the third harmonic (f = 180 Hz), which is
caused by non-linear loads, such as arc-discharge light source
electronic ballasts and the electronic circuitry of office copiers,
personal computers, etc. Third harmonic currents, unlike their
60 Hz counterpart currents, do not cancel in the neutral;
instead, they add together. Under many conditions, the current
that flows in the neutral conductor can actually be greater than
the currents that flow in the phase conductors. Therefore, the
NEC, in many different articles, cautions designers to account
for harmonic currents if the electrical equipment is harmonic
producing. As a result of these harmonic currents, many private
industries no longer permit local use of common neutral circuits.
Industry engineers also oversize the neutral conductors to
compensate for third harmonic currents that flow in the power
system.

Power Branch Circuits
For the most part, NEC power branch circuit requirements are
the same as for lighting and receptacle branch circuits.
Receptacle and
Other Types
NEC Articles 210-23(a) and (b) cover the requirements for 30,
40, and 50- ampere branch circuits. A 30-ampere branch circuit
is permitted for fixed lighting units, with heavy duty lampholders
for non-dwelling units, or for any utilization equipment. A 40 or
50-ampere branch circuit has the same requirements as the 30-
ampere branch circuits, and they also are permitted to supply
infrared heating units.
Color Coding
and Voltage
Limitations
Color coding and voltage limitations are identical to the color
coding and voltage limitations of lighting and receptacle branch
circuits.
NEC
Requirements for
Branch Circuits
Over 50 Amperes
NEC Article 210-23(d) specifies that branch circuits over 50
amperes only are permitted to supply nonlighting outlet loads.

Branch Circuit Sizing Selection Factors
Loads
NEC Article 220 provides the following requirements for
determining the number of branch circuits as well as for
computing the branch circuit loads:
• The branch circuit rating shall not be less than the non-
continuous load plus 125 percent of the continuous load. If
the assembly, including the overcurrent devices, is listed
for continuous operation at 100 percent of its rating, the
branch circuit rating shall not be less than the total load.
• Outlets for specific equipment loads shall equal the

ampere rating of the equipment.
• Outlets supplying light fixtures shall be the maximum VA

rating of the equipment (e.g., ballasts) and lamps.
• Outlets for heavy duty lampholders shall not be less than

600 VA.
• General purpose outlets shall not be less than 180 VA per

outlet.
• The minimum number of branch circuits shall be

determined from the total connected load and the size or
rating of the circuits that are used.
Example D: Using Work Aid 1E, Step 1a, and the following
information, calculate the minimum number of
branch circuits to illuminate a large office area on
a 208Y/120-volt system.
Information:
1. 60 2-tube luminaires, each lamp 113 watts

2. luminaire watts, including the ballast - 252 watts
3. ballast p.f. - 95%
4. 20 A branch circuits - 80% rated

Answer:
• IL = P/(V x p.f.) = 252/(120 x 0.95) = 2.21 A/luminaire
• NL80 = 16 A/IL = 16/2.21 = 7.23, select 7 (maximum)
• NBC = TNL/NL80 = 60/7 = 8.57, select 9 (minimum)
• Recommend 6 branch circuits with 7 luminaires and 3

branch circuits with 6 luminaires. The luminaire
placement (layout) will dictate the final number of
branch circuits; however, 9 branch circuits are the
NEC minimum.
Example E: Repeat Example D if the system voltage is

480Y/277 volts .
Answer: IL = 252/(277 x 0.95) = 0.96 A
NL80 = 16/0.96 = 16.7, select 16 (maximum)
NBC = 60/16 = 3.75, select 4 (minimum)
Conductors
Operating Temperature - The maximum continuous current
carrying capability of a conductor is determined by the
temperature at which it is allowed to operate over its lifetime.
The type of insulation surrounding the material ultimately
determines the operating temperature. The NEC temperature
rating classifications are 60ºC, 75ºC, and 90ºC, but SAES-P-104
does not permit use of 60ºC insulation. If the operating
temperature is exceeded for any long period of time, the
insulation ages prematurely, it becomes hard and brittle, which
eventually leads to early failure.

Ambient Temperature - The ambient temperature is defined as

the temperature of the medium (air or earth) surrounding the
conductor. When the ambient temperature increases, there is
less of a temperature differential surrounding the conductor,
which means that the heat dissipating rate of the conductor is
less. As the ambient temperature increases, the current
carrying capability of the conductor must be decreased to
prevent exceeding the operating temperature which is, once
again, based on the insulation material. The NEC ampacity
ratings for building wire are based on an ambient temperature of
30ºC. SAES-P-100 specifies a design ambient temperature of
o
the indoor air-conditioning system or 30 C, whichever is greater,
for indoor air-conditioned spaces.
NEC Derating Factors - If the ambient temperature exceeds

30ºC, the NEC requires derating of the conductor in accordance
with the correction factors that are listed in NEC Table 310-16.
Current-Carrying Conductors - For determining the number of

conductors in a raceway, only conductors that normally carry
current are considered as current-carrying conductors. For
example, the equipment grounding conductor (green wire) is not
considered a current-carrying conductor. On the other hand, in
a 3-wire circuit consisting of two phase wires and the neutral of
a 3-phase, 4-wire, wye-connected system, a common conductor
carries approximately the same current as the line-to-neutral
load currents of the other conductors, and it is considered to be
a current-carrying conductor. (This is the case in Saudi Aramco
for sizing the branch circuits where use of common neutral is
prohibited.) See Note 10 to NEC Article 310-16.
Terminal Limitations - Although the NEC specifies the

ampacity ratings of conductors, the Underwriters Laboratories,
Inc. (UL) approves the use and conditions of the electrical
equipment. The termination provisions of the UL-approved
equipment are based on 60ºC and 75ºC operating temperature
terminations (terminals, lugs, etc.).
100 Amperes or Less: NEC Article 110-14(c)(1) specifies that

termination provisions of equipment for circuits that are rated
100 A or less, or marked for sizes AWG No. 14 through AWG
No. 1 conductors, shall be used with conductors rated at 60ºC
operating temperatures. The NEC permits the following two
exceptions:

• High-temperature-rated conductors may be used, provided

the ampacity of the conductors is based on the 60ºC
operating temperature ampacity ratings.
• The equipment is listed for the higher temperature-rated

conductors.
Greater Than 100 Amperes: NEC Article 110-14(c)(2) specifies

that termination provisions of equipment for circuits that are
rated over 100 A, or marked for conductors larger than AWG
No. 1, shall be used with conductors rated at 75ºC operating
temperatures. The same two exceptions apply for circuits rated
more than 100 A, except that the ampacity of the conductors is
based on 75ºC operating temperature ampacity ratings.
Phase and Neutral conductors are sized based on the load with
conditions, as stated previously in this Information Sheet under
the section “Loads”.
Equipment Grounding Conductors are sized in accordance

with NEC Table 250-95, which specifies that the minimum size
equipment grounding conductor’s ampere rating (size) is based
on the rating of the branch circuit protective device’s ampere
rating.
Voltage Drop (VD) is the difference between the voltage at the

source end (Vs) of the branch circuit, which is assumed to be a fixed
value, and the voltage at the load end (VL), which varies as a
function of the load or branch circuit current (IL). The voltage drop
calculated is a line-to-neutral drop (one-way). The line-to-line
voltage drop for a single-phase system is 2VD, and the line-to-line
drop for a three-phase system is 3 VD. The current (IL) flowing in
the circuit is assumed to be the load or branch circuit current. The
voltage drop is then equal to the load current times both the
resistance (R) and the reactance (X) of the circuit. The power factor
(p.f.) of the load also directly affects the voltage drop. As the power
factor decreases, the voltage drop will increase. Note: For
purposes of this Module, assume that all power factors are lagging.
And finally, the voltage drop (ILZ) is directly proportional to the
branch circuit lengths, because the line impedance Z depends on
the length. As the length of the branch circuit increases, the
impedance of the line increases. Note: NEC Table 9 lists the
impedance of branch circuit conductors.

Protection
For purposes of this Information Sheet, all protection (overload
and short circuit) for the branch circuit conductors will be
provided by thermal-magnetic molded case circuit breakers
(MCCBs) and, where required by the NEC for personnel
protection, by GFCI type MCCBs.
Overload and Fault protection of branch circuits are required

by both the NEC and Saudi Aramco design standard SAES-P-
104.
MCCBs are a class of breaker that are rated at 600 volts and
below, and they consist of a switching device and an automatic
protective device assembled in an integral housing of insulated
material. Solid-state trip units incorporated into some styles of
MCCBs provide for their coordination with power breakers.
MCCBs are generally sealed to prevent tampering, which in turn
precludes any inspection of the contacts. MCCBs are generally
not designed to be maintained in the field, and manufacturers
recommend total replacement if a defect appears.
MCCBs are available in several different types. The thermal-

magnetic type, which is the most widely used type, employs
thermal tripping for overloads and magnetic tripping for short
circuits. For cases where only short circuit interruption is
required, the magnetic type of MCCB employs only
instantaneous magnetic tripping. The integrally-fused type of
MCCB combines regular thermal- magnetic protection with
current limiting fuses to respond to applications where higher
short circuit currents are available. In addition, the integrally-
fused current limiting type of MCCB offers high interrupting
capacity protection, while at the same time limiting the let-
through current to a significantly lower value than is usual for
conventional MCCBs.
GFCI Criteria requires, once again, that personnel be protected

where 15 and 20-ampere branch receptacle circuits are installed
in bathrooms or on rooftops. NEC Article 210-8(b) defines a
bathroom as an area including a basin with one or more of the
following: a toilet, a tub, or a shower.

Conduit Sizing
(NEC Tables)
The number of conductors permitted in a raceway is restricted
by the NEC. The total cross-sectional area of the conductors,
which includes the insulation, must not exceed a specified
percentage of the wireway or conduit cross-sectional area. The
NEC refers to this restriction as “percentage fill”. Exceeding the
percentage fill can cause physical damage to the conductors as
they are being installed (pulled) through the raceway.
Additionally, the heat buildup in the raceway could be excessive,
resulting in damage to the insulation.
Conductor Insulation - Because each type of conductor has

different insulation thicknesses, the percentage fill for each type
of conductor (insulation) is different. Table 5, Chapter 9, of the
NEC lists the dimensions (diameter and area) for each size and
type of rubber-covered and thermoplastic-covered conductors.
Number of Conductors - Determining the permissible number

of the same type of conductors (size and types of insulation)
40% fill in different types of conduit can be selected from
Appendix C, Tables C1 through C12 of the NEC. Determining
the permissible number of conductors in a wireway, or
determining the number of conductors of mixed sizes and types
of insulations, must be calculated based on the fill rates that are
permitted by the NEC.
Tables - Tables C1 through C12 are based on a 40-percent fill

rate of conductors in a given type and trade size of conduit
(Figure 15). If conductor insulation types are mixed, the tables
cannot be used and the fill rate for a particular mix of conductors
in a given trade size of conduit must be calculated as previously
explained in Module EEX103.01. The number of conductors, for
fill rate purposes, includes all conductors, regardless of whether
they are considered as current-carrying conductors or not. For
example, the “green” equipment grounding conductor is
considered for percentage fill restrictions, even though it does
not carry current, except under line-to-ground fault conditions.
12/01/97

Figure 15. Conduit Fill Rate Example

SIZING LIGHTING AND POWER DISTRIBUTION PANELBOARDS
Introduction
Lighting and appliance branch circuit panelboards (referred to

as simply lighting panelboards) are defined in NEC Article 384
as “one having more than 10 per-cent of its overcurrent devices
rated 30 amperes or less for which neutral connections are
provided.” Article 384 also limits the number of overcurrent
devices (branch circuit poles) to a maximum of 42 devices in
any one cabinet. When the 42 poles are exceeded, two or more
separate panels are required.
Power distribution panelboards, which consist of all other

panelboards not defined as lighting and appliance branch circuit
panelboards, are restricted only to practical physical limitations,
such as standard box heights and widths. Additional boxes and
fronts are required when the components required for one
panelboard exceed the standard box dimensions.
Types of Loads
This Information Sheet will briefly describe the following types of

loads:
• Lighting and receptacle (general purpose) branch circuits
• Power branch circuits
• Feeder circuits
Lighting Branch
Circuits
The load for lighting branch circuits will be computed based on
the voltampere (VA) ratings of the lamps and ballasts (if
applicable).

Receptacle Branch
Circuits
The load for general purpose receptacles will be computed
based on 180 VA per receptacle outlet. Although the NEC
minimum rating is 180 VA per outlet, many design engineers
use a more conservative rating of 240 VA per outlet. Room
layout may dictate another rating for the general purpose
receptacles. For example, dividing the receptacle circuits of
three different rooms into three branch circuits may be a
designers preferred choice, rather than a minimum of only two
branch circuits, which was determined by computation.
Power Branch
Circuits
For purposes of the Module, if the branch circuit supplies a load
other than for lighting or general purpose receptacles, it will be
called a power branch circuit.
Feeder Circuits
Feeder circuit conductors are the conductors that supply
electrical power from the service equipment location (e.g., a
panelboard) to the enclosure (e.g., a sub-panelboard)
containing the final branch circuit overcurrent protective devices.
See Figure 7.
NEC Panelboard Requirements
Used as a Service
Entrance
When panelboards are used as service entrance equipment
(see Figure 4), NEC Articles 230-F and G and Underwriter’s
Laboratories (UL), Incorporated require the following:
• Panelboards used as service entrance equipment must be

located near the point where the supply conductors enter
the building.

• A panelboard having main lugs only (MLO) shall have a

maximum of six service disconnects to de-energize the
entire panelboard from the supply conductors. Where
more than six disconnects are required, a main service
disconnect must be provided.
• Panelboards must include connections for bonding and

grounding the neutral conductor.
• A service entrance type UL label must be factory-installed.
• Ground fault protection (GFP) of equipment, as required by

NEC Article 230-95, shall be provided for solidly grounded
wye electrical services of more than 150 volts to ground
but not exceeding 600 volts phase-to-phase for each
service disconnecting means that is rated 1000 amperes or
more. Note: GFP of equipment should not be confused
with GFCI protection of personnel, as previously
discussed.
Phase
Arrangements
The phase arrangements on three-phase buses, is required by
NEC Article 384-3(f) to be A, B, C from front to back, top to
bottom, or left to right as viewed from the front of the
panelboard. Figure 4 illustrates the correct phase arrangement
of a panelboard.
Lighting
Panelboard
NEC Article 384-14 describes a lighting panelboard as a
panelboard that has more than 10 percent of its overcurrent
devices (e.g., MCCBs) that are rated less than or equal to 30
amperes and for which neutral connections are provided. See
Figure 4.

Number of
Overcurrent
Devices
NEC Article 384-15 restricts the number of overcurrent devices
in a panelboard to 42 devices. The same article also requires
that the panelboard be provided with “physical means” to
prevent installation of more overcurrent devices than the
number of devices for which the panelboard was designed,
rated, and approved. For purposes of the NEC, two-pole
(2P) breakers are considered as two (2) overcurrent devices
and three-pole (3P) breakers are considered as three
(3) overcurrent devices.
Ratings
NEC Article 384-13 requires that all panelboards shall have a
rating not less than the minimum feeder capacity required for
the load that is computed in accordance with Article 220.
Panelboards shall be durably marked by the manufacturer with
the voltage and the current rating, the number of phases for
which they are designed, and the manufacturer’s name or
trademark in such a manner as to be visible after installation,
without disturbing the interior parts or wiring.
The following list is a sample set of panelboard ratings available

from a particular vendor of pre-assembled panelboards:
• Voltage: 240 vac Max.

480Y/277 vac Max.
250 vdc Max.
• Main Lugs: 100 thru 600 amperes
• Main Breakers: 100 thru 600 amperes
• Branches: 15 through 100 amperes
• Interrupting Capacity (Sym.):

240 vac: 65 kA Fully-Rated
240 vac: 100 kA thru 200 kA Series-Rated
480Y/277 vac: 14 kA Fully-Rated

480Y/277 vac: 22 kA thru 150 kA Series-Rated

250 vdc: 10 kA and 14 kA Fully-Rated
• Service:
3-Phase, 4-Wire, 208Y/120 V, 120/240 V Delta,
480Y/277 V
1-Phase, 3-Wire, 120/240 V
1-Phase, 2-Wire, 120 V
3-Phase, 3-Wire 120, 208, and 240 V
1-Phase, 2-Wire, 125 vdc
2-Phase, 2-Wire, 250 vdc
Circuit Directory
NEC Article 384-13 further requires that all panelboard circuits
and circuit modifications shall be legibly identified as to purpose
or use and that this identification be located on a circuit directory
on the face or inside of the panel doors.
Panelboard Selection Factors
The two major factors plus the miscellaneous factors to consider

when selecting or sizing a panelboard are the following:
• Loads (continuous or non-continuous).
• Protection (main, feeder, branch circuit breakers).
• Miscellaneous factors (phase balance, number of spaces,

lighting panelboard schedule, ambient temperatures,
special conditions).

Load
Panelboard continuous current ampere ratings are based on the
load that is computed in accordance with NEC Article 220. The
first consideration in computing the load is to determine whether
the loads are continuous or non-continuous loads.
Continuous Loads - The NEC defines a continuous load as a

load that , in normal operation, will continue (to operate) for
three hours or more. For example, lighting loads are considered
to be continuous loads.
The continuous current rating of the panelboard cannot be less

than the service entrance or feeder conductors that supply
power to the panelboard. These service entrance or feeder
conductors are sized based on the sum of the non-continuous
loads plus 125 percent of the continuous loads. The NEC does
permit, as an exception, the ampacity ratings of the conductors
to be sized based on the sum of the continuous and non-
continuous loads, if the overcurrent device protecting the
conductors is listed (e.g., UL) for operation at 100 percent of its
rating.
Non-Continuous Loads are loads that, under normal conditions,

do not operate for three hours or more. For example, a general
purpose receptacle branch circuit load is considered to be a
non-continuous load.

Protection
Protection for, or in a panelboard, must consider the following
factors:
• The main circuit breaker that is enclosed in the

panelboard.
• A feeder protective device that protects the feeder as well

as a main lugs only (MLO) panelboard.
• The branch circuit breakers.
Main Breaker on a Panelboard - The main breaker, although it

is not necessarily the most economical method of protecting a
panelboard, it is the best or preferred method of protection. The
main breakers continuous current rating, as mentioned
previously, is based on the sum of the non-continuous load plus
125 percent of the continuous load, unless the main breaker is a
100-percent-rated device.
UL permits panelboards to be labeled with a short circuit rating

of up to 200 kA (symmetrical) where UL-listed combinations of
main and branch circuits are used. These combinations consist
of main breakers or fusible devices connected ahead of and in
series with approved conventional breakers used as branch
devices. Note: Saudi Aramco standards do not permit series-
rated combinations.
Two arrangements are acceptable, and both arrangements

comply with UL standards for panelboards. The main circuit
breaker may be installed in the panel as a main device (Figure
16a), or it may be mounted remote (Figure 16b) from the panel.
In either case, the approved main and branch combinations
must be followed. These arrangements are acceptable and are
UL-listed because they have been tested in accordance with UL
67 standards.

Figure 16. UL-Approved Panelboard Protection
If the main breaker and the branch circuit breakers have not
been listed and approved as a series combination, the short
circuit rating of the panelboard is that of the lowest interrupting
rating of the main or branch circuit breakers. For example, if in
Figure 16a, CB1, CB2, ..., CB16 have not been series-tested
with MB1, panelboard LPA’s short circuit rating is 22 kA. On the
other hand, if in Figure 16b, CB1, CB2, …, CB16 have been
series-tested, approved, and listed, panelboard LPB’s short
circuit rating is 65 kA.

Feeder Protective Device - Many designers, primarily for

economical purposes, choose MLO type panelboards (Figure
17a) versus main breaker panelboards (Figure 17b). Either
method is permitted by the NEC. Saudi Aramco design
standards only permit main breaker panelboards (Figure 17b).
Figure 17. Feeder Device Protection of a Panelboard
Branch Circuit Breakers are selected based on their

continuous current and short circuit ratings. Neither the setting
nor the rating of the branch circuit breakers is permitted to
exceed the ampacity ratings of the conductor, although NEC
Article 240-3 does permit “rounding up” of the breaker to the
next standard device size, as listed in NEC Article 240-6. If the
branch circuit breakers are 100-percent-rated, the NEC permits
100-percent loading for continuous loads; if the branch circuit
breakers are not 100-percent-rated, NEC Article 384-16 restricts
loading of the branch circuit breaker to 80 percent of its ampere
rating for continuous loads.

Miscellaneous
Factors
Phase Balance - The total load on the panelboard should be
balanced, as much as possible, between all three phases (A, B,
C); many design engineers try to keep the unbalance within +
10 percent. The neutral conductor will carry any unbalanced
current and maintain the line-to-neutral voltage magnitude
across each phase; however, if the neutral conductor is
disconnected or broken, the loads would have voltages
significantly different than the nominal line-to-neutral voltages.
Number of Spaces - Panelboards are typically available with

any number of spaces up to the NEC-maximum limit of 42
spaces. When the requirement dictates more than 42 spaces,
two or more panelboards are required.
Although there are no criteria available for panelboard layouts, it

is usual practice to locate the lighting branch circuits at the top,
followed by the general purpose receptacle branch circuits. The
lighting or receptacle branch circuits are usually grouped in sets
of three (A1, A3, A5 or A2, A4, A6) so that one common neutral
may be used, where local design standards permit, and no third
harmonic currents are present.
It is also a designer’s usual practice to include several spare

breakers and spare spaces for future loads.
Lighting Panelboard Schedule - The purpose of a lighting

panelboard is to show, in tabular, graphical, or chart form, the
following items:
• circuit breaker number - #10

• description - lighting (Room 5)
• number of poles - 1
• breaker frame size - 50 A
• breaker trip rating - 20 A
• phase connection - phase A
Figure 18 shows a typical LP schedule, in chart form, for the

circuit wiring layout diagram that is shown in Figure 19.

Figure 18. Typical Lighting Panelboard Schedule

Figure 19. Circuit Wiring Layout Diagram

Ambient Temperatures - The primary function of an

overcurrent device is to protect the conductor and its insulation
against overheating. In selecting the sizes of the devices and
conductors, the engineer should consider the ambient
temperature that surrounds the conductors within and external
to the panelboard. Cumulative heating within the panelboard
may cause premature operation of the overcurrent protective
devices. Note: The average temperature inside of a
panelboard enclosure is assumed to be 40ºC.
Special Conditions - Standard panelboards, assembled with

standard components, are adequate for most applications.
However, special consideration should be given to those
required for application under special conditions, such as the
following:
• Excessive vibration or shock
• Frequencies above 60 Hz
• Altitudes above 6600 feet
• Possible fungus growth
• Compliance with codes and local and national standards

SIZING SERVICE ENTRANCE CONDUCTORS
Note: Work Aid 3 has been developed to teach the Participant

procedures for sizing service entrance conductors.
National Electric Code (NEC) Requirements
The NEC defines the service entrance conductors as the supply

conductors that extend from the street main or from
transformers to the service equipment of the premises being
supplied. Note: NEC Article 230 covers service entrance
conductors and equipment.
Number of
Services
Permitted
NEC Article 230-2 permits only 1 set of service conductors per
building or structure. The same article lists seven exceptions to
the general rule, but, if multiple services are installed, a
permanent plaque or directory must be installed at each of the
different services denoting all of the other services in the
building.
Insulation
Service entrance conductors entering or on the exterior of
buildings are required by NEC Article 230-41 to be insulated
conductors.
Physical
Protection
Service entrance conductors are required to be physically
protected from damage. There are many different approved
methods for protecting service entrance conductors. One
approved method, which is the method that is required at Saudi
Aramco, is to use rigid steel conduit.

Termination at
Service Equipment
NEC Article 230-55 requires that any service raceway terminate
at the inner end in a box, cabinet, or equivalent fitting that
effectively encloses all energized metal parts. Saudi Aramco
standards require that the service conductors terminate at
approved and listed (e.g., UL) panelboards.
Disconnecting
Means
NEC Article 230-70 requires that means shall be provided to
disconnect all conductors in a building or structure from the
service entrance conductors. The same article further requires
that the disconnect shall be readily accessible, and that it shall
be permanently marked to identify it as a service disconnecting
means.
Overcurrent
Protection
Overloads and Phase Faults - NEC Article 230-90 requires
that each ungrounded conductor (the phase conductors) be
protected by an overcurrent device (e.g., MCCB) having a rating
or setting not higher than the allowable ampacity of the
conductor.
Ground Fault Protection (GFP) is required by NEC Article

230-95 for the protection of equipment. Note: Do not confuse
GFCI protection, which is protection of personnel, for GFP.
Equipment ground fault protection (GFP) is required whenever
the service disconnecting means is rated or can be set at 1000
amperes or higher, and the voltage exceeds 150 volts line-to-
ground for 3-phase, 4-wire solidly grounded systems. The
Saudi Aramco service that falls within this requirement is the
480Y/277 V, 3-phase, 4-wire solidly grounded service. Figure
20 illustrates several methods of providing GFP, with the zero-
sequence CT being the preferred Saudi Aramco GFP method.

Figure 20. Ground Fault Detection
Sizing Selection Factors
This Information Sheet will explain the following factors for

sizing service entrance conductors:
• Load data and phase conductors
• Grounded conductor including harmonic currents
Load Data and

Phase Conductors
The service entrance phase conductors must be sized to carry
the non-continuous loads plus 125 percent of the continuous
loads. The only exception to this rule is that, if the protective
device is 100-percent-rated, the conductors need only be
ampacity-rated to carry the total loads (continuous plus non-
continuous).

Grounded
Conductors
The grounded conductor (neutral) is sized based on the size of
the grounding electrode conductor in accordance with Article
250-23(b) and Table 250-94 of the NEC. Table 250-94
specifies that the size of the grounding electrode conductor and,
by inference, the grounded conductor, is based on the size of
the largest service entrance conductors.
The grounded conductors are also required to be routed with

the ungrounded service entrance phase conductors and, if the
service entrance phase conductors are paralleled, the size of
the grounded conductor shall also be based on the equivalent
area for parallel conductors. Of course, if the paralleled service
entrance phase conductors are routed in separate conduit runs,
the grounded conductors must be paralleled and routed in the
same conduits as the phase conductors.
Harmonic Currents - Neutral current in three-phase power

systems is often thought to be only the result of the imbalance
of the phase currents. With computer systems, arc-discharge
lighting systems, office copier machines, and other similar non-
linear, electronic type of loads, very high neutral currents have
been observed, even when the phase currents are balanced.
On three-phase wye power systems, the neutral current is the
vector sum of the three line-to-neutral currents. With balanced,
three-phase, linear currents, which consist of sine waves
spaced 120 electrical degrees apart, the sum at any instant in
time is zero, and there is no neutral current flowing in the circuit
(Figure 21).

In most three-phase power systems supplying single-phase

loads, there will be some phase current unbalance and some
neutral current. Small neutral currents resulting from slightly
unbalanced loads do not cause problems for typical building
power distribution systems; however, there are conditions where
even perfectly balanced single-phase loads can result in
significant neutral currents. Nonlinear loads, such as rectifiers
and power supplies, have phase currents that are not
sinusoidal. The vector sum of balanced, non-sinusoidal three-
phase currents does not necessarily equal zero. In three-phase
circuits, the triplex harmonic neutral currents (third, sixth, ninth,
etc.) add, instead of cancelling. Being three times the
fundamental power frequency and spaced in time by 120
electrical degrees based on the fundamental power frequency,
the triplex harmonic currents are in phase with each other and
they add in the neutral circuit (Figure 22). If third harmonic
neutral currents are available in the system, the design engineer
must full-size the grounded (neutral) conductor the same size as
the phase conductors.
Figure 21. Balanced 60 Hz Currents - Neutral Current

Equals Zero (0)

Figure 22. Third Harmonic (180 Hz) Currents

- Neutral Current Equals 3.0 p.u.

SIZING THE SERVICE ENTRANCE GROUNDING SYSTEM
Note: Work Aid 4 has been developed to teach the Participant

procedures to size the service entrance grounding system.
Introduction
The National Electric Code (Article 250, Section H) requires all

elements of a grounding system to be bonded together to form
the grounding electrode system. Any one of the elements
presented in this Information Sheet, except for the metal
underground water pipe, can be used as the “single” grounding
electrode for a facility; however, if more than one of the
elements are available on the premise, they must all be bonded
together to form the grounding system. The first four
electrodes, described below, are listed in the NEC as “available”
electrodes (Article 250-81); the remainder are “made”
electrodes (Article 250-83).
Types of Grounding Electrodes
This Information Sheet will describe the following listed types of

grounding electrodes commonly used in industrial power
systems.
• Water piping
• Structural steel building frame
• Concrete-encased electrodes (e.g., concrete reinforcing

bars)
• Ground ring (peripheral)
• Rod and pipe (e.g., ground rods)
• Buried plate electrodes

Water Piping
NEC Article 250-81(a) requires that a metal underground water
pipe that is in direct contact with the earth for 10 feet (3.05 m) or
more, and that is electrically continuous, shall be used as part of
the building grounding electrode system; however, if the water
piping system is used as a grounding electrode, it must be
supplemented by at least one other type of an approved
electrode. Note: SAES-P-111 does not permit the water piping
system to be used as a grounding electrode.
Structural Steel
Building Frame
NEC Article 250-81(b) requires that the structural steel (metal)
frame of the building (Figure 23), if effectively grounded, be
used as part of the building’s grounding electrode system.
Effectively grounded means intentionally connected to earth
through a ground connection or connections of sufficiently low
impedance, and having sufficient current-carrying capacity to
prevent the buildup of voltages that may result in undue hazard
to connected equipment or to persons. Note: SAES-P-111
(Section 7.1.1) permits building steel to be used as a grounding
electrode, provided that it is continuous and it is effectively
grounded.
Figure 23. Structural Steel Building Frame

Concrete-Encased
Electrodes
Rod or wire electrodes, encased in concrete, usually results in
lower resistance grounding electrodes than when similar
electrodes are placed directly in the earth. NEC Article 250-
81(c) permits the use of concrete-encased electrodes. One
acceptable concrete-encased electrode method, which is widely
used in industry, is the use of steel reinforcing bars (rebar) in
concrete footings and foundations (Figure 24). It is only
necessary to bring out an electrical connection from the rebar of
each footing for attachment to the building ground bus or
structural steel. Note: SAES-P-111 (Section 7.1.2) specifies
that if a concrete-encased electrode is used, the conductor must
be bare copper.
Figure 24. Concrete-Encased Electrodes

Ground Ring
(Peripheral)
A peripheral ground system (Figure 25) generally consists of a
bare, tinned copper conductor, that connects a series of ground
rods buried around a structure, is another NEC-approved
(Article 250-81(d)) “made” grounding electrode system. The
peripheral ground conductor buried around the structure must
be at least 30 inches deep, and it must consist of at least 20 feet
of bare copper conductor not less than AWG No. 2. The ground
rods should be bonded to the conductor by thermal welding, and
a pigtail should be extended into the building for connection to
the main ground bus. Note: SAES-P-111 (Section 7.1.3)
permits ground ring electrodes.
Figure 25. Ground Ring (Peripheral)

Ground Rod and

Pipe Electrodes
The most common method of establishing a grounding
electrode system is the use of single ground rods (Figure 26),
which is considered by NEC Article 250-83 as a “made”
electrode. The most common type of ground rod material is
copper clad steel.
Figure 26. Ground Rod Electrode
Rod and pipe electrodes must be at least 8 feet long. If more

than one electrode is required to meet the NEC-minimum
resistance level of 25 Ω per a single ground rod, the minimum
spacing is 6 feet (Figure 27). Note: There is no NEC
requirement for two or more ground rods to be less than or
equal to 25 Ω; only a single ground rod must be less than or
equal to 25 Ω. Pipe electrodes must be at least 3/4-inch
diameter and, if they are made of steel, they must have the
outer surface galvanized to prevent corrosion. Rods of iron or
steel must be at least 5/8-inch diameter, and nonferrous or
stainless steel rods must be “listed” and at least 1/2-inch
diameter. If rock is encountered, at least 8 feet of the rod must
still be in contact with the earth, as shown in Figure 28. Note:

SAES-P-111 (Section 7.1.3) permits use of ground rods as

primary grounding electrodes.
Figure 27. Ground Rod Length and Spacing
Figure 28. Ground Rod Rock Bottom Installation

Deep Driven Ground Rods represent an economical method

for securing better ground connections. This type of grounding
electrode is particularly applicable in areas where it is difficult to
obtain low resistance earth connections by means of single
eight or ten-foot rods. This method (deep driven) is also usually
more convenient and effective than multiple rods or soil
treatment. As shown in Figure 29, doubling the length of a
ground rod reduces resistance (R) by approximately 40 percent,
which is an excellent means of reducing R.
Figure 29. Effects of Deep Driven Ground Rods

Ground Rod Diameter - As shown in Figure 30, doubling the

diameter has little effect on ground rod resistance, and, in fact, it
only decreases resistance by about 10 percent. Based on this
fact, the only valid good reason to increase ground rod diameter
is for mechanical strength. For example, it is usually easier to
hammer a 1-inch diameter ground rod into hard soil than it is to
hammer a 1/2-inch diameter ground rod into hard soil.
Figure 30. Effects of Ground Rod Diameter

Multiple Ground Rods - The effect of multiple rods in parallel is

shown in Figure 31. Adding a second ground rod does not
halve the resistance, but it does help to reduce resistance and it
is a generally accepted means of reducing R. Increasing the
spacing between the multiple ground rods, as also shown in
Figure 31, will also reduce R.
Figure 31. Effects of Multiple Ground Rods

Buried Plate
Electrodes
In locations where the soil is extremely shallow, a horizontal
plate (Figure 32) may be used as a grounding electrode. A
horizontal plate represents a greater contact area to the soil in a
given volume than does a rod. Each plate is required by NEC
Article 250-83(d) to expose 2 ft2 or more of surface area to the
soil. By comparison, a 3/4-inch, 10-foot ground rod has only
2 2
1.96 ft of lateral surface area compared to the area (2.83 ft ) of
a 1/4-inch, 1-foot-square iron or steel plate. Note: Saudi
Aramco uses buried plate electrodes as primary ground
sources.
Figure 32. Buried Plate
Example F: What is the surface area of a 3/4-inch diameter,

10-feet long ground rod? a 1/4-inch thick, 1-foot
square plate (Figure 32)?
Answer:
1. A (cylinder) = 2πrh
= 2π (0.75/2)(10 x 12)
2 2
= 282.74 in = 1.96 ft
2. Area (plate) = (2 x l x w) + (4 x l x w)
= (2 x 1 x 1) + (4 x 1 x 0.25/12)
= 2.083 ft2

Grounded Service Conductor (Neutral) Selection Factors
Routing
The grounded service conductor (neutral) is required by NEC
Article 250-23(b) to be routed with the phase conductors to the
service disconnecting means. The same article also requires
that the neutral be bonded to the disconnecting means
enclosure. In practice, this bonding is typically accomplished by
routing the neutral conductor to the neutral bus and connecting
the neutral bus to the equipment grounding bus by either a main
bonding jumper (Figure 2) or a screw.
Sizing
The grounded conductor (neutral) is sized in exactly the same
way as the grounding electrode conductor, which is sized based
on the size of the service entrance phase conductors, as
specified in NEC Table 250-94. If the size of the service
entrance phase conductors is larger than 1100 kcmil, the
grounded (neutral) conductor must be sized at least 12.5% of
the size of the largest service entrance conductor. When the
service entrance phase conductors are paralleled, the size of
the grounded (neutral) conductor shall be based on the
equivalent area for phase conductors.
Example E: The size of the copper service entrance

conductors for a particular installation is 500 kcmil.
What is the minimum size neutral conductor
permitted by the NEC?
Answer: Per NEC Table 250-94, the neutral conductor

must be an AWG No. 1/0 or larger copper
conductor.

Grounding Electrode Conductor Selection Factors
Outside Premises
Location
The grounding electrode conductor must be connected to the
grounded service conductor at any accessible point, from the
load end of the service drop or service lateral, to and including
the terminal or bus to which the grounded service conductor is
connected at the service disconnecting means. See Figures 1
and 2. Where the transformer supplying the service is located
outside the building, as shown in Figure 1, at least one
additional grounding connection shall be made from the
grounded service conductor to a grounding electrode, either at
the transformer or elsewhere outside the building. A grounding
connection shall not be made to any grounded circuit conductor
on the load side of the service disconnecting means.
Panelboard
Connection
The grounding electrode conductor is normally connected
(terminated) directly at the neutral bus (Figure 33a); however, if
the main bonding jumper that is specified in NEC Articles 250-
53(b) and 250-79 is a wire or busbar, and it is installed from the
neutral bar or bus to the equipment grounding terminal bar or
bus in the service equipment, the grounding electrode conductor
is permitted to be connected to the equipment grounding
terminal bar or bus to which the main bonding jumper is
connected (Figure 33b) .

Figure 33. Grounding Electrode Conductor Connection to the Panelboard
Requirements
Based on Size of
Service Entrance
Conductors
The size of the grounding electrode conductor (GEC), as
specified by NEC Article 250-94 and Table 250-94, is based on
the size of the service entrance conductors. The same article
permits the following exceptions to the basic rule.
• If using “made” grounding electrodes, the GEC is not

required to be larger than AWG No. 6 copper.
• If using concrete-encased electrodes, the GEC is not

required to be larger than AWG No. 4 copper.
• If using a ground ring electrode, the GEC is not

required to be any larger than the conductors used for
the ground ring.

Neutral and Equipment Grounding Bus Selection Factors
Neutral Bus
Unless otherwise specified, panelboard vendors full-size the
insulated neutral bus to be the same size (ampacity rating) as
the phase bus.
Ground Bus
An equipment grounding bus is included as a normal component
of all panelboards.
Bonding Jumper
Sizes
As stated previously, and as shown in Figures 1 and 2, the
neutral bus must be bonded to the equipment grounding bus.
Where a main bonding jumper is used in lieu of a screw, the
main bonding jumper, per NEC Table 250-94, must be sized
(ampacity rating) the same as the grounding electrode
conductor.

WORK AID 1: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE LIGHTING,

RECEPTACLE, AND POWER BRANCH CIRCUITS
Work Aid 1A: SAES-P-100 (11 MAR 96)
1. Section 5.3 specifies that steady state voltage drops shall be as follows :
a. Summation of voltage drops in feeders from main to distribution

center, panelboard, or transformer that supply lighting,
instrumentation, or other low voltage requirements shall be a
maximum of 2 percent.
b. Voltage drops for branch circuits that supply lighting,

instrumentation, or other low voltage requirements shall be an
average of 2 percent, with a maximum of 4 percent to the most
distant outlet, providing that the maximum voltage drop for the
main, feeder, and branch circuit does not exceed 5 percent.
2. Section 7.2 specifies that the following criteria (Figure 35) shall be used to
establish equipment derating when specific requirements are not covered
in an SAES or SAMSS.
Location Ambient Temperature

Average Monthly Maximum
Normal Maximum Daily Peak
ºC ºC
Outdoors (Air) 45 50
Earth (Soil) 40 40
Ocean (Water) 30 30
Indoors - 40 50
Well Ventilated Buildings
Indoors - Note 1 Note 1
Air-Conditioned Buildings
Note 1. Per the design temperature of the air conditioning system (see
o
SAES-K-001) or 30 C, whichever is greater.
Figure 34. SAES-P-100 Ambient Temperatures

Work Aid 1B: SAES-P-104 (7 DEC 94)
1. Section 4.1 specifies that design and installation of wiring and cable
systems shall be in accordance with NFPA 70 (National Electric Code -
NEC), as supplemented by this Standard.
2. Section 4.2.1 specifies that wire and cable shall have copper conductors.
3. Section 4.2.2 specifies that low voltage wire and cable (600 V or 600/1000
V and below) shall have a minimum rating of 75ºC.
4. Section 4.2.5 specifies that power conductors shall be stranded copper

2
except that solid copper conductors 6 mm (No. 10 AWG) and smaller
may be used in non-industrial locations and for specialty applications.
5. Section 4.2.10 specifies that for 600 V and below power conductors, the
minimum size conductor permitted is 2.5 mm2 (No. 14 AWG).
6. Section 4.3.1 specifies that direct buried conduit shall be threaded, rigid
steel, hot-dip galvanized, and PVC-coated, or type DB PVC conduit.
7. Section 4.3.2 specifies that conduit above ground in outdoor industrial

facilities shall be threaded, rigid steel, and be hot-dip galvanized.
8. Section 4.3.4 specifies that the minimum conduit size shall be 3/4-inch,
except on instrument panels, inside buildings, and on prefabricated skids,
where the minimum size conduit shall be 1/2-inch.
9. Section 4.3.6 specifies that electric metallic tubing (EMT) is acceptable

only in nonhazardous indoor locations.
10. Section 8.2.2 specifies that a feeder cable serving a load bus shall be
sized in accordance with the NEC plus a 20% growth factor, but not to
exceed the maximum rating of the bus.
11. Section 8.2.5 specifies that a derating factor of 15% shall be applied to
cables that require fireproofing.

Work Aid 1C: SAES-P-111 (24 FEB 96)
1. Section 4.1 specifies that, except as noted in 4.2, grounding and ground
system installation shall be designed in accordance with ANSI/IEEE 142
and meet the requirements of ANSI/NFPA 70 (NEC), and ANSI C2, as
supplemented or amended by this Standard. Section 4.1.1 specifies that
all grounding (system and equipment) shall be in accordance with
NFPA 70 (NEC), as supplemented by this Standard.
2. Section 4.2 specifies that, except as specifically noted, electrical

installations in residential facilities, recreational facilities, schools and
office buildings (including office buildings associated with plants and
industrial facilities) shall be grounded in accordance with the industry
standards referenced in 4.1 and are not required to meet the additional
requirements contained in this standard.
3. Section 4.3 specifies that, unless otherwise approved by the Coordinator,

Systems Division, Consulting Services Department all grounding
electrodes used for system grounding in plants, bulk distribution facilities,
or other industrial areas shall be interconnected to form a single ground
system. The grounding electrode used for system grounding (including
separately derived systems) for each area in the facility or plant shall have
a minimum of two connections to the overall grounding system. This
requirement can be met by connections to the grounding electrode of the
substation(s) which supply the area that needs to be interconnected to the
overall plant system
4. Section 5.3 specifies that ground rods or pipe electrodes shall be copper
or copper-jacketed steel ("Copperweld" or equivalent). Copper jacketed
steel rods shall meet the requirements of U.L. 467.
5. Section 5.5 specifies that grounding connections to grounding grids or

grounding electrodes shall be minimum 25 mm2 (No.4 AWG).
6. Section 5.5 specifies that connections to grounding grids or between

conductors and/or ground rods in grounding grids shall be made by
thermite welding, brazing, or approved compression grounding connectors
(Burndy "Hyground" system or equivalent).
7. Section 7.1.1 specifies that reinforcing bar of buildings shall not be used
as a grounding electrode. Structural steel of a building may be used as a
grounding electrode in accordance with the NEC provided it is continuous
and effectively grounded by connecting at least every other structural steel

column on the perimeter of the building to a concrete-encased electrode

or a ground ring installed per the NEC and this standard.
8. Section 7.1.2 specifies that, if a concrete-encased electrode is used, the

conductor must be bare copper.
9. Section 7.1.3 specifies that a ground grid and/or ground rods used as the
ground electrode for system grounding shall consist of either (1) rod or
pipe electrode(s), or (2) a grid or loop of bare copper conductors buried a
minimum of 460 mm. Suitable combinations of (1) and (2) are permitted.
Multiple rod or pipe electrodes shall be interconnected by bare or
insulated copper conductors using thermite welding or approved
connectors per 5.6. Conductors used to interconnect rod or pipe
electrodes shall be buried a minimum of 460 mm.
10. Section 7.2 specifies that, in addition to the equipment grounding

conductors run with the power conductors as required by the NEC,
supplementary grounding per NEC 250-91© shall be provided in outdoor
industrial areas, process plant areas, and in substations not covered by
6.1 above. In areas where no electrical equipment is installed, this
supplementary grounding is not required unless otherwise specified.
Supplementary electrodes shall onsist of ground rods, bare or insulated
ground conductors, or combinations. Resistance to ground of each
supplementary grounding electrode system shall meet the minimum
requirements of NEC Article 250-84 for made electrodes. Where multiple
items of equipment are connected, the supplementary grounding
electrodes shall be interconnected to form grids or loops. The grids or
loops shall be buried a minimum of 460 mm. This grounding electrode
shall be bonded to the equipment grounding system in the area and may
constitute a made electrode required to meet NEC requirements. The
following equipment shall be connected to the supplementary grounding
electrodes. (1) Structural steel supports for process equipment and piping
and structural steel columns for buildings. Connections shall be made at
least every 25 m (e.g., No part of the base of the structure shall be more
than 25 m from a grounded support or column.) with a minimum of two
connections at opposite corners of each structure or building. (2) Frames
of equipment (motors, generators and transformers) operating at 1000 V
or greater shall have two connections to a supplementary electrode. (3)
Motors, transformers, and generators operating at a nominal voltage of
480 volts shall have a minimum of one connection to a supplementary
grounding electrode.
(4) The following equipment when not bolted to grounded structural steel
shall be connected to a supplementary grounding electrode: Metallic
enclosures for panelboards, circuit breakers, switches, fuses, motor
controllers, switchgear, switchracks, motor control centers, and motors

and transformers not covered above. Metal vessels, stacks, exchangers

and similar equipment. Loading and unloading facilities. (5) If an above
ground bus or loop is used for extending the supplementary electrode, this
bus or loop shall have two connections to the supplementary electrode.
11. Section 7.2 specifies that system grounding connections shall be made
directly to the grounding electrode and be separate from equipment
grounding connections.
12. Section 9.1 specifies that, except as otherwise noted below, conduit, cable
tray, or cable armor, shall not be relied on as the equipment grounding
conductor and a bare or insulated copper conductor shall be installed in
the same conduit, cable tray, cable, or cord or shall otherwise accompany
the power conductors. In hazardous locations equipment grounding
conductors run in conduit or cable tray shall be insulated or enclosed
within the jacket of a multi-conductor cable. Exception: Conduit or cable
armor may be used in accordance with the NEC for grounding electronic
instrumentation operating at 24 V DC nominal or below.
Note to Section 11: In accordance with the NEC an equipment grounding

conductor is not required between the neutral point of a transformer and a
service disconnecting means. The grounded circuit conductor (neutral)
required by the NEC is sufficient.
13. Section 9.1 specifies that metallic conduit shall be grounded at both end
points. Conduit grounding may be accomplished (1) externally with
approved grounding clamps and conductors or (2) through a grounded
enclosure having integral threaded bushings or using a conduitt hub (such
as a Myers hub) which is approved for grounding purposes or (3) through
an approved grounding bushing. Grounding with locknuts is not
acceptable.
14. Section 9.1 specifies that metallic cable trays shall be bonded at both end
points and a minimum of every 25 meters to the local ground grid or
ground electrode or to structural steel which is bonded to the local ground
grid or ground electrode.
Work Aid 1D: National Electric Code (NEC) Handbook Articles 210
and 220
For the content of Work Aid 1D, refer to Handout 1.

Work Aid 1E: Applicable Procedures for Sizing Lighting,

Receptacle, and Power Branch Circuits
Step 1. Determine the load current. Note: Step 1a applies to lighting branch
circuits, Step 1b applies to general purpose receptacle branch circuits,
and Step 1c applies to power branch circuits. Steps 2 through 8 apply to
all 3 types of branch circuits.
Step 1a. Lighting branch circuits:
(1) IL = S/V or P/(V x p.f.)
• where: IL = load current of each luminaire in amperes (A)

S = load apparent power in voltamperes (VA)
P = load real power in watts (W)
V = line-to-neutral voltage in volts (V)
p.f. = load power factor expressed as a decimal
• For arc-discharge lighting loads (e.g., fluorescent), include the

ballast load as well as the lamp loads.
(2) NL80 = 16 A/IL
• where NL80 equals the number of luminaires per 20-ampere

branch circuit where the overcurrent device is not 100% rated.
(3) NL100 = 20 A/IL
• where NL100 equals the number of luminaires per 20-ampere

branch circuit where the overcurrent device is 100% rated.
(4) NBC = TNL/NL80 or NBC = TNL/NL100
• where NBC equals the total number of branch circuits and TNL
equals the total number of luminaires.
(5) Ic = 1.25 (NL80)(IL) or Ic = 1.0 (NL100) (IL)

• where Ic equals the initial branch circuit conductor ampacity

rating before applying any derating factors such as
temperature, fireproofing, etc.
Step 1b. General purpose receptacle branch circuits:
(1) IR = S/V = 180 VA/V or IL = S/V = 240 VA/V
• where S equals an assumed 180 VA rating per receptacle

outlet (NEC minimum) or S equals an assumed 240 VA rating
per receptacle outlet (more conservative rating).
(2) NR = IBC/IR = 20/IR or 15/IR
• where IBC = 20 for 20-ampere-rated branch circuits
= 15 for 15-ampere-rated branch circuits
NR = the number of receptacles per branch circuit.

Note: Only 20-ampere-rated branch circuits will
be designed in this course.
(3) NBC = TNR/NR
• where NBC equals the total number of branch circuits and TNR
equals the total number of receptacles.
(4) Ic = IR NR
• where Ic equals the initial branch circuit conductor ampacity

rating before applying any derating factors such as
temperature, fire-proofing, etc.
Step 1c. Power branch circuits:
(1) Iφ = Sφ/Vφ or Iφ = Pφ/(Vφ x p.f.)
IL = S3φ/( 3 x VL ) or IL = P3φ/( 3 x VL x p.f. )
• where Iφ = phase current in amperes (A) for single-phase loads
Sφ = single-phase apparent power in voltamperes (VA)

Pφ = single-phase real power in watts (W)
Vφ = phase voltage in volts for single-phase loads. Note:

Vφ can equal a line-to-neutral voltage or a line-to-
line voltage depending on the voltage rating of the
load.
p.f. = load power factor expressed as a decimal
IL = line current in amperes (A) for three-phase loads
S3φ = three-phase apparent power in voltamperes (VA)
P3φ = three-phase real power in watts (W)
VL = line-to-line voltage in volts (V) for three-phase loads
(2) Ic = Iφ or IL
• where Ic equals the initial branch circuit conductor ampacity,

before any derating factors are applied, and for non-continuous
loads or continuous loads where the branch circuit protective
device is 100% rated.
(3) Ic = 1.25 Iφ or 1.25 IL
• where Ic equals the initial conductor ampacity, before any

derating factors are applied, and for continuous loads where
the branch circuit protective device is not 100% rated.
Step 2. Initially select a 75ºC or 90ºC conductor from NEC Table 310-16 (Handout
1, page 230), based on the initial conductor ampacity (Ic) that is calculated
in Step 1 (1A, 1B, or 1C).
Step 3. Apply derating correction factors (if applicable) as follows:
(a) Fireproofing (where required): 15%
(b) Ambient temperature: Select the correction factor from NEC Table
310-16 (Handout 1, page 230).

(c) More than three current-carrying conductors in a raceway: Select

the correction factor from Note 8 to NEC Table 310-16 (Handout 1,
page 235) .
Step 4. Specify the selected conductor as follows:
• Size - AWG or kcmil Note: See Figure 36 for the nearest metric
equivalent size conductor.
• Material - Copper (Cu)
• Insulation Type - e.g., THWN, THHN, etc.
• Number of Conductors - e.g., 2/c, 3/c, etc.
CONDUCTOR SIZES
AWG AWG
or or
kcmil* mm2 kcmil* mm2
14 2.5 2/0 70
12 4 4/0 120
10 6 250* 120
8 10 350* 185
6 16 500* 240
4 25 750* 400
2 35 1000* 500
1/0 50
Figure 35. Standard Saudi Aramco Wire Sizes

Step 5. Calculate the conductor voltage drop. Note: For purposes of this Module,
assume that the total load current is at the farthest end of the branch
circuit.
-1
a. Calculate the load reactive factor (sin θ). sin θ = sin (cos p.f.)
b. Determine feeder impedance (ZΩ) per 1000 feet from NEC Table 9
(Handout 1, page 886) .
c. Calculate the feeder impedance.
• ZΩ = [(R + jX) Ω per 1000 ft] (number of feet )
d. Calculate VD line-to-neutral (one-way drop).
• VD = I(R cos θ + X sin θ)
e. Calculate VD line-to-line.
• VD = 3 VD (3φ branch circuit)
• VD = 2VD (1φ branch circuit)
f. Calculate VD(%)
• VL = VS - VD
• VD% = 100 [(VS - VL)/VS]
• where VL = load voltage in volts
VS = source voltage in volts (e.g., 120 V for a

lighting or receptacle branch circuit)
VD% = percent voltage drop
g. If VD% exceeds 3 percent, increase the conductor size to the next

standard size and repeat steps 5b through 5f.

Step 6. Select the branch circuit protective device.
a. Select the ampacity rating of an MCCB based on the ampacity

rating of the conductor as determined in Step 4 or as modified
(increased) in Step 5. Notes: (1) NEC Article 240-6 (Handout 1,
page 130) lists the standard ampere ratings of circuit breakers, (2)
NEC Article 240-3 (Handout 1, page 128) requires low voltage
conductors to be protected in accordance with their ampacities as
listed in NEC Tables 310-16 through 310-19 (Handout 1, pages 230
through 233) and their accompanying notes (Handout 1, pages 229
through 237), and (3) overcurrent protection for AWG No. 12
copper conductors is not permitted to exceed 20 amperes, and for
AWG No. 10 copper it is not permitted to exceed 30 amperes, after
any correction factors for ambient temperature and number of
conductors have been applied.
b. If the conductor ampacity does not correspond with a standard

ampere rating of a circuit breaker, select the next standard ampere
rated device, but do not exceed 800 amperes (round-down rule).
Note: See NEC Article 240-3(b) (Handout 1, page 129).
Step 7. Select the size of the equipment grounding conductor from NEC Table
250-95 (Handout 1, page 184) based on the size of the selected protective
device from Step 6.
Step 8. Select the conduit size.
a. For type and number of conductors all of the same size, select the
conduit (raceway) size from Appendix C, Tables C1 through C12 of
the NEC (Handout 1, pages 930 through 965). Note: The term
“conductors” includes the phase conductors, the neutral conductor,
and the equipment grounding conductor.
b. For type and number of conductors of different sizes, perform the

following:
(1) Using Table 5 of the NEC (Handout 1, pages 880 through 884),
compute the total cross-sectional area of the individual
conductors.
(2) Select a conduit from Table 4 of the NEC (Handout 1, pages

877 through 879), where the 40% (or 31%) fill rate area of the
standard conduit size is greater than the conductor cross-
sectional area that is computed in Step 8b(1).

WORK AID 2: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE LIGHTING AND POWER

DISTRIBUTION PANELBOARDS
Work Aid 2A: SAES-P-100 (11 MAR 96 )
For the content of Work Aid 2A, refer to Work Aid 1A.
Work Aid 2B: SAES-P-104 (7 DEC 94 )
For the content of Work Aid 2B, refer to Work Aid 1B.
Work Aid 2C: SAES-P-111 (24 FEB 96 )
For the content of Work Aid 2C, refer to Work Aid 1C.
Work Aid 2D: 1996 NEC Handbook Article 384
Work Aid 2E: Applicable Procedures
Step 1. Calculate the continuous load current.
• ILC = 1.25 x kVA/( 3 x kV) or
• ILC = 1.25 x kW/( 3 x kV x p.f.)
Step 2. Calculate the non-continuous load current.
• ILN = kVA/( 3 x kV) or
• ILN = kW/( 3 x kV x p.f.)
Step 3. Sum the continuous plus non-continuous loads.
• ILT = ILC + ILN
Step 4. Apply a 20 percent growth factor per SAES-P-104.
• IL = 1.20 ILT

Step 5. Select the next standard fully-rated panelboard, with main circuit breaker
protection and full-size neutral from Figure 37, based on the total load
current (IL), service voltage (208Y/120 or 480Y/277), and short circuit
symmetrical current available. Note: Selection of the total number of
panelboard spaces, and the individual single-pole (1P), two-pole (2P), and
three-pole (3P) branch circuit breakers is beyond the scope (time limits) of
this Module.
Panel Catalog Ampere Interrupting Rating

Number Rating (kA Symmetrical)
240 vac 480 vac
MBPD1 100 18 14
MBPD2 100 65 25
MBPD3 100 100 65
MBPD4 100 200 100
MBPD5 100 200 150
MBPD6 100 200 200
MBPD7 150 18 14
MBPD8 150 65 25
MBPD9 150 100 65
MBPD10 150 200 100
MBPD11 225 10 ...
MBPD12 225 22 ...
MBPD13 225 42 ...
MBPD14 225 65 25
MBPD15 225 100 65
MBPD16 225 200 100
MBPD17 400 65 ...
MBPD18 400 65 35
MBPD19 400 100 65
MBPD20 400 200 100
MBPD21 400 200 200
MBPD22 600 42 30
MBPD23 600 65 35
MBPD24 600 100 65
MBPD25 600 200 100
Figure 36. Typical Main Breaker Panelboard Ratings

WORK AID 3: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE SERVICE ENTRANCE

CONDUCTORS
Work Aid 3D: 1996 NEC Handbook Articles 230 and 240
Work Aid 3E: Applicable Procedures
Step 1. Assume that the ampacity of the conductors (IL) is equal to the rating of
the panelboard selected in Step 5 of Work Aid 2.
• IL = _________ amperes
Step 2. Initially select a 75ºC or 90ºC conductor from NEC Table 310-16
(Handout 1, page 230). Note: Consider use of parallel conductors for
required conductor sizes 500 kcmil and larger.
Step 3. Apply derating correction factors (if applicable) as follows:
a) Fireproofing (where required): 15%

b) Ambient temperature: Select the correction factor from NEC Table
310-16 (Handout 1, page 230) .

c) If there are more than three current-carrying conductors in a

raceway, select the correction factor from Note 8 to NEC Table
310-16 (Handout 1, page 235) .
Step 4. Specify the selected conductor (or parallel conductors) as follows:
• Size - AWG or kcmil Note: See Figure 36 of Work Aid 1E for the
nearest metric equivalent size conductor.
• Material - Copper (Cu)
• Insulation Type - e.g., 75 ºC THWN, 90 ºC THHN, etc.
• Number of Conductors - e.g., 4/c, 8/c, etc. Note: Assume that
there is a full-sized neutral conductor.
Step 5. Calculate the load reactive factor (sin θ). sin θ = sin (cos-1 p.f.)
Step 6. Determine service entrance conductor impedance (ZΩ) per 1000 feet from
NEC Table 9 (Handout 1, page 886).
Step 7. Calculate the feeder impedance.
• ZΩ = [(R + jX) Ω per 1000 ft] (number of feet )
Step 8. Calculate VD line-to-neutral
• VD = I(R cos θ + x sin θ)
Step 9. Calculate VD line-to-line.
• VD = 2VD (1φ system)
• VD = 3 VD (3φ system)
Step 10. Calculate the load voltage (VL)
• VL = VS - VD
Step 11. Calculate VD as a percentage (VD%).
• VD% = 100 [(VS - VL)/VS]
Step 12. If VD% exceeds 2 percent, increase the conductor to the next standard size
and repeat Steps 6 through 12.

WORK AID 4: RESOURCES USED TO SIZE A SERVICE ENTRANCE

GROUNDING SYSTEM
Work Aid 4D: 1996 NEC Handbook Article 250
Word Aid 4E: ANSI/IEEE Standard 142-1991 (IEEE Green Book)
Paragraph 2.7.4.5 of the IEEE states that use of phase overcurrent devices to detect
and clear ground faults is not ideal. The same paragraph recommends that ground
faults be detected in one of three methods: (1) ground return [Figure 38(a)], (2) zero
sequence [Figure 38(b)], or (3) differential current [Figure 38(c)]. Note: SAES-P-114
specifies ground fault detection that uses the zero- sequence method [(Figure 38(b)].

Work Aid 4F: Applicable Procedures
Step 1. Determine the size of the ungrounded (phase) and grounded (neutral)
service entrance conductors from Step 4 of Work Aid 3E.
• Phase conductor size -
• Neutral conductor size -
Step 2. Size the grounding electrode conductor in accordance with NEC Article
250-94 (Handout 1, page 180) and NEC Table 250-94 (Handout 1, page
181), which is based on the size of the service entrance conductors as
listed in Step 1 above.
• Grounding electrode conductor size -
Step 3. Size the required bonding jumpers in accordance with NEC Article 250-79
(Handout 1, page 173) and Table 250-94 (Handout 1, page 181), which is
based on the size of the service entrance conductors that are selected in
Step 1 above.
• Bonding jumper size -

Figure 37. Ground Fault Detection Methods

GLOSSARY
ampacity The current-carrying capacity of electric conductors

that is expressed in amperes.
ANSI American National Standards Institute
approved Acceptable to the authority having jurisdiction, which

for the purpose of this Module is Saudi Aramco.
bonding jumper A bonding jumper (or equipment bonding jumper) is a

conductor that serves to permanently join metal parts
to form an electrically conductive path that will ensure
electrical continuity. In addition, the bonding jumper
has the capacity to conduct safely any current that is
likely to be imposed, and it will maintain an
equipotential condition on the equipment enclosure or
housing to which it is bonded.
branch circuit The circuit conductors that are between the final
overcurrent device protecting the circuit and the
outlet(s).
bus A conductor, or group of conductors, that serves as a

common connection for two or more circuits.
busbar A solid copper bar conductor, usually used for large

current carrying capacity, that can be used as a
common connection for two or more circuits.
busway Bus conductors that are totally enclosed and

supported in a housing. Usually formed in sections of
uniform length that may be bolted together to form
long runs of large current-carrying capacity.
cable, single-conductor A conductor stranded with or without insulation or

other coverings.
cable jacket A covering where the principal function is to protect

the insulation from mechanical damage. A jacket can
also be used to protect the insulation from chemicals,
sunlight, fluids, weathering, and flame.

cable, multiple- A combination of two or more conductors that are

conductor insulated from one another. Commonly designated
as three conductor (3/c), four conductor (4/c), etc.
conductor A metallic substance or body that is specifically

designed to allow electrical current to pass
continuously along it from one point to another with
minimal resistance.
conduit A metallic or non-metallic tube that is used to protect

electric wires and cables. See raceway .
continuous load A load where the maximum current is expected to

continue for three hours or more.
controller A device or group of devices that serves to govern, in

some predetermined manner, the electric power
delivered to the apparatus to which it is connected.
damp location Partially protected locations that are subject to

moderate degrees of moisture.
dead front A means of power termination whereby devices are

so designed, constructed, and installed such that no
current-carrying parts are normally exposed at the
front of the assembly, or whereby a protective barrier
is interposed between all live parts and the operator,
or whereby exposed live parts are insulated and
grounded.
disconnecting means A device, or group of devices, or other means by

which the conductors of a circuit can be disconnected
from their source of supply.
dry location A location that is not normally subject to dampness or

wetness.
duct A single enclosed underground raceway that is used

to enclose electric wires and cables.
duct bank An arrangement of underground conduits that

provide, for conductors and/or cables, one or more

continuous ducts between two points.
feeder All circuit conductors that are located between the

supply point or entrance to a building, structure, or
otherwise defined area and the final branch-circuit
overcurrent device.
ground A conducting connection, whether intentional or

accidental, that is between an electric circuit or
equipment and the earth, or to some conducting body
that serves in place of the earth.
grounded conductor A system or circuit conductor that is intentionally

grounded, for example, a grounded system neutral.
grounding conductor A conductor that is used to connect equipment or the

grounded circuit of a wiring system to a grounding
electrode or electrodes.
grounding conductor The conductor that is used to connect the noncurrent-

(equipment) carrying metal parts of equipment, raceways, and
enclosures to the system’s grounded conductor,
and/or the grounding electrode conductor, at the
service equipment or at the source of a separately
derived system.
grounding electrode A conductor that is used to establish a ground and to

connect electrical systems to the earth.
grounding electrode The conductor that is used to connect the grounding

conductor electrode to the equipment grounding conductor,
and/or to the grounded conductor, of the circuit at the
service equipment or at the source of a separately
derived system.
ground fault circuit A device that is intended for the protection of

interrupter (GFCI) personnel and that functions to deenergize a circuit
within an established period of time when a current to
ground exceeds some predetermined value that is
less than that required to operate the overcurrent
protective device.
ground fault protection A system that is intended to provide protection of

(GFP) equipment from damaging line-to-ground fault
currents by operating to cause a disconnecting
means to open all ungrounded conductors of the

faulted circuit. GFP is provided at current levels less

than those required to protect conductors from
damage through the operation of a supply circuit
overcurrent device.
hazardous (classified) An area where ignitable vapors or dust may cause a

locations fire or explosion created by energy emitted from
lightning, electrical equipment, or electrostatic
generation. Hazardous (classified) locations are
further defined by Article 500 of the NEC.
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
insulation A dielectric substance that permanently offers a high

resistance to the passage of current and to disruptive
discharges through the substance.
interrupting rating The highest current at rated voltage that a device is

intended to interrupt under standard test conditions.
load factor The ratio of the average load over a designated

period of time to the peak load occurring in that period
is called load factor. For Saudi Aramco purposes,
load factor should be considered to be 100 percent.
listed Equipment or materials that are included in a list

published by an organization (e.g., UL) acceptable to
the authority having jurisdiction, and concerned with
product evaluation and that maintains periodic
inspection of production of listed equipment or
materials, and whose listing states either that the
equipment or material meets appropriate designated
standards, or that has been tested and found suitable
for use in a specified manner.

main bonding jumper A conductor that serves to connect the grounded

circuit conductor and the equipment grounding
conductor at the service entrance. The main bonding
jumper is one of the most critical elements in the
grounding system because it provides the bonding
conductor connection link between the grounded
service conductor, the equipment grounding
conductor, and the grounding electrode conductor.
The main bonding jumper connection carries the fault
current for the service enclosure as well as from the
equipment system.
NEC National Electric Code
NEMA National Electrical Manufacturer’s Association
normal operation The highest conductor temperature rating that is

allowed by any part of a cable under operating current
load.
overcurrent Any current that is in excess of the rated current of

equipment or the ampacity of a conductor.
Overcurrent may result from overload, short circuit, or
ground fault.
overload Operation of equipment that is in excess of normal,

full-load rating, or of a conductor in excess of rated
ampacity that, when it persists for a sufficient length
of time, would cause damage or dangerous
overheating. A fault, such as a short circuit or ground
fault, is not an overload.
panelboard A single panel or group of panel units that are

designed for assembly in the form of a single panel.
A panelboard contains buses and automatic
overcurrent devices, and may or may not be equipped
with switches for the control of light, heat, or power
circuits. A panelboard is designed to be placed in a
cabinet or cutout box placed in or against a wall or
partition, and accessible only from the front.
power cable A conductor or group of conductors that supplies

current for the operation of a machine, apparatus, or

system.
PVC Polyvinylchloride
raceway Any channel for holding wires, cables, or busbars.

Raceways include metallic and non-metallic conduit,
busways, wireways, electrical metallic tubing, and
cable trays.
receptacle A receptacle is a contact device that is installed at the

outlet for the connection of a single attachment plug.
service The conductors and equipment that deliver energy

from the electricity supply system to the wiring system
of the premises served.
service conductors The supply conductors that extend from the street
main or from transformers to the service equipment of
the premises supplied.
service-entrance The service conductors that are between the

conductors (overhead terminals of the service equipment and a point usually
system) outside the building, clear of building walls, where
they are joined by tap or splice to the service drop.
service-entrance The service conductors that are between the

conductors terminals of the service equipment and the point of
(underground system) connection to the service lateral.
service equipment The necessary equipment, usually consisting of a

circuit breaker or switch and fuses and their
accessories, and that are located near the point of
entrance of supply conductors to a building or other
structure, or in an otherwise defined area, and
intended to constitute the main control and means of
cutoff for the supply.
short circuit The highest conductor temperature rating that is

allowed by any part of a cable when under short
circuit conditions.
stranded conductor A conductor that is composed of a group of wires or

any combination of groups of wires. The wires in a
stranded conductor are usually twisted or braided

together in the form of either a concentric, rope, or

bunch lay.
thermoplastic A family of insulation materials that will soften when

heated. Common examples are polyvinyl-chloride
(PVC) and cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE).
UL Underwriter’s Laboratories, Incorporated
wet locations Installations underground or in concrete slabs or

masonry that are in direct contact with the earth,
subject to saturation with water or other liquids, and
exposed to weather and unprotected, for example,
outdoor conduit and cable tray.
wireways A sheet metal trough with hinged or removable covers

for housing and protecting electric wires and cable.
XLPE Cross-linked polyethylene

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Engineering Encyclopedia

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards

DESIGNING SERVICE ENTRANCE

Chapter : Electrical For additional information on this subject, contact

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards i

Receptacle and Other Types ............................................................................. 33

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards ii

Ground Ring (Peripheral) .................................................................................. 63

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iii

Figure 1. Service Entrance Components....................................................................... 7

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards iv

Figure 24. Concrete-Encased Electrodes................................................................... 62

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards v

The service entrance equipment is the main control and means

The purpose of this Module is to teach the Participant to:

• Size lighting, general purpose receptacle, and small power

• Size the lighting and power distribution panelboards.

• Size the service entrance conductors, which includes the

• Size the service entrance grounding system, which

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 6

MAJOR COMPONENTS OF A SERVICE ENTRANCE

The major components of a service entrance are the grounding

Figure 1. Service Entrance Components

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 7

Elements of a Grounding System

Figure 2 is a typical circuit diagram of the elements of a

Figure 2. Elements of a Grounding System

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 8

Figure 3. Typical Grounding Electrodes

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 9

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 10

The main bonding jumper is a conductor that serves to connect

Service Entrance Conductor Components

The service entrance conductor components consist of phase

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 11

Types of Branch Circuits

The NEC defines a branch circuit as the circuit conductors that

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 12

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 13

Main Lugs Only

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 14

Figure 4. Service Entrance Lighting and Appliance

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 15

Figure 5. MLO Panelboard Protected by a Feeder Breaker

Figure 6. Panelboard Supplied Through a Transformer

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 16

Figure 7. Panelboards Tapped Off a Main Feeder

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 17

SIZING LIGHTING, RECEPTACLE, AND POWER BRANCH CIRCUITS

Branch Circuit Definitions

The NEC defines 26 types of branch circuits. To limit the scope

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 18

Phase Conductors, which are defined by the NEC as being

Figure 8. Color Coding of Branch Circuits

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 19

A single receptacle installed on an individual branch circuit must

Lighting Branch Circuits

Grounded Conductors, or the neutral conductor of a branch

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 20

Equipment Grounding Conductors for branch circuits are

120/240 V and 208Y/120 V Circuits - All lighting units that use

General illumination of small, commercial and industrial facilities

Example A: What is the maximum length of AWG No. 12

Saudi Aramco DeskTop Standards 21