National Electric Code (NEC) Compliance of Busway Lighting Systems: A Deep Dive

If you are involved in electrical systems design and installation, then you are well aware of the importance of compliance with the National Electric Code (NEC). NEC codes provide guidelines for the safe installation and operation of electrical systems, ensuring that electrical systems are designed and installed in a manner that is safe and reliable. In this blog post, we take a deep dive into NEC compliance of busway lighting systems, a topic that is of particular importance for a recent project.

The Project

The project in question is the installation of a busway lighting system manufactured by a client, for a large retail company. The specifying engineer for the project raised concerns about the compliance of the busway lighting system with the NEC. According to the specifying engineer, the client design was not compliant with the NEC due to inadequate overcurrent protection.

NEC Research

To assess the NEC compliance of the busway lighting system, we reviewed the relevant sections of the NEC, including 368.17C and 240.21. The following is a summary of the relevant code:

• NEC 240.21(B) - This code requires that overcurrent protection devices have a rating or setting not higher than the ampacity of the conductor they are protecting and not less than the ampacity of the branch-circuit conductors.
• NEC 368.17 (C) - This code provide requirements for the overcurrent protection of busways

Interpretation and Application of NEC Code

Based on our research, the busway lighting system appears to be compliant with NEC 368.17C. This section requires overcurrent protection for feeder or branch circuits tapped off from the busway. The line-feed devices that feed power to the busway, and have overcurrent protection, meet this requirement. Additionally, these line-feed devices are externally operable, which is also in compliance with NEC 368.17C. This section further requires that where the devices are mounted out of reach, suitable means for operating the disconnecting means must be provided from the floor.

Conclusion

It is our recommendation that client's busway lighting system is compliant with the NEC, based on the provisions of 368.17C and 240.21 (E) Busway Tap. It appears that the specifying engineer overlooked the line-feed device as a valid method to comply  with NEC 368.17C.

By thoroughly examining the busway lighting system in question against the NEC requirements, we have provided the client with the information and recommendations necessary to obtain design approval and ensure a safe and compliant electrical system for their commercial retailer client.