Technical information

FEEDER AND BRANCH CIRCUITS

1. Switching and protection of the

electrical equipment

1.1 The different types of circuit

The North American standards divide the power circuits into two parts, better

defined as:

•Feeder Circuit

•Branch Circuits

This distinction, neglected in the European environment is, on the other hand

basic in North America for the choice, sizing and wiring of components inside

electrical equipment.

The definition of feeder and branch can be found in both the NEC (National

Electrical Code) and in the UL 508A.

National Electrical Code (art. 100 Part 1) and in the Canadian Electrical Code

(section 0):

Feeder: all circuit conductors between the service equipment, the source of a

separately derived system or other power supply source and the final branch

overcurrent device.

Branch Circuit: the circuit conductors between the final overcurrent device

protecting the circuit and the outlets.