Article 225 — Outside Branch Circuits & Feeders

Article 225 governs branch circuits and feeders that leave a building — overhead spans to a garage, underground runs to a shop, yard lighting. It sets vertical and horizontal clearances over ground, driveways, and roofs, minimum conductor sizes for spans, and support and attachment rules so a line does not sag into harm.

A key requirement is the disconnecting means at a second building or structure: a supplied structure generally needs a readily accessible disconnect so a firefighter or worker can shut it off there without hiking back to the main building.

When it applies

This governs branch circuits and feeders that run outdoors or between structures — a feeder out to a detached shop, a barn, a sign or a parking lot pole. It sets the clearances those conductors need over ground and roofs, how they are supported, and the disconnecting means required at the building or structure they supply.

Common mistakes

• Falling short on overhead clearance above a driveway or walkway where vehicles or people pass.
• Feeding a second building and forgetting it needs its own disconnect and, in most cases, a grounding electrode.
• Supporting overhead spans inadequately so they sag into the clearance zone over time.

In the field

Running a feeder to a detached shop, I fix the disconnect location and clearances first, then pull wire. Getting the second-building disconnect and its grounding right up front saves tearing the job apart at inspection.