Beatrice Lang
In the context of electricity, the term feed can refer to a few different things. One common usage is in the context of feed-in tariff (FIT) schemes, which are policy mechanisms designed to encourage investment in renewable energy technologies by offering long-term contracts and above-market prices to renewable energy producers. Another usage of feed is in the context of electrical wiring, where feed can refer to the conductors that deliver electricity within a house or building, also known as feeder conductors or feeder wires. These feeder conductors supply power to branch circuits, which then distribute electricity to individual pieces of equipment or outlets. Proper feeder identification methods are important to allow qualified persons to quickly identify the phase and voltage of the feeder conductors.
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What You'll Learn
Feed-in tariff (FIT)
FIT programs typically guarantee that customers who own a FIT-eligible renewable electricity generation facility, such as a roof-top solar photovoltaic system, will receive a set price from their utility for the electricity they generate and provide to the grid. This set price is usually above the retail cost of electricity and is designed to decline over time to track and encourage technological change. FITs often include a "digression", which is a gradual decrease in the price or tariff to follow and encourage technological cost reductions.
The implementation of FITs can vary widely, and they may be known by different names such as standard offer contracts, advanced renewable tariffs, or renewable energy payments. In the United States, FITs are used to a limited extent but are more common internationally. FITs in the US generally include solar PV but may also include other renewable technologies. Other countries' FITs, particularly the German and Danish programs, initially focused on supporting wind power.
FIT programs establish standard, non-negotiable rules, contract terms, and base prices for all eligible small-scale generating systems. For example, the FIT set by Florida's Gainesville Regional Utilities, the first US municipal utility to institute a FIT, applies only to solar PV generators. To be eligible for a FIT program, a generating system must meet certain criteria, such as being certified by the relevant energy commission and described in the current Renewables Portfolio Standard Eligibility Guidebook.
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Feeders and branch circuits
Feed, in the context of electricity, refers to feeder circuits and branch circuits. These terms describe the two types of main circuits, which are rather unfamiliar in the world of the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission).
The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines "feeder circuits" as all wires and devices in electrical circuits between the various types of energy supply and the feed side of branch circuit overcurrent protective devices (BCOPDs). Feeder conductors deliver electricity within a house, taking over after the service entrance, which brings power from the utility pole, and supplying power to the branch circuits.
Per the NEC, a branch circuit is defined as all wires and components positioned after the final overcurrent protective device. The branch circuit runs from the load side through to the first branch circuit protective device (BCPD). Branch circuits can be main circuits with a variety of loads, including motor loads and heating or lighting loads.
In the context of machine building, feeder and branch circuits are essential to understand to ensure that electrical equipment is fit for export to North America. Devices with \"normal\" clearance and creepage distances, similar to those outlined by the IEC, may be used in branch circuits. However, feeder circuits require larger clearance and creepage distances.
To summarise, feeder conductors are those that are not service conductors or branch circuit conductors. They connect the load side of the service equipment to the line side of the final branch circuit overcurrent device.
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Service conductors vs feeder conductors
In electrical systems, the term "feed" refers to the delivery of electricity from a source to a destination. Feeder conductors are circuit conductors that deliver electricity within a house, taking over after the service entrance, which brings power from the utility pole, and supplying power to the branch circuits.
Service conductors and feeder conductors are two distinct types of electrical conductors that serve different purposes in an electrical system. Service conductors run from the service connection point with the electric utility to the service disconnect (main breaker) in the service panel. They are responsible for bringing electricity into the building from an external source, such as an electric utility company.
On the other hand, feeder conductors are responsible for distributing electricity within the building. They connect the load side of the service panel or other downstream panels to the final overcurrent protection device (breaker) for a branch circuit. For example, the cables connecting a service panel to a subpanel are feeder conductors.
It is important to distinguish between service conductors and feeder conductors because of the rules governing their usage. Service conductors do not have overcurrent protection, so they cannot be mixed with feeder or branch service conductors in the same raceway/conduit. In contrast, feeder conductors can be mixed with branch service conductors in the same raceway/conduit.
Additionally, feeder conductors must comply with specific identification requirements. When feeder conductors of different voltage systems are installed in the same enclosure or raceway, each conductor must be identified by its respective system. This information must be documented and readily available to those who service the electrical system.
In summary, service conductors bring electricity into a building from an external source, while feeder conductors distribute electricity within the building to branch circuits. It is crucial to differentiate between the two due to the applicable rules and requirements for each type of conductor.
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Feeder identification methods
Feeder conductors deliver electricity within a house. They are distinct from service conductors and branch circuit conductors. Feeder conductors take over after the service entrance, which brings power from the utility pole, and supplies power to the branch circuits.
The NEC (National Electrical Code) does not require specific colours to identify ungrounded AC conductors, with the exception of high-leg systems and isolated power systems. However, the NEC does mandate the use of the colour orange to identify the high-leg of a 4-wire delta-connected system where the midpoint of one phase winding is grounded. If a high-leg system is present alongside a 480-volt system, the common practice of identifying 480-volt feeder conductors using the colours brown, orange, and yellow may need adjustment. Marking tape, tagging, or other approved means of feeder identification may be required to distinguish the different feeder voltages.
When more than one nominal voltage system is present on a premise, each must be identified with a unique colour code, and the identification code legend must be posted at each feeder panel board or similar feeder distribution equipment.
Additionally, insulated feeder neutral conductors must be identified in accordance with Section 200.6 [215.12(A)] of the NEC. This requirement for insulation was introduced in the 2017 NEC.
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Working with electricity safely
Working with electricity can be extremely dangerous and it is important to take precautions to ensure your safety. Whether you are a professional or a DIY enthusiast, electrical safety is a general practice of handling and maintaining electrically powered equipment to prevent incidents. Here are some detailed instructions to ensure you are working with electricity safely:
Firstly, it is important to know if you are working with electricity directly or indirectly. Engineers, electricians, and other professionals work with electricity directly, including working on overhead lines, cable harnesses, and circuit assemblies. Many other professionals, such as office workers, work with electricity indirectly and may also be exposed to electrical hazards.
Secondly, ensure you have adequate training to identify and control hazards. This will help you keep yourself and those around you safe. A lack of awareness can lead to serious incidents, so it is always best to have an expert handle electrical issues. If you are a professional, ensure you are licensed and certified to carry out electrical work.
Thirdly, take practical steps to create a safe working environment. Keep water and other liquids at least 5 feet away from electrical equipment and sources of electricity. Install Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs) to prevent electrical incidents like electrical shock, ground faults, fires, and overheating. Use a switchboard to protect and isolate electrical current and control the flow of electricity. Ensure you use outlet covers when there are children around to avoid electrocution.
Finally, be aware of emergency procedures. In the case of an electrical emergency, do not hesitate to call emergency services, who can talk you through how to assist until help arrives. It is also important to perform regular self-inspections to identify potential electrical hazards and implement preventive measures.
By following these instructions, you can ensure you are working with electricity safely and reducing the risk of electrical incidents.
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Frequently asked questions
Feed-in tariff (FIT) is a policy mechanism that encourages investment in renewable energy technologies by offering long-term contracts to renewable energy producers.
Feed-in tariffs offer renewable energy producers an above-market price for the electricity they supply to the grid, providing price certainty and long-term contracts that help finance renewable energy investments.
FITs can accelerate the development of renewable energy technologies and encourage the adoption of specific technologies by offering higher prices for certain sources of renewable energy, such as wind power and solar PV.
Feed-in tariffs have been implemented in various countries, including the US and Germany. However, the availability and specifics of FITs can vary depending on local regulations and policies. It is recommended to check with your local government or energy regulatory body for the most up-to-date information.
