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Joined: May 2004
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Could someone please clarify (2002 NEC)the position of code on downsizing nuetral on residential 240 volt dryer? 220.22 oks it for feeders but not branch circuits. 210.19 (A)3 exception 2 oks it for ovens. What am I missing here?
Thanks, Scott
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Joined: May 2004
Posts: 162
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The Code tends to allow for diversity as the connected load increases. Feeders and Service conductors have more items connected than branch circuits. The Exception to section 210.19 (A) (3) does recognize that in the case of household electric ranges the neutral conductor seldom handles more than 25 A (refer to the explanatory print in the handbook)
The dwelling type Electric dryer on the other hand is typically a smaller branch circuit (30A) and the neutral is always current carrying as long as the drum turns (motor). There is significantly less capacity in the circuit to allow derating the grounded circuit conductor. Also;
210.19 Conductors — Minimum Ampacity and Size.
(A) Branch Circuits Not More Than 600 Volts.
(1) General. Branch-circuit conductors shall have an ampacity not less than the maximum load to be served. NEC Ó
Granted the dryer is not a general branch circuit but I believe the general intent of the Code is to not allow derating on branch circuits. Hope this helps.
Charlie
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Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 625
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Plus, people tend to plug other things into "dryer" outlets. Table saws and welders are rather popular (and don't draw any current on the neutral, so they're not a problem here), and I'm sure other things get plugged in there, as well.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 394
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Its not a long term load but a lot of tradesmen carry a pigtail with a dryer plug on one end and 2 duplex in a handybox on the other because so much house wiring is not up to their industrial duty saws, sanders, etc.
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Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,507
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Jim- these must be the same guys that we read about in the obits. Or these same "Tradesmen" who are untrained and use no GFCI protection. I'm sorry, I couldn't help myself.
George Little
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 494
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hi,
what is the requirement for reducing the neutral on a residential dryer?
you need a 4 conductor NM cable or you need 4 conductors ran in a raceway. are you saying that you want to reduce the wire from a #10 to #12?
What could you gain or service could you provide from that method? I have never heard of anybody worrying about reducing the neut on a dryer...
-regards
mustang
[This message has been edited by mustangelectric (edited 09-30-2004).]
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Posts: 44
Joined: August 2005
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