ECN Forum Forums Code Related Discussion NEC & other Code issues multiwire circuits and tied breakers

210.4 (B)

But that's assuming that the garbage disposer and laundry receptacle are both on the same yoke (same duplex receptacle).

Shockme,

My situation is that i have used two separate duplex receptacles(separate yokes) for the GB and the DW.

The inspector says " anytime yo have multiwire circuits with shared neutral (regardless of being on the same yoke or not)you have to use tied breakers.

Edward

Nikko, ask him to show you where in the code. He won't be able to.

Until 2008

Thank you for your replies.

Nikko, I must have misunderstood (or misread) your situtation. I used to have a boss who would make us install double pole circuit breakers whenever we used multiwire branch circuits. Me and another guy used to argue about it with him until one day we just gave up trying to convince him that it didn't need to be done. He told us both that it was his liability insurance and not ours. Now I work for a guy who prefers that I do not use 3-wire branch circuits even though in the end it'll save a few bucks and perhaps 'that' money could be going into my pockets!

I believe this is what IWIRE refers to

210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits.
(A) General. Branch circuits recognized by this article
shall be permitted as multiwire circuits. A multiwire circuit
shall be permitted to be considered as multiple circuits. All
conductors of a multiwire branch circuit shall originate
from the same panelboard or similar distribution equipment.
[ROP 2–10]
FPN: A 3-phase, 4-wire, wye-connected power system
used to supply power to nonlinear loads may necessitate
that the power system design allow for the possibility of
high harmonic neutral-conductor currents. [ROP 2–11]
(B) Disconnecting Means. Each multiwire branch circuit
shall be provided with a means that will simultaneously
disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the point where
the branch circuit originates. [ROP 2-10]

very interesting!!

Charlie

[This message has been edited by cpal (edited 08-20-2006).]

You nailed it Charlie.

As a big fan of multiwire branch circuits I do not support this change.

I am hoping that the MA amendments will remove this protection for the unqualified.

Bob

Bob
As you know there is still time to submit a concern through the comment stage the pre print and ROP are not written in stone.

I will have a better feel for the MAss Amendments some time in late September.

Charlie

At least it will allow handle-ties, and need not necessarily be a common-trip unit.