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

I'm glad I never had this fight. I really like them common trip, no matter where they go and the installers I worked with had the same opinion ... but they were generally the same guys who would "own" this installation after I left. I have OKed the #12 copper "tie" tho.

George,
I think that is where some people get confused. A "multiwire circuit" is, for example, a range outlet. It has to be fed with a multipole breaker, on different phases, which opens the two circuits simultaneously. These of course have to be side by side.
A "multiwire branch circuit" is more than one circuit, of different phases, sharing a neutral. For example, general purpose lighting and receptacle loads. These do not have to be side by side in the panel, and do not have to be opened simultaneously.

The code does address multiwire circuits that also have line to line loads and they are required to be common trip breakers. The real question is a MW that only has line to neutral loads.
I imagine all MW with require common trip some day if the code keeps going the way it does.
Eaton and SqD gotta eat too.

I was trying to make the point that if a multiwire branch circuit is to be disconnected simultaniously then it either needs to be a common trip breaker or multiple breakers that are side by side and tied together via a "Listed" handle tie. Unless of course you are in Florida.
(gfretwell territory)

Just jerking your chain Greg.

[This message has been edited by George Little (edited 09-20-2006).]

I may be a rebel but I think a 12 ga wire "formed" around the ends of the breaker handles is a better tie than that little pointy ended thing SqD sells. You sure don't lose it when you disturb the breakers.

Greg- I think a properly sized nail or a piece of #10 wire workes better than those sq D handle ties for sure and I agree with you. And you are also right- you are a rebel.