This article was posted 10/20/2006 and is most likely outdated.

Article 210 Branch Circuits 210.4
 

 
Subject - Article 210 Branch Circuits 210.4

October 20, 2006  

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Branch Circuits

210.4 Multiwire Branch Circuits

Part I. General Provisions

New FPN alerts the Code user to ensure that the continuity of the grounded neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit isn’t interrupted (open), because doing so can result in a fire and/or destruction of electrical equipment because of under- or over-voltage.
(C) Line-to-Neutral Loads. Multiwire branch circuits must supply only line-to-neutral loads.
Ex 1: A multiwire branch circuit is permitted to supply line-to-line utilization equipment, such as a range or dryer.

Ex 2: A multiwire branch circuit is permitted to supply both line-to-line and line-to-neutral loads if the circuit protection device opens all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit simultaneously under a fault condition (multipole circuit breaker with common internal trip). Figure 210-1

FPN: See 300.13(B) for the requirements relating to the continuity of grounded neutral conductor on multiwire circuits.

CAUTION: If the continuity of the grounded neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit is interrupted (open), the resultant over- or undervoltage could cause a fire and/or destruction to electrical equipment. Figure 210-2



Figure 210-1
(Click on image to enlarge)


Figure 210-2
(Click on image to enlarge)

     

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Comments
  • Not strictly related, but a question about multiwire circuits. On a normal three-wire circuit, say 12-3 NMB on a two-pole 20A breaker, each leg could be drawing 20A line-to-neutral without opening the breaker. That would mean 40A on the neutral leg, way too much for 12-gauge, except that the currents, being 180° out-of-phase, cancel on the neutral.

    That's really true only if the loads have the same reactance -- zero, for example, if they're both only resistive. What if I run a capacitor-start motor on one leg and a transformer on the other? Couldn't I then exceed 20A on the neutral? And wouldn't that be hazardous? What am I missing here?

    Thanks.

    Craig Appel

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