Another Neutral Question

[stars13bars2]

Do you find switch boxes that have two or more circuits in them and all neutrals tied together. I seem to find this on a regular basis and a lot of it appears to have been done by professionals. When traced back to the panel I find only one of the neutrals has made it to the panel and sometimes this #12 has over 30 amps on this conductor. As you may have already guessed, this overload was caused by more than one breaker on the same leg of the panel. Just checking to see if this is a local thing but I am afraid that it isn't.

 

[tonyyaroch]

Re: Another Neutral Question

Here in MI when we have 2 Circuits in one switch box the neutrals MUST be separate.

[ November 10, 2004, 09:15 AM: Message edited by: tonyyaroch ]

 

[bphgravity]

Re: Another Neutral Question

Originally posted by stars13bars2:
...I seem to find this on a regular basis and a lot of it appears to have been done by professionals...

I would say professionals only in the context that they were paid for the work they perform, but certainly not professional in the methods and practices they exhibit.

[ November 10, 2004, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: bphgravity ]

 

[bill addiss]

Re: Another Neutral Question

Stars,

The wiring that you see could have very well been done by a Pro, and there might be nothing wrong with it. The problem could be that someone moved the breakers after the original installation.

Bill

 

[ken987]

Re: Another Neutral Question

I've seen this too. Orignal installation in a condo building, piggy back 15 breaker with one neutral for both, and I checked the voltage, knowing some manufactures make a 2 pole in this style. Also at this installation, they had missed the fact that the print show fan/light ceiling fans seperatly switched. After they realized this it was rocked already so they did what any honest electrican would do used the white as a hot and the bare ground of 14-2 as the grounded conductor

 

[plt]

Re: Another Neutral Question

"what any honest electrican would do used the white as a hot and the bare ground of 14-2 as the grounded conductor".


Hey there is current on that, what are you doing with this current. It can't be dumped into the ground and what about protecting it from going to ground in the boxes or the studs or the panel walls. either way sounds like a potential fire or health hazard. I don't think that I could consciencely put a load on a bare wire. that's nuts.

 

[jes25]

Re: Another Neutral Question

you guys just got me thinking when I do a panel swap I dont pay attention to which leg the circuits are on unless it is a 3 wire in the panel. If you have all 2 wire with ground cables as home runs how could you be sharing a neutral.

 

[jes25]

Re: Another Neutral Question

Plt, I agree thats nuts.. I think he was saying honest in a joking manner, at least I hope.

 

[plt]

Re: Another Neutral Question

jes, I am positive he must mean that jokingly but in all seriousness i have no doubt at all that it happens. I have even found one single phase 1hp 120volt motor, current carrying conductor from panel, neutral to a 4 foot ground rod 7 feet from motor.I also have a job right now where the entire system is al. and the neutral is open somewhere in the wall to 3 different recpts and so some "electrician" switched the neutral with the ground. Homeowner was happy for some time because it worked till he put a swimming pool in and I found this problem trying to locate a source of stray voltage.

 

[a.wayne3@verizon.net]

Re: Another Neutral Question

Horrible practice but it happens all the time,open neutral electrician grabs a ground,open hot swap neutral for hot and grab a ground,etc....That`s the difference between an electrician and a butcher.We have mad our share of them but they now work elsewhere.

 

[ken987]

Re: Another Neutral Question

I'd never do that because I understand what would happen, however i wish it was a joke but these were jobs that others had originally wired and we were called in for general electrical work here and there. By the way the owner of the condo complex last I heard was suing the original contractor.