Can a stack switch violate 2020 NEC 210.7? (is a 2 pole breaker required)

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ThinkFinkElectric

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Location
Louisiana
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Residential/Commercial Electrician
Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I tried searching for this question but did not find a thread answering my particular question.

Anyways, on with the question:

I have a lighting outlet calling for a single pole stack switch (obviously one strap/yoke/device, whatever you want to call it), but the 2 lighting locations being controlled by each switch originate from different circuits (single gang box - yes, box fill is good). I know I need to break the line side tab, keep neutrals separate, and identify conductors in the box, but NEC article 210.7 seems to indicate the disconnecting means for these circuits must disconnect both circuits simultaneously because of this particular outlet.

The code states "Where two or more branch circuits supply devices ... on the same yoke or mounting strap, a means to simultaneously disconnect the ungrounded supply conductors shall be provided at the point at which the branch circuits originate." (2020 NEC Article 210.7)

To me this means the circuit breakers controlling these circuits must be controlled by a two pole breaker even though this is not intended to be a 240/208V application. Am I correct? Do I need to re-organize the whole panel to put the circuit breakers right next to each other so I can use a 2 pole breaker?
 
ThinkFinkElectric said:
Do I need to re-organize the whole panel to put the circuit breakers right next to each other so I can use a 2 pole breaker?
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Yes a simultaneous disconnecting means is required. You have two circuits on the same yoke so the two breakers need to be tied together in the panel.

Welcome to the Forum.
 
ThinkFinkElectric said:
To me this means the circuit breakers controlling these circuits must be controlled by a two pole breaker even though this is not intended to be a 240/208V application. Am I correct?
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No, it means you need at least a handle tie. Common manual disconnect is required, common trip is not required. But a 2 pole breaker would also work.

ThinkFinkElectric said:
Do I need to re-organize the whole panel to put the circuit breakers right next to each other so I can use a 2 pole breaker?
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Yes to reorganizing.

Cheers, Wayne
 
LarryFine said:
Doesn't the device (duplex switch in this case) need to be rated/listed for multi-pole use?
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I have not considered this question to be honest, but the instructions Leviton has provided with this product specifically outline breaking the line side tab in a separate feed scenario.

I figured the very nature of a listed stack switch with a breakable or removable tab (line side) indicates it can be used with independent circuits for each pole (assuming the combined loads do not exceed the device amp rating) - Unless the testing methodology to be listed/certified does not cover different voltage ungrounded conductor scenarios (I'm sure they considered this, but I don't truthfully know). I suppose the distance between the 2 independent line side connections could be a concern with a simple broken tab if there is 240-250v between them (assuming proper installation), but that's a reach IMO. It seems highly unlikely a residential level lighting load even at 250V between conductors could cause an arc to jump a ~1/4 inch gap from a broken tab even considering the incredibly brief voltage spike when flipping the switches off.
 
ThinkFinkElectric said:
Theoretically if I run into a similar scenario again, but the circuits originate from different sub panels, what can I do?
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The requirement you quoted states that the common disconnect must be "at the point at which the branch circuits originate." That implies both branch circuits originate at the same location.

So you would need to install additional OCPD in each circuit, in the same location. E.g. a 2-space enclosure, with 2 single pole breakers with handle tie, or a double pole breaker, and the two grounded conductors kept separate within the enclosure.

Cheers, Wayne
 
ThinkFinkElectric said:
Theoretically if I run into a similar scenario again, but the circuits originate from different sub panels, what can I do?
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carefully cut out the box and change it to a 2 gang box, or put an allowance in for a drywaller and painter. Or put a 2 gang Wiremold extension box on the outlet. Really not that big of a deal.
 
ThinkFinkElectric said:
Hello all, this is my first post on this forum. I tried searching for this question but did not find a thread answering my particular question.

Anyways, on with the question:

I have a lighting outlet calling for a single pole stack switch (obviously one strap/yoke/device, whatever you want to call it), but the 2 lighting locations being controlled by each switch originate from different circuits (single gang box - yes, box fill is good). I know I need to break the line side tab, keep neutrals separate, and identify conductors in the box, but NEC article 210.7 seems to indicate the disconnecting means for these circuits must disconnect both circuits simultaneously because of this particular outlet.

The code states "Where two or more branch circuits supply devices ... on the same yoke or mounting strap, a means to simultaneously disconnect the ungrounded supply conductors shall be provided at the point at which the branch circuits originate." (2020 NEC Article 210.7)

To me this means the circuit breakers controlling these circuits must be controlled by a two pole breaker even though this is not intended to be a 240/208V application. Am I correct? Do I need to re-organize the whole panel to put the circuit breakers right next to each other so I can use a 2 pole breaker?
Click to expand...
I’d bet this is a scenario ( if circuits originate in different panels)that’s overlooked by many contractors and inspectors as well.

Never had anyone question circuit configuration after a stacked switch had been installed.
 
nizak said:
I’d bet this is a scenario ( if circuits originate in different panels)that’s overlooked by many contractors and inspectors as well.

Never had anyone question circuit configuration after a stacked switch had been installed.
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How many stacked switches do you thin you have installed with multiple circuits or separate panels? I've only been doing it for 45 years and I think my number is very very close to zero.
 
Strathead said:
How many stacked switches do you thin you have installed with multiple circuits or separate panels? I've only been doing it for 45 years and I think my number is very very close to zero.
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Where I think I may have actually done it is not with a stack switch but with a GFCI/single pole combination device. I admit I never though about a common disconnect in that case (If there was a separate circuit for the light).
 
electrofelon said:
Where I think I may have actually done it is not with a stack switch but with a GFCI/single pole combination device. I admit I never though about a common disconnect in that case (If there was a separate circuit for the light).
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Ah, I have never done residential except multifamily or favors, so I haven't done this.
 
ptonsparky said:
Heat/Vent/Lights most likely two circuits and splitting a duplex into a MWBC, I'm sure. IDR when the common disconnect requirement came about but it wasn't always required.
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I hated those 3 stack switches. I always used a 3 gang box with new construction and wherever possible in a renovation.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
I hated those 3 stack switches. I always used a 3 gang box with new construction and wherever possible in a renovation.
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I had to use a stacked switch on new construction once. It was a basement garage with multiple garage doors and a "man door". They wanted to control three lights from just inside the "man door". The studs were so close between the garage doors and "man door" that there wasn't room for a 3-gang box. Wasn't fun!
 
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