continuity of grounded conductor 300.13 b

[cyado1607]

is there any exeptions or way out of doing this? Do the neutral wires have to be pigtailed before landing on the receptacle? what is the intent

thanks

 

[spitter1020]

Correct me if i am wrong! The intent was if you are replacing a device (yoke) the loss of the grounded conductor (neutral) upstream can cause unbalanced voltages.

 

[celtic]

is there any exeptions or way out of doing this?

Yes...don't use MWBC.

Do the neutral wires have to be pigtailed before landing on the receptacle?

Yes

what is the intent

Grounded conductors (neutrals) of multiwire branch circuits supplying receptacles, lampholders, or other such devices are not permitted to depend on terminal connections for continuity between devices. For such installations (3- or 4-wire circuits), a splice is made and a jumper is connected to the terminal, unless the neutral is looped; that is, a receptacle or lampholder could be replaced without interrupting the continuity of energized downstream line-to-neutral loads (see commentary to 300.14). Opening the neutral could cause unbalanced voltages, and a considerably higher voltage would be impressed on one part of a multiwire branch circuit, especially if the downstream line-to-neutral loads were appreciably unbalanced. This requirement does not apply to individual 2-wire circuits or other circuits that do not contain a grounded (neutral) conductor.

It's cheap insurance basically....how much does a wirenut cost?

 

[cyado1607]

THanks

THanks

thanks for the responses....i have a resi electrical contractor telling me that I am wrong for calling this out and try to make up excuses. he said he is getting an engineer involved and a "friend" who sits on the board for NEC

 

[wirebender]

This only applies to multi-wire branch circuits (MWBC). The majority of outlets are not on MWBCs.

 

[LarryFine]

Opening the neutral could cause unbalanced voltages, and a considerably higher voltage would be impressed on one part of a multiwire branch circuit, especially if the downstream line-to-neutral loads were appreciably unbalanced.

Not only that, it also creates a dangerous and possibly unexpected voltage at the terminations.

 

[wirebender]

Not only that, it also creates a dangerous and possibly unexpected voltage at the terminations.

I found that out early in my career and it was very unexpected ("thought you said the white wire wouldn't bite me, boss").

Just once though.

I learn very quickly when voltage is applied to my body.:grin: