Continuity of neutral wire

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keithcalhoun

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Mike: I thought I saw in one of your Emails that there was a code requirement to use a "pigtail" arrangement in a receptacle box for the neutral instead of using the receptacle as the means of continuing the circuit for further use. I don't see this used in most houses or commercial applications that I see. I'm not a licensed electrician but do have a PE license in Alabama. My main contact with residential and commercial wiring is through the Carpenter's for Christ organization on mission trips to build churches. In most cases I use "pigtails" for both the hot and neutral connections to prevent the circuit from being broken if the receptacle is removed for any reason. To me that is a good practice but is it a code requirement for the neutral. I appreciate clarification on this issue. God bless and have a merry Christmas.
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

I believe Mr. Holt may have been refering to Section 300.13(B) which requires the grounded (neutral) conductors to be joined in a manner that would not be compromised by the removal of a device. This is only required for multiwire branch circuits.
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

300.13(B)
In multiwire branch circuts, the continuity of a grounded conductor shall not depend on device connections such as lampholders, receptacles, and so forth, where the removal of such devices would interrupt continuity.
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

To me that section of the code implies someone will be removing a device with the circuit energized. How many of us are going to try and replace a device on a multiwire circuit with the power on? I will walk off the job before anyone expects me to replace a device with the power on.


"It can be debated that people who debate alot are masterdebaters" :eek:
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

Originally posted by ih8shorts:
How many of us are going to try and replace a device on a multiwire circuit with the power on?

You'd be surprised.
Wear your PPE.

I will walk off the job before anyone expects me to replace a device with the power on.

That's your right as an American.
Depending on the State, it could be your employer's right to terminate you for your refusal.


"It can be debated that people who debate alot are masterdebaters" :eek: [/QB]
Click to expand...
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

I don't think it has much to do with working on equipment while energized, or at least the device in question. An open neutral results in a dangerous and damaging condition that should be avoided. Depending on devices to ensure continuity is unsafe. One could deenergize the circuit connected to the device being removed, but not know the grounded conductor is being shared off another energized circuit.
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

I think where a lot of people misunderstand 300.13(B) is not looking up the definition of branch circuit,multiwire.
Like Keith I also like to pigtail hot and neutral in recp. boxes
bphgravity you are right its the other circuit they had in mind with 300.13(b)
 
Re: Continuity of neutral wire

Once in a while a carpenter will ask me how come the TV blew out when all he was doing was changing the receptacle, this is not a dig to carpenters but another reason to make sure the power is off!! :D

Hank
 
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