GFCI breaker question

[john37]

When you have a panelboard with GFCI branch breakers (because the panelboard is located in a flood zone on a commercial property servicing parking lot lighting) each branch GFCI breaker has to have a seperate neutral wire correct? If so, where does it state this requirement in the NEC. Thanks.

 

[iwire]

When you have a panelboard with GFCI branch breakers (because the panelboard is located in a flood zone on a commercial property servicing parking lot lighting)

The NEC does not require that at all.

each branch GFCI breaker has to have a seperate neutral wire correct?

Each single pole GFCI breaker will need a separate neutral

If so, where does it state this requirement in the NEC.

It does not really say that but the GFCIs will trip if you do not provide separate neutrals.

 

[480sparky]

When you have a panelboard with GFCI branch breakers (because the panelboard is located in a flood zone on a commercial property servicing parking lot lighting) each branch GFCI breaker has to have a seperate neutral wire correct? If so, where does it state this requirement in the NEC. Thanks.

110.3(B) is about the best you'll find.

 

[john37]

Thanks Bob. So it's "recommended" to run a seperate neutral for each branch breaker but not required if I'm understanding you correctly?

 

[john37]

Bob...Sorry but could you please explain why the GFCI would trip if you do not provide seperate neutrals?

 

[iwire]

Basiclly a GFCI measures the current on the hot and the current on the neutral, the two currents must be within about 5 mA of each other or the breaker will trip

If the breaker does not have the dedicated neutral the breaker will 'see' full current on the hot and zero current on the neutral ......... that is an instant trip.

 

[iwire]

Thanks Bob. So it's "recommended" to run a seperate neutral for each branch breaker but not required if I'm understanding you correctly?

that is like saying the neutral to a normal circuit is recommended but not required by the NEC.

If you want the circuit to function you will have to run it.

Keep in mind you can get two pole GFCIs that can supply a multiwire branch circuit and with those breakers you would have two hots and one neutral.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

If you have a multiwire branch circuit you can use a dp gfci otherwise you need separate neutral. If it a MWBC you would need handle ties anyway.