Individual Branch Circuit

[charlie b]

This is a split off from another thread (on the subject of small appliance branch circuits). The definition of "individual branch circuit" restricts its use to only one utilization equipment. A duplex receptacle has two places to plug in items of utilization equipment. Does that mean that an individual branch circuit can only serve a simplex outlet?

 

[wwhitney]

A receptacle is not utilization equipment, so you can put as many as you want on a individual branch circuit. You can only ever plug one thing into any of the receptacles for an individual branch circuit. If you plug a second thing in, it ceases to be an individual branch circuit.

An example of where this distinction matters is a garage with a portable welder that needs its own circuit. But the welder cord is only 10' long, and you want to be able to use it anywhere along a 40' stretch of wall. So you install two or more receptacles for the welder along that wall, letting you plug it in wherever you want, all on a single branch circuit. As long as you only ever plug a single welder into that circuit, you still have an individual branch circuit.

Cheers, Wayne

 

[don_resqcapt19]

This is a split off from another thread (on the subject of small appliance branch circuits). The definition of "individual branch circuit" restricts its use to only one utilization equipment. A duplex receptacle has two places to plug in items of utilization equipment. Does that mean that an individual branch circuit can only serve a simplex outlet?

The CMP addressed that in a panel statement to a proposal for the 2011 code that would have required a single receptacle for a individual branch circuit. The proposal was rejected and the statement said a duplex is permitted.

2-9 Log #2568 NEC-P02 Final Action: Reject
(100.Branch Circuit, Individual)
_______________________________________________________________
Submitter: Charles Palmieri, Palmieri Assoc.
Recommendation: Add the following text (as indicated) to the definition;
Branch Circuit, Individual. A branch circuit that supplies only one utilization equipment, or a single receptacle.
Substantiation: Duplex receptacles are commonly installed for cord and plug connected appliances, which in many cases (by manufactures standard) require an individual branch circuit. Once the duplex receptacle is installed, the circuit becomes a multi-outlet branch circuit. I am not certain that this was the intent of the manufacturer when it required an individual branch circuit, nor was it the intent of the panel when it adopted the definition of individual branch circuit as it is now written. This issue is further exasperated when one refers to exhibit 100.7 of the 2008 Handbook. The illustration implies that only a single contact device may be installed on a individual branch circuit. If the language is modified as I have proposed, a lot of arguments may be put to rest in the field.
Panel Meeting Action: Reject
Panel Statement: The panel does not agree that a single receptacle is required. A receptacle other than a single receptacle could be used, and other means such as configuration or arrangement of the equipment could limit the application to a single utilization equipment.
Number Eligible to Vote: 12
Ballot Results: Affirmative: 12

 

[jap]

A single receptacle may not be required, (and I'm glad it's not) but, how else are you going to maintain the integrity of an IBC other than a simplex receptacle or hardwiring a specific piece of equipment ?

In the scenario of the multiple outlets for a single welder, the integrity of the IBC only works out if the Welder happens to also be the Electrician that installed the outlets, and, knows not to plug anything else into the circuit.

Most folks don't know any better, and, are going to plug in whatever and however many they want.

JAP>

 

[don_resqcapt19]

A single receptacle may not be required, (and I'm glad it's not) but, how else are you going to maintain the integrity of an IBC other than a simplex receptacle or hardwiring a specific piece of equipment ?

In the scenario of the multiple outlets for a single welder, the integrity of the IBC only works out if the Welder happens to also be the Electrician that installed the outlets, and, knows not to plug anything else into the circuit.

Most folks don't know any better, and, are going to plug in whatever and however many they want.

JAP>

But, assuming the correct size OCPD, there is no hazard. The breaker trips to protect the wiring.

 

[jap]

But, assuming the correct size OCPD, there is no hazard. The breaker trips to protect the wiring.

Not concerned with a hazard.

Just stating how easily it is to change the definition of an individual branch circuit if you don't actually wire it so that the circuit only feeds one piece of utilization equipment at a time.

Jap>