multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

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drtymex

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I must run 2 dedicated circuits for tank warmers for fish,at a aquaculture pavilion, and being exposed to the elements,gfi protection is necessary.

Just to save me some WORK, :p ,wasn't sure if a gfi 20A 2 pole circuit breaker would perform or function as well protecting a MULTIBRANCH CIRCUIT SHARING A NEUTRAL TERMINATING ON THE SAME RECEPTACLE VERSUS A DEDICATED 220V LOAD.Any comments and opinions would be greatly appreciated.Thx.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

I believe it is possible to do what you are saying.

I have to ask why would you want to?

One circuit has a fault, you loose both and soon enough have floating fish.

As to using a GFCI at all I again ask why would you want to?

Unless this is outdoors at a dwelling unit there is no requirement to do so.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

Hey thx for the reply iwire,but it would be a tank heater which it would pretty much keep them STIMULATED :)
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

Well and to answer the first part :eek: both circuits will terminate on one receptacle.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

well you have your answer then. if both circuits terminate on one receptacle then you have no option but to use a 2 pole breaker, as you have to be able disconnect both legs at the same time. article 210.7(c) states it all.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

While that may be a good idea, it is not required if he runs a multiwire branch circuit.

From Mike Holts Newsletter
: It was not the intent of this rule to apply to multiwire branch circuits, because a multiwire branch circuit is considered as one circuit [100]. However, many will take the opportunity to apply this rule to multiwire circuits.
Click to expand...
For the full text and pictures go here. :)
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

after rereading the original post, you will not be able to use a 2 pole gfci breaker unless this is actually a 240v circuit you are using. you stated that you are sharing a neutral and terminating on the same strap. if that is indeed the case then you cannot share the neutral on the load side of a gfci, as is will cause the gfci to trip whether or not there is a fault current present.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

dkstein welcome to posting on the forum. :)

I believe that a 2 pole GFCI breaker has a spot to connect the load neutral to so that all current runs through the breaker.

This will make the use of a 2 pole GFCI breaker possible with both line to line and line to neutral loads.

As to the original posts GFCIs will not correct "fuzzy" water.

Proper grounding and equipment with no faults to ground will prevent the "fuzzy" water.

The GFCIs only serve as a back up.

If I was to use GFCIs for this I would keep the circuits entirely separate.

In that way if one trips the other stays on and you have narrowed the cause down to one piece of equipment instead of two.

JMO, :) Bob
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

good point iwire

i was not however quoting from the 99 code. where i live we are under 02 code rules so my first inclination is to quote from that code book. i should have specified that so as not to cause confusion. thank you for the correction.

that is a change in the 02 code however. it is no longer limited to just dwellings.
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

i totally agree iwire

i would never consider wiring the circuit in the fashion that was described for the same reasons that you just stated. it will only cause you more problems down the road in getting the actual problem solved
 
Re: multibranch circuit GFI breaker 2pole

Hello again and thx for your replys but,I'm fully aware of a gfi only,would NOT correct the problem,and sorry for not being clear,but measures were taken to CORRECT THE PROBLEM,ALONG WITH THE INSTALLATIONS OF GFI'S FOR PROTECTION,SINCE IN THE PAST,THERE WASN'T ANY. ;)

And this post came up as mostly a curiosity as if a 2 pole cb gfi would perform or function as well protecting a multibranch circuit and mabey save me some work,as stated before,since the addition of tank warmers at 1800watts to the existing circuit,a total of 2600watts,was an issue.
I ended up adding 3 more circuits and installing individual gfi outlets,instead of breakers.
 
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