Multiple Neutral

[Alwayslearningelec]

Would imagine you guys have too run separate neutrals often because of spec and not use handle tie or multi pole breaker.

When running branch for say receptacles wouldn't it make sense(if using MC cable) to drop down a MC cable with 2 hots and 2 neutrals? Box fill would be ok.
Two separate 12/2 cables wouldn't make sense to me.

 

[ActionDave]

I like 12-2-2 just fine but the cost difference is usually high enough that two 12-2 get used.

 

[LarryFine]

Would imagine you guys have too run separate neutrals often because of spec and not use handle tie or multi pole breaker.

When running branch for say receptacles wouldn't it make sense(if using MC cable) to drop down a MC cable with 2 hots and 2 neutrals? Box fill would be ok.

Two separate 12/2 cables wouldn't make sense to me.

I still prefer to use MWBCs when I can, but I have never used a 2-hot/2-neutral cable like 12-2-2.

 

[tthh]

I still prefer to use MWBCs when I can, but I have never used a 2-hot/2-neutral cable like 12-2-2.

The thing about MWBC is also they save 25%-50% of the copper (depending on the proximity of the two circuit's endpoints). Even though they have spent a long time in the too-complicated or too-confusing or potential-for-miswire doghouse, I would think in this day and age of conservation that they would be all the more prevalent.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

So have you guys come across spec/drawings notes that said to use separate neutral and ran MWBC? Would think not.

 

[Alwayslearningelec]

I like 12-2-2 just fine but the cost difference is usually high enough that two 12-2 get used.

I hear ya on that but slightly more labor pulling two cables instead of one.

 

[ActionDave]

The thing about MWBC is also they save 25%-50% of the copper (depending on the proximity of the two circuit's endpoints). Even though they have spent a long time in the too-complicated or too-confusing or potential-for-miswire doghouse, I would think in this day and age of conservation that they would be all the more prevalent.

I would hope so too. Conservation of materials doesn't seem to matter much with most job specs though. I think the only hope is for energy codes to push the elegant MWBC back into acceptance.

It may take a generation to pass for the MWBC to be retro enough to be cool again.

 

[roger]

The material savings is only part of the cost savings, the efficiency of the circuit is the biggest benefit IMO.

Roger

 

[rainwater01]

I still prefer to use MWBCs when I can, but I have never used a 2-hot/2-neutral cable like 12-2-2.

I installed around 15 control boxes for 240 volt sewer pumps With 120 volt alarms in a neighborhood and the ones I did with the 12/2/2 were a dream. It just wasn’t cost effective because it was like double the price of running 2 12/2 cables.


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[Alwayslearningelec]

I installed around 15 control boxes for 240 volt sewer pumps With 120 volt alarms in a neighborhood and the ones I did with the 12/2/2 were a dream. It just wasn’t cost effective because it was like double the price of running 2 12/2 cables.


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It is double the material cost.

 

[rainwater01]

2 12/2 cables have 6 conductors. 12/2/2 has 5 but the price was closer to double 2 sets of 12/2 cables which would be 12 conductors.


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[roger]

Like Larry, the MWBC is the way to go. As I said the cost savings goes beyond just material and installation cost, for example