Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

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iwire

iwire

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I am currently remodeling office space, I have an existing 8/3 AC cable that runs from a panel 125' to a kitchenette.

I plan to use this 8/3 AC as a multiwire branch circuit to feed a 120 volt 3000 watt water heater, the other side of this circuit will feed a 20 amp receptacle for a refrigerator.

This will mean I will have a single pole 35 and a single pole 20 feeding this multiwire branch circuit.

I see no problem with this, however my coworkers think I am nuts, and who would know that better then them. :D

Am I missing something, is this a NEC violation?

Any responses are appreciated.

Thanks, Bob
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

What would be the problem with it ??? Not over fused.Also a big $$$$ saver since existing.
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Will that #8 fit on a 20 amp breaker? Is #8 allowed on the breaker? Would a small load center on the end of that cable allow for some future?
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Bob, this would be perfectly fine. I have done this in conduit installations with 30 amp and 20 amp circuits sharing the same neutral.

Dewerth, the 20 amp circuit could be reduced at the termination by splice or other means.

Roger
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

The only code that would apply is the neutral has to be sized for the largest circuit and it is, so I see no problem with it.
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Downsizing the conductor would be determined by the manufacturer.SQ D yes.G.E no.
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Ask them just what they think the problem would be.If anything your just far larger than you need to be for the frig.
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

It seems like there should be something wrong with it to me too but I think it's just that multiwire circuits are usually neat and symmetrical and what your gonna do is all lopsided and unnatural. What I mean is if you take the symmetry away from a multiwire circuit it just doesn't look right. I'm not saying I might not do the same thing.
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Posted by physis:

What I mean is if you take the symmetry away from a multiwire circuit it just doesn't look right.
Click to expand...
But any multiwire circuits that feed receptacles loose their symmetry as soon as someone plugs something in. I don't see much difference between this and a multiwire feeding two receptacles, where one receptacle has twice the load plugged in.

STeve
 
Re: Multiwire Branch Circuit with Unequal Overcurrent Protec

Of course that's true STeve. What I was saying is a right brain kind of thing, as soon as you take out your calculator you miss the point.
 
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