NEC Definition of separate ckt. vs. dedicated circuit

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rsoto

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The NEC in Article 620.22, paragraph (A) requires that a "separate" branch circuit be provided for elevator car lighting, receptacles, aux. lighting power source, and ventilation on each car. In paragraph (B) of the same article, the code reads "A dedicated branch circuit shall supply the air conditioning ..."

Does the NEC define the difference between a "separate" branch circuit and a "dedicated" branch circuit?

Can someone explain the difference? The Code defines what an "individual" branch circuit is, but not separate or dedicated branch circuits.
 
rsoto said:
The NEC in Article 620.22, paragraph (A) requires that a "separate" branch circuit be provided for elevator car lighting, receptacles, aux. lighting power source, and ventilation on each car. In paragraph (B) of the same article, the code reads "A dedicated branch circuit shall supply the air conditioning ..."

Does the NEC define the difference between a "separate" branch circuit and a "dedicated" branch circuit?

Can someone explain the difference? The Code defines what an "individual" branch circuit is, but not separate or dedicated branch circuits.
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I will try.
Separate in this sense means not combined with anything else. The separate circuits "...on each car" means that one circuit cannot supply two cars. But it can serve all of the mentioned loads within each car/shaft. If you want to supply the fans and the lights in a car from different circuits, that is OK too, but one circuit can still supply only one car. And pushing the limits of the definition, each of the car circuits could also supply other loads as long as none of them are in another car. But that would not be good design at all.
Dedicated means not being used for anything else. You are not allowed to put any other loads on it. The A/C branch must supply only the mentioned A/C load(s)

The distinction between individual branch circuits and dedicated branch circuits is a little more subtle IMHO. An individual branch circuit supplies only one piece of equipment. A dedicated branch circuit might supply two pieces of equipment which are providing the same function, such as A/C.
 
GoldDigger said:
I will try.
Separate in this sense means not combined with anything else. The separate circuits "...on each car" means that one circuit cannot supply two cars. But it can serve all of the mentioned loads within each car/shaft. If you want to supply the fans and the lights in a car from different circuits, that is OK too, but one circuit can still supply only one car. And pushing the limits of the definition, each of the car circuits could also supply other loads as long as none of them are in another car. But that would not be good design at all.
Dedicated means not being used for anything else. You are not allowed to put any other loads on it. The A/C branch must supply only the mentioned A/C load(s)

The distinction between individual branch circuits and dedicated branch circuits is a little more subtle IMHO. An individual branch circuit supplies only one piece of equipment. A dedicated branch circuit might supply two pieces of equipment which are providing the same function, such as A/C.
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GD, I like your explanation but are you expressing your opinion or are these terms really defined in the NEC?
 
infinity said:
GD, I like your explanation but are you expressing your opinion or are these terms really defined in the NEC?
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"Separate" and "dedicated", unlike the term "Branch Circuit, Individual" are not defined in the NEC. That leaves us to rely on the Handbook, CMP comments, context of use in the Code, and common English usage, in descending order of reliability. :happyyes:

My reasoning is based only on the last two.
 
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