Neutrals counted as current carrying conductors for dryer circuits?

Status
Not open for further replies.

Mustwin351

Senior Member
Location
Texas
When running multiple dryer circuits in the same raceway for dryers are the neutrals counted as current carrying conductors?

My guess is they are not counted as they would only carry the unbalanced load from the blower and or maybe some controls.
 

GoldDigger

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Placerville, CA, USA
Occupation
Retired PV System Designer
It is 120/208y but I would not think that would change anything.
If you run individual neutrals for each circuit (if the dryers need 120 as well as 208), the code does not give you any relief from having to count all of the neutrals as CCC. That would be the case if you run multiple individual branch circuits from separate two pole breakers in one raceway.

If you run a common neutral along with three phase conductors to a distribution sub panel, then that neutral would not be counted as a CCC in the feeder raceway.
 

Mustwin351

Senior Member
Location
Texas
Thanks GoldDigger That is my situation, multiple 2 pole breakers.

Iwire - Would not the same code section you quoted apply equally to 120/240 volts?
 

iwire

Moderator
Staff member
Location
Massachusetts
Iwire - Would not the same code section you quoted apply equally to 120/240 volts?

No

I am assuming these are all single phase dryers.

When you use two hots and a neutral from a single phase 240/120 system the neutral (as you mentioned) only carries the imbalance.

On the other hand when you use just two hots and a neutral from a 208Y/120 system the neutral current does not balance out.

The thing is, in truth none of this really makes a difference in your example as the neutral in dryer carries very little current. often just the motor, lamp and controls. But still the code does not take that into account.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top