Shared neutral in conduit?

[inspector 102]

I have been told that you can no longer share a grounded conductor in a conduit when pulling circuits. I have not had the time to look for this change but knew that the knowledgable people on this site could possibly help. If you pull single phase circuits, does each circuit have to have it own neutral? If this is the case, I will need to change some of my inspection practices. Please provide code section if possible. Thanks

 

[roger]

You have been told wrong. MWBC's are still allowed but the handles must be tied together with an approved handle tie or a multi-pole breaker must be used, see 210.4 in the 2008 NEC.

Roger

 

[crossman]

I have been told that you can no longer share a grounded conductor in a conduit when pulling circuits. I have not had the time to look for this change

Roger is correct. I guess there are some rumors out there concerning the recent NEC changes to MWBCs. In my naive estimation, it seems that a person who is responsible for determining whether electrical work is installed properly and who greatly affects the livelihood and lives of others would take the time to read the code, to peruse the readily available "changes to the code" literature, take classes on the subject, and be a veritable expert in the code and the changes which occur within each code cycle.

 

[JohnJ0906]

You have been told wrong. MWBC's are still allowed but the handles must be tied together with an approved handle tie or a multi-pole breaker must be used, see 210.4 in the 2008 NEC.

Roger

That is 210.4(B)
There is also 210.4(D) - a new requirement that the grounded and ungrounded conductors from each MWBC be grouped by wireties at the panel.

 

[inspector 102]

Thanks for the help. Crossman - I have always tried to stay on top of the code with seminars and continuing education classes. As a combinaton inspector in a small town, that is hard to keep up with sometimes. I was concerned that there was a change that I did not remember or was never discussed. We are still on the 2005 NEC which means the contractor could have been reffering to discussion regarding the 2008. In the end, it is discussion groups like this one that help me to better interpret and apply the code in my job. Stay safe.

 

[crossman]

I have always tried to stay on top of the code with seminars and continuing education classes. As a combinaton inspector in a small town, that is hard to keep up with sometimes.

I can appreciate that, and thank you for the response. I guess sometimes I jump on my soapbox when it isn't warranted. I'm glad you participate on the forum, it is definitely a great place to stay up with the changes, and to gain new knowledge.

I can also appreciate the difficulties of being a combination inspector. I am fairly certain that is a job that I wouldn't want!

Keep up the good work!