split recepticles

[moondog]

A shop uses three wires and ground to supply two 20 amp 120 volt circuits to multiple split receptacles. Does code permit the combining of the two circuits at one of the receptacles to create a 20amp 240 volt receptacle?

The circuits are controlled with a 20 amp double pole GFI circuit breaker.

The purpose here would be to allow the installation of a 240 volt shop tool at any location in the room by simply swapping out a receptacle instead of bringing in a new circuit.

Asuming the code restricts this, would this wire method still work, thus allowing the use of 120 and 240 volt tools at the same time assuming that their total amperage remained below 20 amps?

 

[bennie]

Re: split recepticles

This concept is used in appliances. It will work.

 

[pierre]

Re: split recepticles

As Bennie has posted, we see this in ranges and dryers, but is it a permitted NEC method for branch circuits?

Pierre

 

[stamcon]

Re: split recepticles

99 NEC - 210-4(c) Exception #2 ?

Where all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit are opened simultaneously by the branch-circuit overcurrent device.

 

[hbiss]

Re: split recepticles

No problem, I've done this in exactly that situation a couple of times. You have to use a double pole 20A so the handles are tied together and will open both sides. You can even do this with 3 phase and a 3 pole breaker. Nice to do in shops with a lot of small single and 3 phase cord connected machines that get moved around.

-Hal