When to count neutral conductors?

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electricdist

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There is a debate on when do you count neutral conductors as current carrying conductors,as relating too derating in raceways.
 
Re: When to count neutral conductors?

You count every neutral. If it is a true neutral, then it carries unbalanced current. Therefore, being current carrying.
 
Re: When to count neutral conductors?

Originally posted by flip:
You count every neutral. If it is a true neutral, then it carries unbalanced current. Therefore, being current carrying.
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Flip, this is actually the opposite of when you would count it. (barring harmonic issues)

As Bryan points out, read 310.15(A)(4).

Roger
 
Re: When to count neutral conductors?

(4) Neutral Conductor.
(a) A neutral conductor that carries only the unbalanced current from other conductors of the same circuit shall not be required to be counted when applying the provisions of 310.15(B)(2)(a).
(b) In a 3-wire circuit consisting of two phase wires and the neutral of a 4-wire, 3-phase, wye-connected system, a common conductor carries approximately the same current as the line-to-neutral load currents of the other conductors and shall be counted when applying the provisions of 310.15(B)(2)(a).
(c) On a 4-wire, 3-phase wye circuit where the major portion of the load consists of nonlinear loads, harmonic currents are present in the neutral conductor; the neutral shall therefore be considered a current-carrying conductor.
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Re: When to count neutral conductors?

Exuse my ignorance but that tells me that bundling of 5 2 wire cable assys. isnt a violation since derating occurs when there you use 3 wire assys or greater #`s of conductors.
 
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