National Electrical Installation Standards

Standards as High as Your Own

 
?
Wednesday, September 20, 2017

Question:

Re: CQD answer published Monday, September 11, 2017 -Multiwire Grounded Conductor

Comment on: CQD answer published Thursday, September 10, 2017

In all honestly, the answer to the question did it no justice. Also, it was incomplete in my estimation since it didn't cover single wire (ungrounded) circuits.

First of all, the reference has a typo, it's Art 300, not 30.

Second, there was no mention of a "multiwire branch circuit" in the question. The jumper requirement only applies to that circuit which is defined:

Branch Circuit, Multiwire. A branch circuit that consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them, and a grounded conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is connected to the neutral or grounded conductor of the system.

In a single wire (ungrounded) circuit, it's permissible to use the receptacle (device) to maintain grounded conductor continuity. From what I read of the question, that's what the submitter was trying to get an answer on.

Regards, Nick Abbatiello

A

Answer:

Hey Nick thanks for your comment. You are correct the answer could have been better. Section "30.13(B)" was meant to be "300.13(B)" and I hope the "0" doesn't get poorly misplaced in my paycheck.

Although the question didn't mention a multiwire branch circuit the answer did, meaning that if it is not a multiwire branch circuit (2 wire) then device connections can be used for providing the continuity of grounded conductors as you mentioned.

ABOUT CQD: The Code Question of the Day (CQD) is NECA and ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR Magazine’s flagship National Electrical Code (NEC®) public forum for the industry, sponsored by EATON. The daily distribution of Q&A generates a lively dialogue and shares relative Code-based practical responses.

SUBMIT YOUR CODE QUESTION: Click here to submit a question to for inclusion in an upcoming edition of the Code Question of the Day, or email codequestion@necanet.org

CHARLIE TROUT: Charles M. Trout, better known as Charlie, was a nationally known NEC® expert and author. He served on several NEC® technical committees and is past chairman of CMP-12. In 2006 Charlie was awarded the prestigious Coggeshall Award for outstanding contributions to the electrical contracting industry, codes and standards development, and technical training. Even though Charlie passed away in October of 2015, his work continues in spirit. NECA continues to maintain this question forum for its many subscribers in memory and recognition of all his significant contributions to making the NEC what it is today.

NECA STANDARDS: NECA publishes the National Electrical Installation Standards™ (NEIS™), a series of ANSI-approved performance and quality standards for electrical construction. NEIS can be purchased in the NECA Store in three formats: a printed or  PDF download of a standard or, as an  annual subscription service.

NECA SAFETY PRODUCTS & PUBLICATIONS: NECA produces electrical safety publications and products for the industry including jobsite safety guides, handbooks and resource kits. View a full listing of available resources and products »

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Unless the question requests a response based on a specific edition, all answers are based on the latest edition of NFPA 70® National Electrical Code®.

This correspondence is not a formal interpretation of the NEC® and any responses expressed to the questions are opinions and do not necessarily represent the official position of NECA, NFPA, the NEC Correlating Committee any Code-making panel or other electrical technical committee. In addition, this correspondence is neither intended, nor should it be relied upon, to provide professional consultation or services. 

UPDATE YOUR SUBSCRIPTION PREFERENCES: Subscribe or Unsubscribe from this list.