Branch Circuits - Part One | Code Basics content from Electrical Constr... http://ecmweb.

com/code-basics/branch-circuits-part-one

Forum Subscribe About Us Magazine Issues Newsletters Advertise Shop

REGISTER LOG IN

NEC Design Ops & Maintenance Contractor Safety Power Quality Training Basics

Products

HOME > NEC > CODE BASICS > BRANC H CIRC UITS - P ART O NE

Where experts and professionals share insights and

inspirations to grow business and build careers
Tip of the Week: Voltage Drop and the NEC
(NFPA 70)
Branch Circuits - Part One
Tip of the Week: Use NFPA 70E to Guide Your
Start with the overcurrent protection device to correctly rate branch-circuit Safety Program
conductors
Curing Customer Confusion, Part 1
by Apr 1, 2007
Mike Holt
Tip of the Week: Properly Allocate Your Motor
NEC Trainer / Consultant, Mike Holt Enterprises
Maintenance Resources

841 Articles
Kill That Watt

Photo Galleries
SHARE Tweet COMMENTS 1 The Top 5 Highest
Paying States for
Electrical Engineers
Article 210 contains the requirements for conductor sizing, conductor identification, overcurrent
If you’re an electrical
protection, and GFCI and AFCI protection of branch circuits. It also contains requirements for receptacle
outlets and lighting outlets. The sidebar, Branching Out on page 60, lists other applicable Code sections engineer interested in
related to branch circuits. Branch circuits are the most commonly installed of all circuits, making your way to the
top of the pay scale, do you know which states lead the
Article 210 contains the requirements for conductor sizing, conductor identification, pack? If not, then check out this Photo Gallery based on

overcurrent protection, and GFCI and AFCI protection of branch circuits. It also data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (Occupational

contains requirements for receptacle outlets and lighting outlets. The sidebar,
“Branching Out” below, lists other applicable Code sections related to branch circuits.

Join the Discussion on EC&M Talk

Hot Topics Comments New Topics

Approved Method of Wiring 3

last reply by vinoth in General Electrical Talk

Discussion
<b>Fig. 1.</b> A branch circuit consists of the
conductors between the final overcurrent protection Upsizing the Equipment Grounding Conductor
device and the outlet(s).
9

last reply by bsaxe43 in Bonding & Grounding

Branch circuits are the most commonly installed of all circuits, so a good working
knowledge of Art. 210 is essential. That knowledge starts with understanding what a
branch circuit is. It consists of the conductors between the final overcurrent protection
device (OCPD) and the receptacle outlets, lighting outlets, or other outlets [Art. 100] EC&M White Papers
(Fig. 1). Workplace Electrical
Safety: What the New
A key point to remember about branch circuits is that the overcurrent protection device Language Means for
You
(OCPD) defines the circuit. Thus, the rating of the OCPD determines the rating of the
The recent changes to
branch circuit; the conductor size does not [210.3]. NFPA 70E and CSA Z462
have the potential if not the intent to change the way we
Multiwire branch circuits. Multiwire branch circuits are circuits that have more
approach workplace electrical safety programs....
than one ungrounded conductor sharing a common grounded (neutral) conductor. More
These circuits are very beneficial in that they use less material, result in a lower circuit
VIEW MORE WHITE PAPERS
voltage drop, and ultimately result in cost savings. They do, however, have some

1 of 5 01/06/2015 05:40 p.m.

Branch Circuits - Part One | Code Basics content from Electrical Constr... http://ecmweb.com/code-basics/branch-circuits-part-one

specific Code rules that can't be ignored.

EC&M Webinars
To prevent inductive heating and reduce conductor impedance for fault currents, all ON-DEMAND:
Understanding Your
multiwire branch-circuit conductors must originate from the same panelboard or Options: AFCI
distribution equipment [210.4(A)]. Protection and the
2014 NEC® 5
Multiwire branch circuits must supply only line-to-neutral loads [210.4(C)]. Thursday, June 12,
2014
Exception 1: A multiwire branch circuit can supply line-to-line utilization The 2014 National Electrical Code has expanded the
equipment, such as a range or dryer. More
options to provide Arc Fault protection for branch circuits

VIEW MORE WEBINARS

Exception 2: A multiwire branch circuit can supply both line-to-line and line-to-
neutral loads if the circuit is protected by a device (multipole circuit breaker) that
opens all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit simultaneously
EC&M TV
(common internal trip) under a fault condition.
New Certification
Announcement from
If the continuity of the grounded (neutral) conductor of a multiwire circuit is NFPA
interrupted (open), the resultant over- or undervoltage could cause a fire and/or ...
destruction of electrical equipment. See 300.13(B) for the requirements relating to the
continuity of the grounded (neutral) conductor on multiwire circuits.

More

BROWSE ALL VIDEOS

EC&M Learning Center

Understanding the 2014 NEC,

Volume 1 (Articles 90 to 480)
<b>Fig. 2.</b> Multiwire branch circuits that supply
This resource has proven itself in the
devices/equipment on the same yoke must be provided
with a means to disconnect simultaneously all field and in the exam room. This latest
ungrounded conductors. edition will provide you with a rock-solid
foundation...
Disconnecting means. Where two or more branch circuits supply devices (or
Understanding NEC
equipment) on the same yoke, you must provide a means to disconnect simultaneously
Requirements for Grounding vs
all ungrounded conductors that supply those devices or equipment. A “yoke” is the Bonding
metal mounting structure for a device (e.g., switch, receptacle, pilot light). It's also One of the most confusing areas of the

called a strap. Locate it at the point where the branch circuit originates [210.7(B)] trade continues to be grounding and
bonding, which is why this book needs to be in the
(Fig. 2 on page 60). Individual single-pole circuit breakers with handle ties identified
hands...
for the purpose can be used for this application [240.20(B)(1)]. So can a breaker with a
common internal trip. This rule prevents people from working on energized circuits Changes to The NEC 2014
they thought were disconnected. Don't let the scale of the code changes
intimidate you, this book will get you up
to speed on the most essential...

BROWSE ALL TITLES

<b>Fig. 3.</b> Multiwire branch circuits that supply

devices (or equipment) on the same yoke must also be
provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all
ungrounded conductors that supply those devices (or
equipment) at the point where the branch circuit
originates [210.4(B)].

Multiwire branch circuits that supply devices (or equipment) on the same yoke must
also be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors
that supply those devices (or equipment) at the point where the branch circuit
originates [210.4(B)] (Fig. 3).

Dwelling unit branch circuits can supply only loads within (or associated with) the

2 of 5 01/06/2015 05:40 p.m.

Branch Circuits - Part One | Code Basics content from Electrical Constr... http://ecmweb.com/code-basics/branch-circuits-part-one

dwelling unit. Common area branch circuits for house lighting, central alarm, signal,
fire alarm, communications, or other public safety needs must not originate from any
single dwelling unit [210.25]. This rule prohibits common area branch circuits in
Sign-up to receive our free newsletters
two-family or multifamily dwellings from being supplied from an individual dwelling
unit. In addition, this prevents common area circuits from being turned off by eTrain - (Bi-Weekly) View Sample
individual tenants or by the utility because of nonpayment of electric bills. Product NewsWire - (Monthly) View
Sample
Identification. The grounded (neutral) conductor of a branch circuit must be
ElectricalZone - (Weekly) View Sample
identified per 200.6 [210.5]. Equipment grounding (bonding) conductors can be bare,
MRO Insider - (Bi-Weekly) View Sample
covered, or insulated. Insulated equipment grounding (bonding) conductors sized 6
AWG and smaller must have a continuous outer finish that is either green or green PQ NewsBeat - (Bi-Weekly) View
Sample
with one or more yellow stripes [250.119]. Equipment grounding (bonding) conductors
Illumination Insider - (Bi-Weekly) View
larger than 6 AWG, if insulated, can be permanently reidentified with green marking at
Sample
the time of installation. This marking has to be present at every point where the
CodeWatch - (Bi-Weekly) View Sample
conductor is accessible [250.119(A)].
G-Biz - (Varies) View Sample
Where premises wiring systems contain branch circuits supplied from more than one Electrical Testing - (Monthly) View
voltage system, each ungrounded conductor (where accessible), must be identified by Sample
system. Identification can be by color-coding, marking tape, tagging, or other means E-MAIL*
approved by the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ). Such identification must be
COUNTRY*
permanently posted at each branch-circuit panelboard or distribution equipment
Enter your email above to receive messages about
[210.5(C)]. The NEC does not require any particular color scheme (such as black, red, offerings by Penton, its brands, affiliates and/or
third-party partners, consistent with Penton’s Privacy
and blue for 120/208V, or brown, orange, and yellow for 277/480V). Policy.

Conductors with insulation that is green or green with one or more yellow stripes
cannot be used for an ungrounded or grounded (neutral) conductor [250.119]. See the
sidebar, “Phase Identification,” below, for the normal wire marking color scheme.

Voltage limitations. In dwelling units (and in guest rooms or guest suites of hotels,
motels, and similar occupancies), the branch-circuit voltage can't exceed 120V Connect With Us
(nominal), if those circuits are [210.6(A)]: luminaires or cord-and-plug connected
loads rated not more than 1,440 volt-amperes (VA), or less than ¼ horsepower.

In nondwelling units, you can use 277V (phase-to-ground) circuits to supply any of the
following [210.6(C)]:

Listed electric-discharge luminaires.

Luminaires with mogul base screw shells.

Lampholders other than the screw-shell type.

Equipment rated at 277V.

If an Edison-base lampholder is rated for 120V, don't put it on a 277V circuit.

Conductor sizing. You must size conductors no less than 125% of the continuous
loads, plus 100% of the noncontinuous loads [210.19]. Base this on the terminal
temperature rating ampacities as listed in Table 310.16 before any ampacity
adjustment [110.14(C)].

In addition, conductors must have sufficient ampacity, after applying adjustment

factors, to carry the load — and they must be protected against overcurrent per their
ampacity [210.19(A)(1), 210.20(A) and 240.4].

Overcurrent protection. Branch-circuit OCPDs must have an ampacity not less

than 125% of the continuous loads, plus 100% of the noncontinuous loads [210.20(A)].

<b>Fig. 4.</b> If a branch circuit supplies two or more

receptacles, receptacles must have an ampere rating
that complies with the values listed in Table

3 of 5 01/06/2015 05:40 p.m.

Branch Circuits - Part One | Code Basics content from Electrical Constr... http://ecmweb.com/code-basics/branch-circuits-part-one

210.21(B)(3).

Outlet ratings. A single receptacle on an individual branch circuit must have an

ampacity not less than the rating of the OCPD [210.21(B)(1)]. A single receptacle has
only one contact device on its yoke [Article 100]. This means you treat a duplex
receptacle as two receptacles.

If a branch circuit supplies two or more receptacles:

The total cord-and-plug connected load must not exceed 80% of the receptacle
rating [210.21(B)(2)].

Receptacles must have an ampere rating that complies with the values listed in
Table 210.21(B)(3) (Fig. 4).

Permissible loads. An individual branch circuit can supply any load for which it's
rated [210.23]. A multioutlet branch circuit can supply only lighting and/or equipment
loads as summarized in Table 210.24 and as specified in 210.19, 210.20, and 210.21. If
you're installing a multioutlet branch circuit, read those requirements carefully.

Cord-and-plug connected equipment not fastened in place, such as a drill press or table
saw, for example, must not have an ampere rating more than 80% of the branch-circuit
rating [210.23(A)(1)]. UL and other testing laboratories list portable equipment (such
as hair dryers) up to 100% of the circuit rating. The NEC is an installation standard,
not a product standard, so it cannot prohibit this practice. There really is no way to
limit the load to 80% of the branch-circuit rating if testing laboratories permit
equipment to be listed for 100% of the circuit rating.

Equipment fastened in place (not a luminaire) must not be rated more than 50% of the
branch-circuit ampere rating if this circuit supplies luminaries, other receptacles, or
both [210.23(A)(2).

To keep your mind clear when sizing conductors for branch circuits, remember that the
OCPD defines the circuit. If a 20A circuit contains 8 AWG conductors because of
voltage drop, it is still a 20A circuit — the size of the OCPD determines the rating of the
branch circuit. That's because the conductors must be able to handle the current
supplied by the OCPD. Going forward, you should now be able to handle branch-circuit
requirements.

Sidebar: Branching Out

Other sections of the Code relating to branch circuits include:

Air-conditioning and refrigeration equipment [440.6, 440.31, and 440.32]

Appliances [422.10]

Data-processing (information technology) equipment [645.5]

Electric space heating equipment [424.3]

Motors [430.22]

Signs [600.5]

Sidebar: Phase Identification

Electricians often use the following color system for power and lighting conductor
identification:

120/240V, single-phase — black, red, and white

120/208V, 3-phase — black, red, blue, and white

120/240V, 3-phase — black, orange, blue, and white

277/480V, 3-phase — brown, orange, yellow, and gray; or, brown, purple, yellow,
and gray

SHARE Tweet

Discuss this Article 1

4 of 5 01/06/2015 05:40 p.m.

Branch Circuits - Part One | Code Basics content from Electrical Constr... http://ecmweb.com/code-basics/branch-circuits-part-one

on Oct 31, 2012

Anonymous (not verified)

Figure 4: The problem with the figure presented is listed cord-connected equipment
utilizing NEMA 5-15 plug and cord sets will not be protected if interfaced with the NEMA
5-15 receptacle, and as defined by NEC. What good is a Certificate of Occupancy if the
user's listed appliances (TV's, computers, coffee makers, etc.) are not protected? Your
expample (Fig. 4) is a preventable life safety shock and fire hazard waiting to happen! As
long as you don't interface a listed appliance with the NEMA 5-15 receptacle, it's a
non-problem. What are the odds that no-one would?

Log In or Register to post comments

Please Log In or Register to post comments.

Related Articles

Art. 240: Overcurrent Protection

Article 240: Overcurrent Protection 1

The Grounded Neutral Conductor - Part 3 of 3

Article 215: Feeders

Behind the Equipment Grounding Conductor

Ecmweb.com
NEC Design Ops & Maintenance Contractor Safety Power Quality Training Basics Products

Site Features EC&M Corporate Search ecmweb.com

Author Guidelines Privacy Policy
RSS Terms of Service
Sitemap About Us
Subscribe to the print magazine
Site Archive Advertise
Subscribe Contact Us
View Mobile Site
Follow Us

Related EC&M Sites

Electrical Wholesaling Electrical Marketing Transmission & Distribution World

Copyright © 2015 Penton

5 of 5 01/06/2015 05:40 p.m.