Neutrals

[Gary Schering, II]

Can having two or more neutrals on the same lug feed the other circuits that are on the same buss? I know the hazards of a multi circuit installation but what about a single circuit sharing the same lug for the their neutrals?

[Barry Adair]

If I understand your question(s) Mike Holt 408.21 grounded conductor termination commentary and video discussion

gone for the day, I'll see if I passed later

[Greg Fretwell]

As long as all of the screws are tight there really isn't a problem. The hazard arises when you want to work on one of those circuits and the other one remains energized. When you loosen that connection you can find yourself holding a white conductor with 120v on it.

[Gary Schering, II]

Greg
What makes the difference then that all the neutrals are by themselves, own lug, but on the same buss? Wouldn't that be the samething as sharing the same lug?

[Mark Nahrgang]

Originally Posted by nbhi

Greg
What makes the difference then that all the neutrals are by themselves, own lug, but on the same buss? Wouldn't that be the samething as sharing the same lug?

Gary, I'm glad you asked that, because I've wondered that myself.

[Jim Port]

The buss is rated for the current. The current carried by the neutrals is trying to get back to the source. It is not going back out of the panel on other branch circuit wires.

[Greg Fretwell]

The problem is only when you are working on the circuits. If I am working on circuit "A" I would trip the "A" breaker and feel pretty safe but if it was double lugged with "B" and I open up that lug I could see full circuit current on the "B" neutral. If everyone was "qualified" and understood white wires are not always ground it wouldn't really be a problem. Alas the NEC has started assuming unqualified people are going to be working on the wiring.

[jkogel]

Isn't the intent of the rule simply to get the best possible connection, one wire, one lug?

Besides, if they allowed two, Sparky would jam three in there.

John Kogel
www.allsafehome.ca

[Greg Fretwell]

Most ground buses are listed for 3 EGC wires. The don't seem to have a problem with those connections. If you look at the geometry 3 is probably as good as one. They would all wedge themselves into a tight configuration