Code Q&A

Jun 23, 2005 9:41 AM, By Mike Holt

Q. Must receptacles be installed so they can be removed without interrupting the power to any downstream receptacles?

A. Continuity of the grounded neutral conductor of a multiwire branch circuit must not be interrupted by the removal of a wiring device. Therefore, the grounded neutral conductors must be spliced together and a pigtail must be provided for the wiring device.

Caution: If the continuity of the grounded neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit is interrupted, the resultant over- or undervoltage could cause a fire and/or destruction of electrical equipment.

The opening of the ungrounded conductors or the grounded neutral conductor of a 2-wire circuit during the replacement of a device doesn’t cause a safety hazard, so pigtailing these conductors isn’t required [110.14(B)].

Got a question for Mike? E-mail him at mike@mikeholt.com.