Ecmweb 3443 404 08c0 02web3
Ecmweb 3443 404 08c0 02web3
Ecmweb 3443 404 08c0 02web3
Ecmweb 3443 404 08c0 02web3
Ecmweb 3443 404 08c0 02web3

Code Q&A

May 1, 2008
Can a 2-pole snap switch be used to switch a 277V and 120V circuit?

Q. Can a 2-pole snap switch be used to switch a 277V and 120V circuit?

A. No. A multi-pole, general-use snap switch is not permitted to be fed by more than a single circuit unless the switch [404.8(C)]:

  • Is listed and marked as a 2-circuit or 3-circuit switch, or
  • The voltage rating of the switch is not less than the nominal line-to-line voltage of the two circuits supplying the switch.
About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.

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