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  1. National Electrical Code
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Code Q&A

March 11, 2010
Q. Can a receptacle be used as a splicing device?

Q. Can a receptacle be used as a splicing device? In other words, can we use all four screws (hot and neutral) on the receptacle?

Ecmweb Com Nec Code Qa 30013 B001web2

A. Yes. However, continuity of the neutral conductor of a multiwire branch circuit must not be interrupted by the removal of a wiring device [300.13(B)]. In these applications, the neutral conductors must be spliced together and a "pigtail" provided for the wiring device. The opening of the ungrounded conductors, or the neutral conductor of a 2-wire circuit during the replacement of a device, doesn't cause a safety hazard, so pigtailing of these conductors isn't required [110.14(B)].

Caution: If the continuity of the neutral conductor of a multiwire circuit is interrupted (opened), the resultant over- or under-voltage can cause a fire and/or destruction of electrical equipment.

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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