Code Q&A

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 ...

Mike Holt

June 23, 2005

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)].

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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.