The distinction between a branch circuit and a feeder can be a source of

confusion for many Code users. The first step in eliminating this confusion
is to understand that the NEC defines a branch circuit as “the conductors
between the branch circuit final overcurrent device protecting the circuit
and the outlets” (such as receptacles or lights) [Art. 100], as shown in Fig.
1. By contrast, a feeder circuit runs from the service equipment, the source
of a separately derived system, or other power supply to (rather than from)
the final branch circuit overcurrent device.

Fig. 1. The conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlet(s) are defined as
branch circuit conductors.
The size of the circuit breaker installed on a branch circuit, not the
conductor size, determines the rating of the circuit. Therefore, if the
conductor size is increased to accommodate for voltage drop or for
ampacity adjustment or correction purposes, the rating of the circuit
remains the same as the circuit breaker size supplying it [210.3].

You’ll find branch circuit requirements for conductor sizing, overcurrent

protection, identification, GFCI protection, receptacles, and lighting outlets
in Art. 210. Other Articles may apply to your installation; you’ll find those
listed in 210.2.

The distinction between a branch circuit and a feeder can be a source of

confusion for many Code users. The first step in eliminating this confusion
is to understand that the NEC defines a branch circuit as “the conductors
between the branch circuit final overcurrent device protecting the circuit
and the outlets” (such as receptacles or lights) [Art. 100], as shown in Fig.
1. By contrast, a feeder circuit runs from the service equipment, the source
of a separately derived system, or other power supply to (rather than from)
the final branch circuit overcurrent device.
Fig. 1. The conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlet(s) are defined as
branch circuit conductors.

The size of the circuit breaker installed on a branch circuit, not the
conductor size, determines the rating of the circuit. Therefore, if the
conductor size is increased to accommodate for voltage drop or for
ampacity adjustment or correction purposes, the rating of the circuit
remains the same as the circuit breaker size supplying it [210.3].
 You’ll find branch circuit requirements for conductor sizing, overcurrent
protection, identification, GFCI protection, receptacles, and lighting outlets
in Art. 210. Other Articles may apply to your installation; you’ll find those
listed in 210.2.

ADVERTISING

Multiwire branch circuits

A multiwire branch circuit basically consists of two or more ungrounded

conductors that share a neutral. All conductors of a multiwire branch
circuit must originate from the same panelboard [210.4(A)].

For personnel safety, each multiwire branch circuit must have a means to
simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at its origin
[210.4(B)]. If that origin is two or more breakers, you can provide this
disconnect by using single-pole circuit breakers with handle ties identified
for the purpose [240.15(B)(1)].

Multiwire branch circuits can supply only line-to-neutral loads [210.4(C)],

except that a multiwire branch circuit can also supply:

 An individual piece of line-to-line utilization equipment, such as a range or

dryer [210.4(C) Ex 1].
 Both line-to-line and line-to-neutral loads if the circuit is protected by a
device such as a multipole circuit breaker with a common internal trip that
opens all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit
simultaneously under a fault condition [210.4(C) Ex 2].

In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of the neutral conductor must

not be interrupted by the removal of a wiring device. In these applications,
the neutral conductors must be spliced together at every device providing a
pigtail to terminate to the wiring device [300.13(B)]. 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
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 undervoltage can cause a fire and/or destruction of
electrical equipment.

The ungrounded and neutral conductors of a multiwire branch circuit must

be grouped together using cable ties or similar means at the point of
origination [210.4(D)]. These conductors are not required to be grouped if
they are contained in a single raceway or cable unique to that circuit,
making the grouping obvious.

If the ungrounded conductors of a multiwire circuit don’t terminate to

different phases or lines, the currents on the neutral conductor will add
instead of canceling each other out, possibly overloading the neutral
conductor.

Identification

Equipment grounding conductors are allowed to be bare, covered, or

insulated. Insulated equipment grounding conductors size 6 AWG and
smaller must have a continuous outer finish — either green or green with
one or more yellow stripe(s) [250.119]. If installing equipment grounding
conductors
4 AWG and larger, you can permanently reidentify the insulation with
green markings or tape, or strip the insulation off of the conductor. This
reidentification must be done at every point where the conductor is
accessible [250.119(A)].
 Identify the neutral (“grounded”) conductor per 200.6. If 6 AWG or
smaller, it must be white, gray, or some color other than green with white
stripes along its entire length. For 4 AWG and larger, the same means of
identification can be used, or it is allowed to use white or gray tape at
terminations.

If you have more than one voltage system, then for each ungrounded
conductor [210.5(C)]:

 Identify it by phase and system at all termination, connection, and splice

points.
 Identification can be by color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other means
approved by the AHJ.
 Document the method of identification in a manner that’s readily available
or permanently posted at each branch circuit panelboard.

Voltage limitations

In dwelling units, the voltage between conductors must not exceed 120V,
nominal, when they supply the terminals of [210.6(A)] luminaires or cord-
and plug-connected loads less than ¼ hp or less than or equal to 1,440VA
[21.6].

Multiple branch circuits

If two or more branch circuits supply devices (or equipment) on the same
yoke, a means must be provided at the circuit’s point of origin to disconnect
simultaneously all ungrounded conductors that supply those devices
[210.7].

GFCI for dwelling units

 Install a GFCI at a readily accessible location for all 15A and 20A, 125V
receptacles located in the following locations [210.8(A)]:

 Bathrooms.
 Garages and accessory buildings.
 Outdoors.
 Crawl spaces.
 Unfinished basements.
 Serving kitchen countertops.
 Within 6 ft of the outside edge of sinks, in addition to the requirements for
kitchen sinks.
 Boathouses.

Also:

 Each dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling that has its own grade level
entrance must have at least one accessible GFCI-protected receptacle at 6½
ft or less above grade [210.52(E)(2)].
 Balconies, decks, and porches attached to the dwelling unit and accessible
from inside the dwelling must have at least one GFCI-protected receptacle
outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch [210.52(E)(3)].

However, you don’t need GFCI protection for a receptacle supplied by a

branch circuit dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting, deicing, pipeline
heating, or vessel heating equipment, if:

 The receptacle isn’t readily accessible, and

 The equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment
(GFPE) [426.28 and 427.22].

GFCI for non-dwelling units

Install GFCI at a readily accessible location for all 15A and 20A, 125V
receptacles in any of the following commercial/industrial locations
[210.8(B)]:
 Bathrooms.
 Kitchens (not required for hard-wired equipment).
 Rooftops (A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle must be installed within 25 ft of
heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment [210.63]).
 Outdoors.
 Sinks (except in laboratories where removal of power would introduce a
greater hazard or in patient bed locations of general care or critical care
areas of health care facilities).
 Indoor wet locations.
 Locker rooms with associated showering facilities.
 Garages (where electrical diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools, or
portable lighting equipment are to be used).
 Boat hoists.

You don’t need GFCI protection for a receptacle supplied by a branch

circuit dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting, deicing, pipeline heating,
or vessel heating equipment, if:

 The receptacle isn’t readily accessible, and

 The equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment
(GFPE) [426.28 and 427.22].

Note: The list of GFCI requirements in 210.8 is not all-inclusive. For

example, there are also GFCI requirements for cord- and plug-connected
vending machines and electric drinking fountains in Art. 422 [422.51 and
422.52].

Number of circuits

There’s no maximum number of receptacles on a dwelling unit circuit. But

how do you determine the minimum number of circuits for general lighting
and general-use receptacles? Divide the total calculated load in amperes by
the ampere rating of the circuits used [210.11]. See Example D1(a) in Annex
D. If you calculate the total load based on VA/square foot, ensure the
individual loads are evenly proportioned among multioutlet branch circuits
within the panelboard.

Required circuits

It’s not just the total number of outlets that matters. The NEC also requires
certain types of circuits in specific places in addition to the minimum
requirements based on the VA/square foot calculation.

A dwelling unit kitchen, dining room, breakfast room, pantry, or similar

area must have at least two 20A, 120V small-appliance receptacle branch
circuits [for the 15A or 20A receptacle outlets required in these rooms by
210.52(B)]. These circuits can’t supply other outlets [210.52(B)(2)],
including those for lighting. You can use one 3-wire multiwire circuit or two
separate 120V circuits [210.4(A)]. At least two small-appliance circuits
must supply the receptacles above the countertops [210.52(B)(3)].

Provide one 20A, 120V

branch circuit for the
receptacle outlets required
by 210.52(F) for the laundry
room. The 20A laundry room
receptacle circuit can supply
more than one receptacle in
the laundry room. This
receptacle can’t supply other
outlets, such as the laundry
room lighting or receptacles
in other rooms (Fig. 2).
The distinction between a branch circuit and a feeder can be a source of
confusion for many Code users. The first step in eliminating this confusion
is to understand that the NEC defines a branch circuit as “the conductors
between the branch circuit final overcurrent device protecting the circuit
and the outlets” (such as receptacles or lights) [Art. 100], as shown in Fig.
1. By contrast, a feeder circuit runs from the service equipment, the source
of a separately derived system, or other power supply to (rather than from)
the final branch circuit overcurrent device.
Fig. 1. The conductors between the final overcurrent device and the outlet(s) are defined as
branch circuit conductors.

The size of the circuit breaker installed on a branch circuit, not the
conductor size, determines the rating of the circuit. Therefore, if the
conductor size is increased to accommodate for voltage drop or for
ampacity adjustment or correction purposes, the rating of the circuit
remains the same as the circuit breaker size supplying it [210.3].
 You’ll find branch circuit requirements for conductor sizing, overcurrent
protection, identification, GFCI protection, receptacles, and lighting outlets
in Art. 210. Other Articles may apply to your installation; you’ll find those
listed in 210.2.

ADVERTISING

Multiwire branch circuits

A multiwire branch circuit basically consists of two or more ungrounded

conductors that share a neutral. All conductors of a multiwire branch
circuit must originate from the same panelboard [210.4(A)].

For personnel safety, each multiwire branch circuit must have a means to
simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at its origin
[210.4(B)]. If that origin is two or more breakers, you can provide this
disconnect by using single-pole circuit breakers with handle ties identified
for the purpose [240.15(B)(1)].

Multiwire branch circuits can supply only line-to-neutral loads [210.4(C)],

except that a multiwire branch circuit can also supply:

 An individual piece of line-to-line utilization equipment, such as a range or

dryer [210.4(C) Ex 1].
 Both line-to-line and line-to-neutral loads if the circuit is protected by a
device such as a multipole circuit breaker with a common internal trip that
opens all ungrounded conductors of the multiwire branch circuit
simultaneously under a fault condition [210.4(C) Ex 2].

In multiwire branch circuits, the continuity of the neutral conductor must

not be interrupted by the removal of a wiring device. In these applications,
the neutral conductors must be spliced together at every device providing a
pigtail to terminate to the wiring device [300.13(B)]. 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
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 undervoltage can cause a fire and/or destruction of
electrical equipment.

The ungrounded and neutral conductors of a multiwire branch circuit must

be grouped together using cable ties or similar means at the point of
origination [210.4(D)]. These conductors are not required to be grouped if
they are contained in a single raceway or cable unique to that circuit,
making the grouping obvious.

If the ungrounded conductors of a multiwire circuit don’t terminate to

different phases or lines, the currents on the neutral conductor will add
instead of canceling each other out, possibly overloading the neutral
conductor.

Identification

Equipment grounding conductors are allowed to be bare, covered, or

insulated. Insulated equipment grounding conductors size 6 AWG and
smaller must have a continuous outer finish — either green or green with
one or more yellow stripe(s) [250.119]. If installing equipment grounding
conductors
4 AWG and larger, you can permanently reidentify the insulation with
green markings or tape, or strip the insulation off of the conductor. This
reidentification must be done at every point where the conductor is
accessible [250.119(A)].
 Identify the neutral (“grounded”) conductor per 200.6. If 6 AWG or
smaller, it must be white, gray, or some color other than green with white
stripes along its entire length. For 4 AWG and larger, the same means of
identification can be used, or it is allowed to use white or gray tape at
terminations.

If you have more than one voltage system, then for each ungrounded
conductor [210.5(C)]:

 Identify it by phase and system at all termination, connection, and splice

points.
 Identification can be by color coding, marking tape, tagging, or other means
approved by the AHJ.
 Document the method of identification in a manner that’s readily available
or permanently posted at each branch circuit panelboard.

Voltage limitations

In dwelling units, the voltage between conductors must not exceed 120V,
nominal, when they supply the terminals of [210.6(A)] luminaires or cord-
and plug-connected loads less than ¼ hp or less than or equal to 1,440VA
[21.6].

Multiple branch circuits

If two or more branch circuits supply devices (or equipment) on the same
yoke, a means must be provided at the circuit’s point of origin to disconnect
simultaneously all ungrounded conductors that supply those devices
[210.7].

GFCI for dwelling units

 Install a GFCI at a readily accessible location for all 15A and 20A, 125V
receptacles located in the following locations [210.8(A)]:

 Bathrooms.
 Garages and accessory buildings.
 Outdoors.
 Crawl spaces.
 Unfinished basements.
 Serving kitchen countertops.
 Within 6 ft of the outside edge of sinks, in addition to the requirements for
kitchen sinks.
 Boathouses.

Also:

 Each dwelling unit of a multifamily dwelling that has its own grade level
entrance must have at least one accessible GFCI-protected receptacle at 6½
ft or less above grade [210.52(E)(2)].
 Balconies, decks, and porches attached to the dwelling unit and accessible
from inside the dwelling must have at least one GFCI-protected receptacle
outlet accessible from the balcony, deck, or porch [210.52(E)(3)].

However, you don’t need GFCI protection for a receptacle supplied by a

branch circuit dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting, deicing, pipeline
heating, or vessel heating equipment, if:

 The receptacle isn’t readily accessible, and

 The equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment
(GFPE) [426.28 and 427.22].

GFCI for non-dwelling units

Install GFCI at a readily accessible location for all 15A and 20A, 125V
receptacles in any of the following commercial/industrial locations
[210.8(B)]:
 Bathrooms.
 Kitchens (not required for hard-wired equipment).
 Rooftops (A 15A or 20A, 125V receptacle must be installed within 25 ft of
heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration equipment [210.63]).
 Outdoors.
 Sinks (except in laboratories where removal of power would introduce a
greater hazard or in patient bed locations of general care or critical care
areas of health care facilities).
 Indoor wet locations.
 Locker rooms with associated showering facilities.
 Garages (where electrical diagnostic equipment, electrical hand tools, or
portable lighting equipment are to be used).
 Boat hoists.

You don’t need GFCI protection for a receptacle supplied by a branch

circuit dedicated to fixed electric snow-melting, deicing, pipeline heating,
or vessel heating equipment, if:

 The receptacle isn’t readily accessible, and

 The equipment or receptacle has ground-fault protection of equipment
(GFPE) [426.28 and 427.22].

Note: The list of GFCI requirements in 210.8 is not all-inclusive. For

example, there are also GFCI requirements for cord- and plug-connected
vending machines and electric drinking fountains in Art. 422 [422.51 and
422.52].

Number of circuits

There’s no maximum number of receptacles on a dwelling unit circuit. But

how do you determine the minimum number of circuits for general lighting
and general-use receptacles? Divide the total calculated load in amperes by
the ampere rating of the circuits used [210.11]. See Example D1(a) in Annex
D. If you calculate the total load based on VA/square foot, ensure the
individual loads are evenly proportioned among multioutlet branch circuits
within the panelboard.

Required circuits

It’s not just the total number of outlets that matters. The NEC also requires
certain types of circuits in specific places in addition to the minimum
requirements based on the VA/square foot calculation.

A dwelling unit kitchen, dining room, breakfast room, pantry, or similar

area must have at least two 20A, 120V small-appliance receptacle branch
circuits [for the 15A or 20A receptacle outlets required in these rooms by
210.52(B)]. These circuits can’t supply other outlets [210.52(B)(2)],
including those for lighting. You can use one 3-wire multiwire circuit or two
separate 120V circuits [210.4(A)]. At least two small-appliance circuits
must supply the receptacles above the countertops [210.52(B)(3)].

Provide one 20A, 120V branch circuit for the receptacle outlets required by
210.52(F) for the laundry room. The 20A laundry room receptacle circuit
can supply more than one receptacle in the laundry room. This receptacle
can’t supply other outlets, such as the laundry room lighting or receptacles
in other rooms (Fig. 2).
Fig. 2. A 20A laundry room receptacle circuit can supply more than one receptacle in the laundry
room, but there are restrictions, as outlined in 210.52(F).

GFCI protection isn’t required for 15A and 20A, 125V receptacles in a
laundry room, unless they’re within 6 ft of a sink [210.8(A)(7)].

Provide one 20A, 120V branch circuit for the receptacle outlets required by
210.52(D) for a dwelling unit bathroom or multiple bathrooms. This circuit
can’t supply other outlets, such as receptacles in rooms other than
bathrooms or lighting outlets [210.11(C)(3)], as shown in Fig. 3.

Fig. 3. A minimum of one 20A circuit is required to supply the required bathroom receptacles.
Other outlets aren’t permitted on the bathroom receptacle circuit.

An alternate method allows this circuit to supply all of the outlets in a single
bathroom, including lighting and fans, if no single load fastened in place is
rated more than 10A [210.11(C)(3) Ex and 210.23(A)], as shown in Fig. 4.

Fig. 4. A single 20A, 120V circuit can supply all of the outlets in a single bathroom, as long as
no single load exceeds 10A.
This gives you a good start on understanding branch circuit requirements.
In our next issue, we’ll look at some additional branch circuit requirements,
starting with arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs).