Multi-wire Branch Circuits

976-0043-01-02 F–3

Figure F-2Multi-wire Branch Circuit Wiring and Current FlowFigure F-3120 Vac Inverter Incorrectly Wired in a Multi-wire Branch Circuit
Load Center
L1
L2
Neutral
Ground
120 Vac 120 Vac
15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)
2
40 Vac
fr
om Grid
Bare - Ground
Single White - Neutral
(Current Flow 0 A)
Black - Hot
(Current Flow 15 A)
Red - Hot
(Current Flow 15 A)
Bare - Ground Splice
White - Neutral Splice
(Current Flow 15 A)
Out-of-Phase current
subtract at this point
(Current Flow 0 A)
15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)
Load Center
L1
L2
Neutral
Ground
120 Vac 120 Vac
15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)
240 Vac
from Grid
Bare - Ground
Single White - Neutral
(Current Flow 10 A)
Black - Hot
(Current Flow 5 A)
Red - Hot
(Current Flow 15 A
)
White - Neutral Splice
(Current Flow 15 A)
When unbalanced
current flows throu gh
each leg, only the
difference current
flows through the
neutral return wi re.
15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)

Load Center

L1
L2

Neutral

Ground

120 Vac 120 Vac

15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)
Bare - Ground
Single White - Neutral
(Current Flow 30 A)
Black - Hot
(Current Flow 15 A)
Red - Hot
(Current Flow 15
A
White - Neutral Splice
(Current Flow 15 A)

WARNING: FIRE HAZARD

The in-phase currents ADDS

at this point exceeding wire

capacity!

15 A
Breaker
(Ganged)
120 Vac
Inverter or Generator