Branch Circuit Definition

October 11, 2024 Post a Comment

Branch circuit definition

A branch circuit is the means to carry electric power from the final overcurrent device protecting the circuit to the outlets and equipment in residential, commercial, and industrial locations. NEC Article 210 covers general requirements for branch circuits.

What is the NEC definition branch circuit?

NEC Article 100 "Definitions" defines branch circuit (BC) as "The circuit conductor between the final overcurrent protection device (OCPD) protecting said circuit and the outlet(s)." The same article also defines outlet as "A point on the wiring system at which current is taken to supply utilization equipment."

What is the function of a branch circuit?

A branch circuit is part of the electrical system that originates at the main service panel and feeds electricity throughout the structure. There are 120-volt branch circuits that supply power to standard outlets and fixtures, along with 240-volt circuits that power major appliances.

What is the difference between a circuit and a branch circuit?

A circuit is made up of wire connecting a power source to fuses, switches, and a load. The load is the device that consumes the energy flowing through the circuit, such as the light bulb in a lamp. A branch circuit is a particular type of circuit that runs from a circuit breaker panel to devices in a building.

Where is branch circuit?

A branch circuit is defined as that part of an electric circuit extending beyond the last circuit breaker or fuse. The branch circuits start at the breaker box and extend to the electrical devices connected to the service. Branch circuits are the last part of the circuit supplying electrical devices.

What are the three types of circuit?

There are three basic types of circuits: Series, Parallel, and Series-Parallel. Individual electrical circuits normally combine one or more resistance or load devices.

Can two breakers share a neutral?

The short answer to your question is that, for a residential house, sharing a neutral between two circuits is: Allowed in a Multi-Wire-Branch-Circuit (MWBC) as shown below. MWBC is shown below as a schematic. MWBC preferred connection diagram is also attached.

Can 2 hot wires share a neutral?

One neutral may not have two “hot” wires from the same phase. It is good practice to use four (4) pole Circuit breakers (as opposed to the standard three pole) where the fourth pole is the neutral phase, and is hence protected against over current on the neutral conductor.

Which NEC covers branch circuits?

210-1 Scope Article 210 covers branch circuits except those that supply only motor loads. Provisions for motor branch circuits are covered in Article 430.

What are the components of branch circuit?

A branch circuit consists of the conductors between the final overcurrent protection device and the outlet(s). Branch circuits are the most commonly installed of all circuits, so a good working knowledge of Art.

Is a home run a branch circuit?

A home run is the wiring that goes from the first outlet on a circuit, back to the circuit breaker panel… It's the wiring that feeds the circuit from the breaker to the first outlet on the circuit… All wiring beyond the last point of protection ( breaker ) is known as a branch circuit…

How long can a branch circuit be?

b. The maximum length of the branch-circuit wiring from the branch-circuit overcurrent device to the first outlet shall not exceed 15.2 m (50 ft) for a 14 AWG conductor or 21.3 m (70 ft) for a 12 AWG conductor. c.

What is a 20 amp branch circuit?

210-23(a) 15- and 20-Ampere Branch Circuits A 15- or 20-ampere branch circuit can supply lighting units, other utilization equipment, or a combination of both. The rating of any one cord-and-plug-connected piece of utilization equipment must not exceed 80 percent of the branch-circuit ampere rating.

What are the classification of branch circuit?

Branch circuits are divided into four categories: appliance, general purpose, individual and multiwire (see Figure 1). With the exception of branch circuits that supply only motor loads, requirements for branch circuits are in Article 210.

How many branch circuits are required in a home?

BRANCH CIRCUITS General Lighting Circuits: General lighting loads in single-family residences shall be divided into not less than three (3) circuits and shall be balanced as nearly as possible. Circuits may be of either 15 or 20 amp capacity or may be mixed. six-feet (6') from a receptacle.

Is a dedicated circuit a branch circuit?

A dedicated circuit is designed to ensure enough power is available for a specific appliance without overloading the system. The term “dedicated circuit” is a layman's term for what the National Electric Code or NFPA 70 calls an “individual branch circuit.”

What are the 4 types of circuit?

The main types of electric circuits are Close Circuit, Open Circuit, Short Circuit, Series Circuit, and Parallel Circuit. Electric circuit provides the conductive path for the flow of electric charge or electric current.

What are the 5 main circuits?

Types of Electric Circuit- Closed circuits, open circuits, short circuits, series circuits, and parallel circuits are the five main types of electric circuits.

What are the 2 types of circuit?

There are two types of circuit we can make, called series and parallel. The components in a circuit are joined by wires. If there are no branches then it's a series circuit. If there are branches it's a parallel circuit.