On 3/11/2010 5:35 PM, Doug Braun wrote:
> Hello,
>
> I want to install an electrical outlet (the standard 120V duplex type) in a
>box where both phases (sic) are available. I have noticed that duplex
>receptacles normally have both sockets connected together, but there are
>little break-away tabs that would allow you to wire each socket independently.
> So, i was thinking of hooking up the receptacle so that each of the 120v
>phases was connected to a different socket (and of course the neutral was
>common to both).
>
Do not use a common neutral. Each outlet needs is own common return.
If you use a 20A duplex break and 12 gauge 3 wire (4th wire bare ground)
romex (rated 20A IIRC) and install 20A outlets, the two hot leads will
be protected to 20A but a common return could be carrying 40A if you
plug in 2 20A loads, twice the rating for 12 gauge.
Peter Thomas
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