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    loupi01's Avatar
    loupi01 Posts: 92, Reputation: 1
    Junior Member
    		  
    #1

    May 10, 2007, 10:46 PM
    Using a 12/3 romex to provide 2 circuits in kitchen
    What are the pro and cons of using 12/3 romex for 2 kitchen appliance ciruits.
    Of course there will be a GFIC on each circuit. Can this be done using the same neutral wire?

    Thanks in advance
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    May 11, 2007, 02:36 AM
    The pro is you save the cost of one 3 wire cable compared to two 2 wire cables, plus labor. The con is if the neutral wire of the feeder ever loosens or breaks, this can cause abnormally high voltages to be delivered to the 120 volt appliances.

    A shared neutral can feed GFI outlets, just cannot use a shared neutral on the load side of a GFI device. If GFI breakers are chosen, a shared neutral will not work with two 1 pole breakers. There are 2 pole GFI breakers available, but are very expensive, in the range of $130.00 each.

    Any shared neutral must always use splices to connect to the two circuits, cannot use the screw terminals, this helps with eliminating the loose connection possibility.
    hvac1000's Avatar
    hvac1000 Posts: 14,540, Reputation: 435
    Heating & Air Conditioning Expert
    		  
    #3

    May 11, 2007, 03:17 PM
    Quote Originally Posted by tkrussell
    The pro is you save the cost of one 3 wire cable compared to two 2 wire cables, plus labor. The con is if the neutral wire of the feeder ever loosens or breaks, this can cause abnormally high voltages to be delivered to the 120 volt appliances.

    A shared neutral can feed GFI outlets, just cannot use a shared neutral on the load side of a GFI device. If GFI breakers are chosen, a shared neutral will not work with two 1 pole breakers. There are 2 pole GFI breakers available, but are very expensive, in the range of $130.00 each.

    Any shared neutral must always use splices to connect to the two circuits, cannot use the screw terminals, this helps with eliminating the loose connection possibility.

    Agree. I have always stayed away from shared neutrals.
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