Branch Electrical Circuits Explained

Branch Circuit Amperage . Both 120-volt and 240-volt branch circuits can vary in the amount of power they deliver—a quantity measured by amperage. Branch circuits for 120-volt circuits are usually 15-amp or 20-amp circuits, although occasionally they will be larger than that. For 249-volt circuits, the amperage is more often 30-, 40-, or 50-amps.

The red wire is usually the B phase 120V. The white wire is the neutral, providing return current for both of the A and B phase 120V. The bare copper wire is the ground. See example diagrams below. Receptacle ground connection diagram shown separately. Multi-Wire Branch Circuit Wiring Diagrams

Common Neutral Circuit; Shared Neutral Circuit; This Photo is an Example of a Multiwire Branch Circuit Preferred Wiring Diagram. This Photo is an example of a Multiwire Branch Circuit Incorrect Wiring Diagram. Why are multiwire branch circuits used? Multiwire branch circuits can offer fewer conductors, reduce the raceway size and reduce voltage ...

A Multiwire Branch Circuit (in the electrical code) is defined as a branch circuit that consists of two or more ungrounded conductors (two or more "hot" wires) that have a voltage between them (they are not on the same electrical phase and so are connected to different buses in the electrical panel), and a grounded conductor (the neutral wire) that has equal voltage between it and each ...

In the diagram above right, both phase A and B breakers or switches are open. The neutral wire on the left side of the open (comes from the panel) is 0V. The wire on the right side of the open (goes to the load) is also 0V. See Multi-Wire Branch Circuits and Open Neutral Multi-Wire Circuit for more information.

Wiring for a 15 Amp, 120 Volt Circuit Breaker. This wiring diagram illustrates installing a 15 amp circuit breaker for a 120 volt branch circuit. The 14/2 awg cable for this circuit includes 2 conductors and 1 ground wire. A 15 amp circuit is usually used for wall receptacle outlets and room light fixtures.

Multiwire branch circuits that supply devices (or equipment) on the same yoke must also be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors that supply those devices (or equipment) at the point where the branch circuit originates [210.4(B)] (Fig. 3).Dwelling unit branch circuits can supply only loads within (or associated with) the dwelling unit.

7. “W3” in catalog code = Branch circuit conductors provided for normal circuit only. The installing contractor provides and installs the branch circuit wiring for nightlight/emergency or battery packs as needed. Refer to the catalog code on the shipping label to determine the appropriate Installation Instruction page. (See Table 1)

The dishwasher circuit should be a dedicated 120/125-volt, 15-amp circuit. This 15-amp circuit is fed with a 14/2 NM wire with a ground. You may also elect to feed the dishwasher with a 20-amp circuit using 12/2 NM wire with a ground.

Electrician Circuit Drawings and Wiring Diagrams Youth Explore Trades Skills 3 Pictorial diagram: a diagram that represents the elements of a system using abstract, graphic drawings or realistic pictures. Schematic diagram: a diagram that uses lines to represent the wires and symbols to represent components.