Wanted: Good MWBC (multi-wire branch circuit) Diagram

[ruecker (Ryan Uecker)]

@jjonas

Like the mentality of Minnesotans vs New Yorkers?? .

Maybe it’s a Minnesotan thing? Lol.
My clients are typically very inquisitive at the walk-through. Some of these more complicated issues can take a long time to go over on-site.

[rkenney (Robert (Bob) Kenney, CMI® MD Lic.# 31044)]

Doncha know!

[bcawhern1 (Brian Cawhern, CMI)]

@ruecker

explain the MWBC missing handle tie situation.

I look at it like this: These breakers needs a handle tie. The lack of a handle tie does not offer important safety protection. Move on.

The illustration in the report will not hurt and it may help, I dunno. But you will look super smart

[ruecker (Ryan Uecker)]

@bcawhern1

But you will look super smart .

Hey, I need all the help I can get!

[lhenderson2 (Lon Henderson, CMI)]

Nice illustration.
As a general note, explanations for things that are right are rarely needed or those conversations are short. It’s the things that are wrong with very inquisitive clients, that can push us into lengthy essays and deep into our “well of knowledge”. I had a four-hour inspection yesterday on a house that should have only taken 2.5-3 hours. But that is our business.

[ruecker (Ryan Uecker)]

Thanks so much for the graphic @rmayo . I used it in a report today!
Just curious, I always call it a “handle tie”. Is “tie handle” used by some, or is that a whoopsie?

[tglaze (Thomas Glaze)]

“Hot water heater”…

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

@ruecker

Thanks so much for the graphic @rmayo . I used it in a report today!
Just curious, I always call it a “handle tie”. Is “tie handle” used by some, or is that a whoopsie?

The NEC uses the term handle ties.

240.15(B)(1) Multiwire Branch Circuits.
Individual single-pole circuit breakers, with identified handle ties, shall be permitted as the protection for each ungrounded conductor of multiwire branch circuits that serve only single-phase line-to-neutral loads.

[srechkin (Simon Rechkin)]

Now you need a graphic explaining why a handle tie is required and why the breaker must be on leg A and B. Also a graphic showing what can happen to plugged-in equipment when neutral is lost at the panel or somewhere upstream of several receptacles of a MWBC (I hope you know this one); your clients should know this probably more than why a handle tie is needed.

[ruecker (Ryan Uecker)]

@srechkin

Now you need a graphic explaining why a handle tie is required and why the breaker must be on leg A and B. Also a graphic showing what can happen to plugged-in equipment when neutral is lost at the panel or somewhere upstream of several receptacles of a MWBC (I hope you know this one); your clients should know this probably more than why a handle tie is needed…

Maybe someday! I don’t want to throw them at Randy too fast, lol. He might block me! He sure knocked this one out of the park though.

[rmayo (Randy Mayo, P.E.)]

Ryan, Changed Tie Handle to Handle Tie

[ruecker (Ryan Uecker)]

@rmayo

Ryan, Changed Tie Handle to Handle Tie…

Thank you Randy!

[rmeier2 (Robert Meier)]

Very nice graphic Randy.

[rthornburg (Ray Thornburg)]

Thanks for the illustration.

[lhenderson2 (Lon Henderson, CMI)]

Randy,
I know you have mentioned it before, but what software are you using for these illustrations and how long did it take you to make this one?