[Shop-talk] Electrical Outlet wiring question

[Peter J. Thomas]

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