On Fri, 22 Jan 2010 20:19:46 -0500, Wes wrote:

Bruce,

The Brits use a scheme when a branch circuit starts and ends in a breaker panel. In other
words, you feed a branch loop from both ends. This has the effect of doubling the wiring
feeding a device.

I've wired my recepts with 12ga which sucks compared to 14ga. I asked my brother that is
in the trade why 14 is popular and he told me it is because it is way easier to terminate.
I belive him. My last garage improvement project wtih 52 year old fingers didn't like
working with 12 ga.

Somewhere I read that loop wiring is illegal. Do you know where that reference is in the
NEC? If I ever run another branch string, I'd be willing to run 14 out and back if it is
legal.

As far as I know there's no specific prohibition, but there are
several restrictions on parallel conductors that would make a loop
connection unacceptable.

See Articles 300.3 and 310.4.

--
Ned Simmons