"Puckdropper" puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote in message
...
(Doug Miller) wrote in
:

In article , Puckdropper
puckdropper(at)yahoo(dot)com wrote:
If you're running 2 120V circuits from a 12-3 cable, consider that the
neutral would have to carry twice as much current as it would in most
situations.

No, it doesn't, unless it's installed improperly. Properly installed
(with the two hot conductors on opposite legs of the service), the
current in the neutral conductor is the *difference* of the currents
in the two hots, not their sum. For example, with 11 amps on one leg,
and 7 amps on the other, the current in the neutral is 4 amps, not 18.

Bill, I'm sorry for the incorrect information.

Hey, no problem, thank you for offering your help! This 'lectricy is
interesting stuff, huh?



After much thought, I
think I can explain why Doug's right. (On opposite legs, the current
draws are going two different directions (on a plot). That's why they
subtract and not add.)


That is a helpful explanation. Thank you!

Bill



Doug, thanks for the correction.

Puckdropper
--
Never teach your apprentice everything you know.