Sharing ground wire between two dedicated circuits


Planning to install two dedicated 20amp circuits with Romex 10/3 and 10/2 Cable. The run is about 70 feet. Have learned that the 10/3 as an insulated ground versus 10/2 which has a ground wire but it's not insulated.

Idea has been proposed to share the insulated ground from the 10/3 wire with the other 10/2 dedicated circuit. Achieves the same thing at a lot less cost? Does this make sense?

 

 

emergingsoul

Showing 1 response by gs5556

As long as both circuits originate from the same panel you can share the ground -- if your jurisdiction uses NEC 2014 or later.

Note that 10/3 Romex has three uninsulated wires (black, white, red) and a bare ground, 4 wires total. The insulated red wire you are making a ground must be wrapped with green electrical tape where visible (in the outlet box, panel or any intermediary junction box).

If you are using metal boxes, you can use the bare ground clipped/screwed to the 10/3 box and the insulated (taped green) conductor on the 10/3 receptacle ground screw. You can then tie the 10/2 ground from the 10/2 receptacle (or metal box ) to the 10/3 box.

If plastic boxes, then run the #10 insulated "ground" from receptacle screw to screw and clip the bare grounds back to the orange insulation.