[canuck52]

I live in Ontario and would like to know if it is ok by the Ontario Code to bring more than one circuit into the same electrical junction box. The situation is that I have added pot lights to a room that has an existing ceiling light, but because there are already almost 12 devices on the first ceiling light circuit, I need a new circuit for the pot lights.
I want to have a double gang light switch with one for the existing ceiling light and another for the new pot lights, but these are from different circuits. I know I obviously can't tie the neutrals or black wires together, but am concerned as to whether it is acceptable by code for two circuits in the one (double) box. I cant find reference to this in the simplified Ontario Code, and would appreciate any guidance. Thanks.

 

[Rochsolid]

Perfectly fine, as longs as you keep your neutrals separated like you stated

 

[joed]

Perfectly fine. Tie all the grounds together between the circuits.

 

[canuck52]

Thanks a lot. Nigel

 

[canuck52]

2 circuits into one jb.

Well the plot thickens. I had asked my friend the other day about this, and he talked to a friend of his who is a master electrician in Ontario. He told him that I cant bring two separate cables into the one box, and that if I wanted two circuits I have to use a 3 wire (2 hots) and take one circuit from the black wire and one from the red, and then use a tie breaker in the panel between the two circuit breakers.
Anyone know if this is correct. It does sort of make sense from a safety stand point?
Cheers

 

[joed]

Ask him for a code reference. I think he is wrong and I can not find anything in my code book.

 

[canuck52]

2 circuits into one jb

All he will tell me is that it is clearly in Section 12 of the code. I don't feel I can push him any further. If you can find any reference there I would appreciate knowing. Otherwise - I have ordered a copy of the actual code through the local library, but that will take me a while to get.
THanks

 

[joed]

I can't find something that is not there. That is why I would like to know where he is finding it.

 

[tylernt]

if I wanted two circuits I have to use a 3 wire (2 hots) and take one circuit from the black wire and one from the red, and then use a tie breaker in the panel between the two circuit breakers.

It sounds like you are describing a MWBC (Multi-Wire Branch Circuit). MWBCs share a neutral and do indeed have the restrictions your friend describes. However, it sounds like you want to have independent neutrals, so you do not have a MWBC, so those restrictions would not seem to apply.

 

[canuck52]

Thanks to both of you. I agree it does sound like he is talking about a MWBC. I am reasonably happy with how it is wired but for total peace of mind will get the actual code for my education. I am sure you gentlemen are right but if i see anything that sheds further light on it i will report back. Thanks again.