Electrical – Two 20-Amp circuits in one box for outlets

circuit breakerelectrical-panelreceptacle

I would like run two 20-Amp circuits to a 2-gang box with two duplex outlets.

One duplex outlet on Phase A and the other on Phase B.

I know to keep the hots and neutral separate and that the grounds can be combined.

Is there anything special I need to do at the panel?

For example, should I use a tandem breaker with these two circuits.


Revised: 2020-June-04

More clarification to come.

All work will be inspected by the city that I live in. I want to make the inspector proud of me and my quality work. I am taking no short cuts. If the inspector makes me do it again, I'll do it again. This is how I will learn.

The work will on a 2-story unfinished 20×24 detached garage. The second floor will be a studio apartment style (for my personal use only – no renters). I plan to use the first floor for combo car-garage and workshop (car/wood/kids projects/etc.). I do not believe I will need any 240V circuit.

The idea is if I have a 120V air-compressor and 120V ShopVac running at the same time, I did not want to start tripping breakers. All the equipment would not be stationary. For example, I can move everything to one side if I need to work on a my car.

Trying to plan for a future requirement is driving me crazy. So I am trying to build in flexibility so I want have to bang my head on the floor too hard.

I had the panel upgraded to 200A Eaton Plug-on Neutral and I have currently installed plug-on neutral breaker (GFCI/AFCI combo).

Best Answer

What you're proposing is totally fine.

Let's be clear about what a yoke is. A yoke (literally) is the metal frame that holds the recep and that the 2 mounting screws go through. As long as there is only 1 circuit on that yoke, you don't need to do anything special.

So your proposal is 2 circuits, 1 per yoke, all in a 2-gang box, and that is fine.

(If you were proposing to put 2 circuits on 1 yoke, they would need to be handle-tied for common maintenance disconnect.)

I believe you are correct to run 2 separate circuits with 2 separate neutrals. They do not need any special breakering, the breakers can be anywhere. While a 2-pole breaker would be fine (and unnecessary), I recommend against tandems. You will want full-size breakers. Because, when the inspector pinches you for the breaker not being AFCI, you'll need a full space for the AFCI.