Despite the use of the term national it is not a federal law.
National electrical code branch circuits.
Electrical codes are in place to protect you the homeowner.
National electrical code nec 2011 the national electrical code nec 2011 provides guidance for electrical contractors and electricians but it is really intended for use by governmental agencies that have legal jurisdiction over electrical installations and authorized electrical and insurance inspectors the many mandatory chapters include chapter 2 wiring and protection chapter 3.
Most local codes are based on the national electrical code nec a document that lays out required practices for all aspects of residential and commercial electrical.
According to nec article 100 a multiwire branch circuit consists of two or more ungrounded conductors that have a voltage between them and a grounded conductor that has equal voltage between it and each ungrounded conductor of the circuit and that is.
National electrical code introduction 5 electrical connections 110 14 d terminal connection torque 6 ground fault circuit interrupter protection for personnel 210 8 preface 7 210 8 for personnel 8 210 8 a dwelling units 9 11 210 8 b other than dwelling units 12 18 210 8 d specific appliances 19.