Molly Ayala
In electrical terms, a 'yoke' is a term used to refer to the metal mounting strap of a receptacle. A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other device on the same yoke, while a multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke. The term 'yoke' is commonly used in the NEC (National Electrical Code) but is not directly defined in it.
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What You'll Learn
Yoke's meaning in electrical terms
The term "yoke" is frequently used in electrical terminology, especially in the NEC (National Electrical Code). However, there is no formal definition provided in the NEC for the term. According to electrical professionals, a "yoke" can refer to a metal strap or a clamp that holds two parts together.
In the context of electrical devices, a "yoke" specifically refers to a metal strap or a similar piece that embraces and holds two parts in position. This is often seen in duplex receptacles, where a break-off tab is used to serve them from two different hot wires, also known as a "split-wire" receptacle. In this scenario, the two hot wires must be disconnected simultaneously, requiring the use of a two-pole breaker or single-pole breakers with an approved handle tie.
The NEC also uses the term "yoke" in various sections, such as Section 210.7, which discusses multiple branch circuits. This section mentions the need to simultaneously disconnect ungrounded conductors supplying devices on the same yoke. Another example is Section 220.14, "Other Loads – All Occupancies," where the minimum load for receptacle outlets is calculated, including single and multiple receptacles on one yoke.
Understanding the term "yoke" is crucial when applying the electrical code. It is important to note that the usage of "yoke" in electrical terminology may vary regionally or generationally, similar to other slang terms used in the electrical industry.
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Yoke in the NEC
The term "yoke" is used frequently in the NEC (National Electrical Code) but there is no formal definition of the term. The yoke of a receptacle is the frame, or metal portion of the receptacle that is used to mount a device to the outlet box. While not prevalent, there are non-metallic yokes.
In dwelling units, a multiwire branch circuit supplying more than one device or piece of equipment on the same yoke must be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors at the panel board where the branch circuit originated. This is important to understand when applying the Code.
The yoke is often metal, with holes for two captive mounting screws, and should be grounded if a grounding conductor is present. A light switch in a single-gang junction box has a single yoke. Receptacles (in North America) are often manufactured in a pair of two outlets on a single yoke, which can be installed into one single-gang junction box.
A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke. A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke. In the case of two branch circuits supplying a single yoke, one branch circuit may feed the top single contact device and the other the lower single contact device.
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Yoke in receptacles
In electrical terms, a yoke is a clamp or a similar piece that holds two parts together. In the context of receptacles, a single receptacle refers to a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke or strap. On the other hand, a multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke or strap.
In North America, receptacles are often manufactured as a pair of two outlets on a single yoke, which can be installed into a single-gang junction box. This is known as a duplex receptacle, and it is considered a multiple receptacle as it has two receptacles on the same yoke.
The NEC (National Electrical Code) uses the term "yoke" in various sections, including those related to receptacles. For example, Section 210.7 of the 2011 NEC mentions "multiple branch circuits" and the need to simultaneously disconnect ungrounded conductors for devices on the same yoke. This is important for safety, especially when dealing with multi-wire branch circuits, as it ensures that all conductors can be disconnected at the same time.
The GE UltraPro Duplex Heavy-Duty Receptacle is an example of a duplex receptacle with a reinforced yoke. It has two grounded AC outlets and a 125VAC/15A maximum electrical rating, making it suitable for powering household appliances, electronics, and tools. The reinforced yoke in this product offers superior performance and reliability.
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Yoke in wiring devices
In electrical terms, a yoke is a clamp or similar piece of equipment that holds two parts together. In the North American electrical code, the National Electrical Code (NEC), a yoke is defined as a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug. A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke, while a multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
The term yoke is commonly used in the NEC, featuring at least 20 times in the 2011 edition. It is important to understand what a yoke is and how it relates to receptacles, as they are referenced in various sections of the Code. For example, in Section 210.7, which states that where two or more branch circuits supply devices or equipment on the same yoke, a means to simultaneously disconnect the ungrounded conductors supplying those devices must be provided at the point at which the branch circuits originate. This is important for safety, as it ensures that all conductors can be disconnected in the event of an issue.
In dwelling units, a multiwire branch circuit supplying more than one device or piece of equipment on the same yoke must be able to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors at the panel board where the branch circuit originated. This is another important safety measure. Yokes are often made of metal and have holes for two captive mounting screws, and they should be grounded if a grounding conductor is present.
In terms of wiring devices, a yoke is a type of mounting hardware that connects screw terminals. They are also referred to as straps, and the connection between the screw terminals is called a tab. Yokes or contact devices can be used with supporting screws to create a bond between the device yoke and flush-type boxes, ensuring proper grounding and enhancing safety in electrical installations.
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Yoke in branch circuits
In electrical terms, a yoke is a metal mounting structure for a device, such as a switch, receptacle, or pilot light. It is also called a strap and is used to unite two parts in position. In the context of branch circuits, a yoke plays a crucial role in ensuring the safe and proper functioning of electrical devices and equipment.
Branch circuits are the most commonly installed circuits, and they consist of the conductors between the final overcurrent protection device (OCPD) and the receptacle outlets, lighting outlets, or other outlets. Multiwire branch circuits, a type of branch circuit, have more than one ungrounded conductor sharing a common grounded (neutral) conductor. These circuits offer benefits like reduced material usage and lower circuit voltage drop, leading to cost savings.
When it comes to yoke in branch circuits, the National Electrical Code (NEC) provides specific guidelines. According to Section 210.7 of the NEC, if two or more branch circuits supply devices or equipment on the same yoke, it is mandatory to provide a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors supplying those devices. This requirement is crucial for safety, as an interruption in the continuity of the grounded (neutral) conductor of a multiwire circuit can lead to over- or undervoltage, potentially causing fires or damaging electrical equipment.
To comply with NEC requirements, it is essential to understand the configuration of receptacles, which are contact devices installed at outlets for the connection of attachment plugs. A single receptacle is defined as a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke, while a multiple receptacle refers to two or more contact devices on the same yoke. In dwelling units, multiwire branch circuits supplying devices or equipment on the same yoke must be designed with a means to simultaneously disconnect all ungrounded conductors at the panel board where the branch circuit originated.
It is worth noting that the term "yoke" is used frequently in electrical terminology, but there is no formal definition provided by the NEC. However, understanding its meaning and application in branch circuits is vital to ensure safe and effective electrical installations and compliance with relevant codes and standards.
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Frequently asked questions
In electrical terms, a yoke is a clamp or a similar piece that holds two parts together. It is most commonly used to refer to two parts of a duplex receptacle.
A duplex receptacle is a type of multiple receptacle that has two receptacles on the same yoke or strap.
A receptacle is a contact device installed at the outlet for the connection of an attachment plug or for the direct connection of electrical utilization equipment.
A single receptacle is a single contact device with no other contact device on the same yoke.
A multiple receptacle is two or more contact devices on the same yoke.
