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NEC rules sometimes refer to "the yoke".

For example: 1999 NEC § 210-4(b):

Dwelling Units. In dwelling units, a multiwire branch circuit supplying more than one device or equipment on the same yoke shall be provided with a means to disconnect simultaneously all ungrounded conductors at the panelboard where the branch circuit originated.

What is meant by the term 'Yoke' as used in the NEC?

Billy left SE for Codidact
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    You should really be using the modern NEC when dealing with multi-wire branch circuits. Not least it requires common maintenance shutoff on every single MWBC regardless. It also requires pigtailing of neutrals. – Harper - Reinstate Monica Feb 17 '18 at 08:30

1 Answers1

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The 'Yoke' is the structural frame of a receptacle or switch: yoke

It is often metal, with holes for two captive mounting screws, and should almost certainly be grounded if a grounding conductor is present.

Examples:

  • 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.
Billy left SE for Codidact
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  • That is a very nice picture you found. What are the two parts that look like contacts? Are they simply designed to hold the actual switch mechanism? – sleblanc Aug 18 '20 at 00:04
  • I believe the yoke pictured is for a (normal, dual) NEMA 5-15 receptacle. It is "upside down" if you're used to receptacles being installed "like faces" in a home setting. Right side up if you install receptacles the "safer modern commercial" way. The two sets of contacts are what mate with the grounding pin on a nema 5-15 plug. That's some good connectivity between them and the ground screw isn't it? – Billy left SE for Codidact Aug 19 '20 at 04:45
  • d'oh! I was stuck thinking it was a switch! Yes, there is a lot of meat connected to that switch, considering it's "not a current-carrying conductor". We're far from the tiny ground wires that, if you were lucky, used to exist in 50s and 60s North American houses. – sleblanc Aug 20 '20 at 00:00