Is a handle tie enough for a multiwire branch circuit?

Yes. NEC 240.15(B)(1) permits individual single pole breakers with identified handle ties to protect the ungrounded conductors of a multiwire branch circuit, which satisfies the simultaneous disconnect requirement in 210.4(B).

Do I have to pigtail neutrals on a multiwire branch circuit?

Yes. NEC 300.13(B) requires that the continuity of the grounded conductor not depend on device connections in multiwire circuits, so the neutral must be spliced and pigtailed rather than run through the receptacle.

Does a multiwire branch circuit have to be grouped at the panel?

Yes. NEC 210.4(D) requires the ungrounded and grounded conductors of each multiwire branch circuit to be grouped at least once at the point of origination unless grouping is obvious from the cable or raceway.

Do multiwire branch circuits need a common trip breaker?

The code requires simultaneous disconnect, not common trip. Those are two different things and mixing them up is the most common misread of Section 210.4(B).

What 210.4(B) actually says

Section 210.4(B) of the 2023 NEC states that each multiwire branch circuit shall be provided with a means that simultaneously disconnects all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates. The informational note points to 240.15(B) for the acceptable devices. Simultaneous disconnect means that when you operate the handle, every hot on that shared neutral opens at the same time. It says nothing about what happens on an overload.

Section 240.15(B)(1) allows individual single pole circuit breakers with identified handle ties to protect each ungrounded conductor of a multiwire branch circuit. So two single pole breakers with a listed handle tie is fully compliant. A two pole common trip breaker is also compliant and is usually easier, but it is not the only legal answer.

Handle tie has to be identified

Identified in this context means the tie is listed for use with that breaker, per 110.3(B). A nail, a screw, a zip tie, or a handle tie borrowed from another manufacturer does not count. Every major panel maker sells a handle tie kit for a few dollars. Use theirs.

Why the rule exists

On a multiwire branch circuit two hots from opposite legs share one neutral, and the neutral carries only the imbalance. If you open one hot and leave the other energized, the neutral is still a current carrying conductor. A technician who lifts that neutral thinking the circuit is dead takes the full load current through their body. The simultaneous disconnect rule guarantees that killing the handle kills every hot sharing that neutral.

The other three parts of 210.4

Section 210.4(A) permits multiwire branch circuits only where all conductors originate from the same panelboard or distribution equipment. Section 210.4(C) restricts a multiwire branch circuit to supplying only line to neutral loads, with two exceptions covering a circuit supplying only one utilization equipment and a circuit where all ungrounded conductors are opened simultaneously by the branch circuit overcurrent device. Section 210.4(D) requires the ungrounded and grounded conductors of each multiwire branch circuit to be grouped by cable ties or similar means at least once at the point of origination, unless the circuit enters from a cable or raceway where grouping is obvious.

Separately, Section 300.13(B) requires the continuity of the grounded conductor to not depend on device connections in multiwire circuits. That is why you pigtail the neutral at every receptacle on a multiwire branch circuit rather than running it through the device.

Field takeaway

Two single pole breakers plus a manufacturer handle tie is legal. A two pole breaker is legal and cleaner. What is never legal is two loose single pole breakers with nothing tying them together. Add the grouping tie at the panel and pigtail every neutral and the circuit will pass.