Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Mike,
I of course would be assuming the Anatol knows you can double tap some breakers. Even in the case of calling out the double taps he should go by his gut instincts and have it checked out by a professional, he certainly did the right thing and if I were his client I would be very happy to have him as my inspector.
You of course are assuming that if the breaker is capable of handling two wires it is ok. This is an example, rather extreme in nature but still possible. No, I have never seen or heard of this happening but the possibility is still real.
As you know the QO series breakers are capable of two wires per breaker. Take a double pole 30 amp breaker and connect two clothes dryers to it, using #10 copper wire. As long as both dryers are not running at the same time you should be ok, correct?
How about if you run the two kitchen small appliance circuits on a single pole 20 amp QO series breaker.
I have found in the case of double taps on a single breaker, most people are not aware what is on that breaker whether it is lights, receptacles, the sump pump, refrigerator, dishwasher or anything else. I would highly doubt that the person which actually installed the double tap, knows what is actually on the circuit as typically it is done when someone realizes they ran out of space or did not have enough breakers.
When there is ample room in the panel for breakers, you can bet that I am going to call out double taps, that is a given. There is absolutely no reason to have double taps in a panel with plenty of room, it is just asking for trouble.
Anatol,
Hopefully, you are a better inspector now that you did ask the right questions. It certainly will not hurt to have the anti oxidant compound on the wire, so have them put it on. The double tap is also questionable depending what is on those two wires. The big problem with the new 8000 series aluminum is that nothing is marked, so as an inspector you don't know which aluminum you have. It certainly won't hurt to have them add the anti oxidant compound.
The best advice anyone could give to you is to stand your ground. You called it for your own reasons. If someone else is willing to put it in writing that it is ok, you are humble enough to bow to the king and walk away with a clear conscience. ![icon_biggrin.gif](upload://iKNGSw3qcRIEmXySa8gItY6Gczg.gif)
Joe Myers