What you’re looking at: two double 30A breakers and a double 40A. I’ve zoomed in and taken another picture of the writing with the picture of what I think is a single conductor and double conductors. The single conductor image says Al/Cu (aluminum and copper)
The double conductor image shows Cu only.
Does this mean if the breaker is used as a single breaker it’s good for Al and Cu. But if it’s used as a double breaker it has to be used with Cu?
Or is it telling me I can double tap this breaker as long as it’s with Cu conductors?
1993 build, cutler hammer panel with square d breakers. 100A service. I also noticed the bonding screw was missing.
Those breakers are not designed for a double tap, so not sure why it shows the one conductor and two conductor. But I dont see a problem with that part of it.
However, if the panel is cutler hammer, I would call that out, as having all sq D breakers in it.
The bonding screw is missing, but not a problem, because they bonded it with that copper multi strand on the left side. It goes from the bus bar to the enclosure bushing at the bottom left
Thank you. I did notice the bond on the left and the bushing bond, the missing bonding screw wasn’t really that concerning. I was under the impression that square D breakers were compatible with cuttler hammer (eaton) panels?
Some breakers are compatible, but there are so many different variables. But as far as I know, SQ D is pretty picky about mixing with other brands.
Hopefully someone else will confirm, thats just from the research I have done
That circuit breaker is rated for two conductors when using the specified conductor material and size listed. From Square D.
This 2 pole circuit breaker with plug in mounting is rated 30A at 120/240 VAC. HOM breakers provide 10 kA breaking capacity. The electrical connection is a clamp terminal that will accept 2 wires. The clamp terminal will accept a wire range of 14 AWG to 8 AWG copper or aluminum wire
I thought only the breakers with two individual screws terminals could have two conductors. So do most of the clamp styles also allow double taps then? Or do you think it is only SQ D that allows that?
Not sure why the brand would matter with that style of connection…
IMO… the real problem comes in with using the wrong gauge multi-strand conductor with a saddle type clamping device… thus the other breaker style being used.
There are two different size breakers in the photo. Two 2-pole 30’s and one 2-pole 40. The 40 amp (top CB photo#1 and photo #3) would not have a plate for the attachment of two conductors. According to the info I posted from Square D the 2-pole 30 would have the plate.
Robert, when they say the clamp terminal will accept a wire range of 14 AWG to 8 AWG, can one mix and match sizes under a single clamp? In other words, could I have a 14 AWG on one side of the clamp, and an 8 AWG on the other side? This question does not pertain to the OP’s situation, but I would like to know for my own learning.
