Originally Posted By: mpettitt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
I’ve seen several panels where the only defect was an improperly double tapped 15 or 20 amp breaker rated for only one wire. The second wire was from a doorbell transformer mounted correctly outside the box. Should I write it up or just ignore it. thanks
Originally Posted By: rmoore This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
One of the main reasons we write up double-taps is because of the possibility of a poor connection of one or both of the conductors at a lug that is only designed for one, and the subsequent arcing. Perhaps a doorbell transformer only draws power intermittently and isn’t likely to cause a fire hazard but what if the poor connection created is at the original conductor and circuit?
Write it up...unless of course it's a Square-D or Cutler-Hammer (CH or CHP) breaker identified for two conductors. Code if you need it is NEC 110.14(A)..."Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect aluminum shall be so identified."
-- Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com
Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
For the 15 cents worth of wire it would take to pigtail that connection and the other 5 cents for a wire nut, I would be kinda silly not to call out a breaker which is not rated for a double tap, don’t ya think?
Originally Posted By: lkage This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
jmyers wrote:
For the 15 cents worth of wire it would take to pigtail that connection and the other 5 cents for a wire nut, I would be kinda silly not to call out a breaker which is not rated for a double tap, don't ya think?
I agree...and as far as being too picky, just write it up "for enhanced safety". Most people don't argue with safety issues.
-- "I have never met a man so ignorant that I couldn't learn something from him."
Galileo Galilei
Originally Posted By: mpettitt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks everyone, thats usually what I say, not the biggest safety issue but incorrect, My thoughts are (and I tell them) any elect. safet isssue is just that a safety issue and Murphy’s law always applies.
Originally Posted By: rmoore This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
dvalley wrote:
I see 80% of doorbell transformers double tapped.
If it's the only defect in the panel, it's not a big deal. It's a lousy low voltage wire.
I simply explain to my client that it shouldn't be tapped, but it's not a defect to worry about. It will be noted, but not a biggie.
David...It is line voltage. It only becomes low voltage after the tranformer. I agree it's not a "biggie" to fix, but if you tell your client "it's not a defect to worry about." you might as well not report it at all. I'm sorry, but I think that is bad advise.
-- Richard Moore
Rest Assured Inspection Services
Seattle, WA
www.rainspect.com