I came across this panel during a 4-point inspection, and it looks like an obvious defect to me—a double-tapped breaker feeding a pool pump. From what I can see, the breaker isn’t rated for two conductors, which would make this improper wiring.
That said, before my clients potentially get dinged on a 4-point, I want to get some other opinions. Is there any situation where this setup would be acceptable, or should I definitely call it out?
Yes, I would write it up as a double tapped breaker.
it clearly has both conductors under the same clamp and not individual ears like a properly rated double tapped breaker. i say clearly although it isn’t exactly clear, ge doesn’t have double tapped rated breakers in my limited experience.
I appreciate the input. This is definitely something I would call out in a standard home inspection, but I was a little hesitant on a 4-point since I don’t want my clients to risk being denied coverage—especially with how tough it is to find good insurance in Florida. Sounds like it’s the right call to note it, though.
Thanks again for the feedback!
Just report what you see. They wont get denied coverage. Most agents will not even submit the report until corrections are made. They will just need to fix the double tap, which is pretty simple to do, and then update the report accordingly. I come across tons of homes that need to be re-piped due to PB or when everyone needed to change out their panels because the were challanger. Most home owners want there home to be safe and are grateful when they are made aware of these things. As far as I know Square D are the only panels that may be rated for 2 wires at a breaker and you should be able to see the individual terminations at the breaker. Just something to keep an eye out for.
Square D is not the only breaker brand that is listed for 2 conductors.
The Challenger panels did not need to be replaced. Eaton BR breakers could have been installed.
Some Cutler Hammer
I just did a bit of on line research:
I wish I had a picture from a Cutler Hammer panel double tap from last week: It was a tan handle color CH series breakers that are approved for double tap. Unlike Square D, it did not have the “W” type clamp under the screw. Instead, it had a large sized screw head. It was inspected by the State Board of Electricity. Does anyone have a close up picture of the CH series breaker at the screw where the conductor is connected? I’m going to have to pay closer attention to the CH series breaker next time.
Found it:
Edit: Oops, maybe this one does not allow double tap, despite being CH. Read the linked thread. Still confused, although this is the type I saw last week. Should have called it, I suspect.
Edit again: Or maybe it is designed for double tap. Still not sure, for sure.
Yep. Those are very rare in my area, but I knew they were out there.
So besides those and the Square D’s, does anyone know of any other breakers approved for two conductors?
Yes, I concur.
CH breakers with the plastic feet are the ones that allow two conductors. The one in your photo with the metal feet do not. Here is a better link.
GE OCPD. Double tapped. Call it out.
Sorta. NEC 300.14 says 6 inches of free conductor(Yes, I had to look up the cite, but I know it’s 6 inches). That seems a bit short. Also as long as it’s not a MWBC sharing a neutral that can be overloaded, it’d be ok too.
Yeah, most everyone here knows there’s always exceptions, (including more that you didn’t even mention.
My point being, it’s (most of the time) an easy repair and NOT a major issue to deal with!
Agreed.
I wonder if anyone has done a study on a pigtailed SPD vs a double tap. I suspect there’s some loss in capacity, but probably not enough to make the SPD useless.
The 6 inches is not limited to the pigtail alone. The entire length in the panel counts towards the 6 inches.
