# Double tap in cutler hammer? **URL:** \ **Category:** General Inspection Topics\ **Created:** [July 20, 2020, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050 "2020-07-20T19:37:10Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![ymartin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ymartin/32/197413_2.png) [@ymartin](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ymartin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 7:37pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/1 "2020-07-20T19:37:10Z")
Hello everyone, I have a question whether the cutler hammer breaker pictured is OK or call it out as a double tap ? I have read most of the threads on here regarding this topic but none seem to give a clear answer. If anyone has a clear answer please let me know. It’s a CH type breaker. Thank you for the help. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/b/e/beec97e60e52cba59146a5aa812060a84757d0d5.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/5/b/5bc2a5ec60ddd22e380dbf36e9de0f0d5de74c63.jpeg) ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/2/2/221d328225f82da2007f64141f8b1543bf351b02.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![afolk1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/afolk1/32/177912_2.png) [@afolk1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/afolk1)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 8:02pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/2 "2020-07-20T20:02:36Z")
From what I’ve seen only the Square D ones have the breaker set up to run 2 circuits. They will have two separate channels to support two circuits. This would be a double tap noted, further evaluation by a qualified contractor is recommended. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 8:04pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/3 "2020-07-20T20:04:34Z")
It is not okay, Yacdiel…none of those in your pictures pictures. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 8:08pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/4 "2020-07-20T20:08:32Z")
It needs to look like this: ![two wire breaker](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/d/a/daf357ba1a25ba5ae4246ee854a1cc60049d4111.jpeg) ![two wire breaker 2](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/e/9ea7dad37290a21d4c2b1a59c918d842e5ccf3cf.jpeg) And this is how you can tell on the breaker, if visible: ![Square-D-Breaker](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/a/7/a744ae211f331585b5e05bd64387f8c066ddffc0.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dmorris10](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmorris10/32/262312_2.png) [@dmorris10](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmorris10)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 10:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/5 "2020-07-20T22:10:09Z")
Excellent photo quality! That particular model breaker is not designed for 2 wires, so it is a double tap. Cutler hammer does manufacture(or previously did, do not know if they still do) a breaker that would accept 2 wires. ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 10:25pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/6 "2020-07-20T22:25:39Z")
The circuit breaker would need to be listed for two conductors to be code compliant if installed like in the photo’s. Having said that the two conductors of the same size terminated in the last photo will probably last about 100 years without failure. ---
**Author:** ![ymartin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ymartin/32/197413_2.png) [@ymartin](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ymartin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 10:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/7 "2020-07-20T22:39:46Z")
This one particularly said 1pole on the marking so I’m guessing that means it isn’t listed for 2 conductors ? I’m familiar with identifying the square D ones but I’m not sure what to look for when it comes to the cutler hammer ones. Even though what Larry mentioned helps, I’m wondering if there’s anything else on the breaker that may let me know it’s listed for 2 conductors. ---
**Author:** ![mgoldenberg](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mgoldenberg/32/89265_2.png) [@mgoldenberg](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mgoldenberg)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 11:31pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/9 "2020-07-20T23:31:23Z")
> [@ymartin](#): > > I’m guessing that means it isn’t listed for 2 conductors ? The label clearly states 1 pole unit ---
**Author:** ![gwells](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/gwells/32/417638_2.png) [@gwells](https://forum.nachi.org/u/gwells)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 11:32pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/10 "2020-07-20T23:32:31Z")
Square D breakers do not, as you said, “Run 2 circuits” or “Support two circuits” unless it is a tandem breaker. A tandem breaker, whether Square D or any other brand, will supply two circuits. ---
**Author:** ![gwells](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/gwells/32/417638_2.png) [@gwells](https://forum.nachi.org/u/gwells)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 11:39pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/11 "2020-07-20T23:39:35Z")
> [@ymartin](#): > > This one particularly said 1pole on the marking so I’m guessing that means it isn’t listed for 2 conductors ? That identifies it as being a single pole. It has nothing to do with the number of conductors it is designed to accommodate. ---
**Author:** ![ymartin](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ymartin/32/197413_2.png) [@ymartin](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ymartin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2020, 11:56pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/12 "2020-07-20T23:56:26Z")
Is there anything in particular that you are aware of that will identify the cutler hammer breakers that are rated for 2 conductors ? I have seen the square D ones like the one in the picture that clearly says it is rated for 2 conductors but I have never seen a cutler hammer one so not sure if it will be clearly marked as that one is or if there is something else that might help me identify it. ![image](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/f/d/fdf7ead8c43360d20bf310f22fcd1f6a15e3d4f8.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![dmorris10](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/dmorris10/32/262312_2.png) [@dmorris10](https://forum.nachi.org/u/dmorris10)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 12:57am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/13 "2020-07-21T00:57:36Z")
You’re right on. You have gotten great advice in this thread. Will it result in failure? Unlikely. However it is still improper and should be called out as a defect. ---
**Author:** ![ccurrins](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/ccurrins/32/225758_2.png) [@ccurrins](https://forum.nachi.org/u/ccurrins)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 1:14am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/14 "2020-07-21T01:14:32Z")
> [@afolk1](#): > > From what I’ve seen only the Square D ones have the breaker set up to run 2 circuits. > [@Cutler Hammer Breakers](https://forum.nachi.org/t/cutler-hammer-breakers/122979/11): > > Bradley, is the top breaker in the first two photos the type you have learned that allows two conductors? Panel from today had nice mixture/example of both types. metal and plastic feet. Also note conductors terminate at breakers with metal feet same as the OP photos. ---
**Author:** ![lkage](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/lkage/32/347658_2.png) [@lkage](https://forum.nachi.org/u/lkage)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 4:29am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/15 "2020-07-21T04:29:49Z")
Cutler Hammer has one style of breaker that accepts two wires at the termination, although I don’t have a solid picture of that termination. I believe it is shaped like this. (Notice that the termination is flat across the top and then curves down to accept the two wires whereas the SQ. D is straight across the termination then goes up a little and finally down…kind of like wings.) : ![2-dble tap](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/2/a/2aa9dcc1f78f70a8e3c37e6a6bd279ae186ffa14.jpeg) And they put the information on the side of the breaker…duh: ![2-dbl tap cutlerCH](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/f/9fca6b87b1eed40a97f0fc2a4c019015a832962a.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mdurst1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mdurst1/32/175086_2.png) [@mdurst1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mdurst1)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 12:20pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/16 "2020-07-21T12:20:23Z")
Good question, it is sometimes tough to get consensus on an answer, hope this helps ![2008521175722_CHbreakers](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/c/9/c9b8762c242e2ab9ec1e626218d4f53611b3ae14.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![tmoore15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tmoore15/32/57038_2.png) [@tmoore15](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tmoore15)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 1:55pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/17 "2020-07-21T13:55:52Z")
Like the others said , Only Square D is approved for such a connection. ---
**Author:** ![rmeier2](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/rmeier2/32/59909_2.png) [@rmeier2](https://forum.nachi.org/u/rmeier2)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 1:59pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/18 "2020-07-21T13:59:08Z")
Did you see the chart that Matt posted for Cutler Hammer Type CH? ---
**Author:** ![tmoore15](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/tmoore15/32/57038_2.png) [@tmoore15](https://forum.nachi.org/u/tmoore15)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2020, 2:38pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-tap-in-cutler-hammer/168050/19 "2020-07-21T14:38:11Z")
Yes and after investigation both are rated for two wires,though it is a single pole and as such both circuits cannot draw more amperage than stated on the breaker. Soooo This should be called out as having a qualified electrician to evaluate as this is beyond the home inspectors scope of work.