Double Tapped Breakers

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Here is another situation I come accross quite frequently, double tapped breakers.


Can anyone tell me why it is not ok to double tap breakers inside the electric panel? This is of course assuming you have the correct size wires and breaker. (14 gauge wires and 15 amp breaker and so forth)

For the life in me, I can not see what the difference would be having them junctioned together outside the panel in a junction box or directly to the breaker.


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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So no one can answer this one either. Are you sure you guys really are home inspectors.


The only reason I could think of would be a problem with the room in the panel and the amount of wires it can legally hold according to NEC codes. Anyone remember the formula?


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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Joe is this a quiz or a question? (just kidding!)


I believe that a double connection is allowed providing the breaker is designed for it. I believe the GE and Square D make versions of these breakers.

Your thoughts?

Joe


--
Joe Farsetta

Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Well Joe I have to claim ignorance on this one. I really do not know if they make breakers that can be doulbe tapped. It is worth looking into, so thanks.


I think I will try MikeHolt.com Maybe they can tell me something.

Joe Myers


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: rwills
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Each breaker is designed to handle a certain electrical load. If the circuit is double-tapped or, double lugged, (having more than one wire attached to it), then it will not be able to handle the load when it is required. This could be responsible for wires pulling away from the screw (lug), cause overheating, and in some instances, fires. Square-D is the only one I know of that has breakers that can do this However, they do not call it double lugging…Bob



Bob Wills - MAB Chairman


BW Inspection Services


Warminster, Pa.


http://www.bwinspections.com

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Ok, just so I have this straight. I am talking about placing two wires under the same lug on a single breaker. I know of double breakers (twin breakers) which fit into a single place on the panel. Are we all talking about the same thing?


Joe Myers


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: rwills
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Joe, Yeah, you’re on the same page! 2 wires tapped into 1 usually 15-20AMP circuit is called double lugged or (double tapped in HI lingo). Breakers with one switch are single pole and 2 switches are double pole circuit breakers.



Bob Wills - MAB Chairman


BW Inspection Services


Warminster, Pa.


http://www.bwinspections.com

Originally Posted By: John Davco Jr.
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Joe,


Square D is the only double lug (two Wires on one single breaker) UL approved.This has to to do with current and temperture rating of connection point.


Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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Jack,


Correcta-mundo. I thought that GE made one, as well. No?

What series / part # on Square D is available (if you know). Square D has a pretty good Web site. It would be really good info to get ahold of...

Joe F


--
Joe Farsetta

Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Joe F…LMAO…correrta-mundo!!


It would stand to reason that the electrician working on the panel would know this is illegal and replace the single breaker with a twin breaker. I know the twin breakers can get pretty expensive but look at the alternative....arcing, fire, loose wires shorting, damage expensive electronic equipment on this circuit......

Now everyone knows better.......at least everyone but BEN, he is still learning to read and write! :P

Joe Myers


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: John Davco Jr.
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Joe F,


Square D breaker QO series and QOB series,HomeLine are rated UL listed 2 wire.


Jack.


Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Jack,


When they are rated for 2 wires does it state this on the breaker?

Joe Myers


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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Jack,


You're good...

Joe F


--
Joe Farsetta

Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

Originally Posted By: John Davco Jr.
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Joe F,


Thanks for the complement, just passing on information useful to all. Hope it helps.


Jack.


Originally Posted By: John Davco Jr.
This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.



Joe M,


The breaker is not marked for 2 wire as far as I know. This information was passed on to me from a electrical inspector. Wire in a panel can be wire nutted together then a single wire run to the breaker. This removes that 2nd wire off the breaker. There is a limit on the number of tandem breakers a panel can hold or have installed.

Jack.


Originally Posted By: jmyers
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You would think if UL was going to ok these breakers for use with two wires they would at least make the manufacturer mark them as such. Any way…thanks for the information.


Joe Myers


--
Joe Myers
A & N Inspections, Inc.
http://anii.biz

Originally Posted By: Daniel Keogh
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I think your right about that joe but its just like water heaters, condensers , and furnaces, why doesn’t the manufacture just stamp a date on te equipment in plain view for all to see. But back to the breakers, the Square D breakers ( QO and QOB) have a small metal plate under the srew so that a wire can be secured on both sides of te screw. look closely next time you will see it.


Originally Posted By: jfarsetta
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One thing that I ALWAYS call out is a splice of any kind in the electrical panel. Technically, it is not a junction box, and should have clean runs to ground, neutral, and breaker. No wire nuts. I call it out as a minor defect, and suggest calling a licensed electrician.:cool:



Joe Farsetta


Illigitimi Non Carborundum
"Dont let the bastards grind you down..."

Originally Posted By: Bill Emelander
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I recently attended a training class put on by Square D. I asked them the double tapping question. Their reply was that Square D has made breakers that will allow double taping so that when the NEC is changed to allow double taping they will be ahead of the game. They claim the only allowable double tapping at this time is the addition of a Whole House Surge protection.:wink:


Originally Posted By: jmyers
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Hey Dan you found us again…WOO WOO!!


Thanks for the info...I will take a good look the next time I come accross one. With my work schedule I may not get another job till next year! ![icon_smile.gif](upload://b6iczyK1ETUUqRUc4PAkX83GF2O.gif)

Anyway...Thanks for the great insight Bill. Welcome aboard!! I have never found anything in the NEC codes that pertains to double taps. Since it came almost from the horses mouth...I will have to take Square D's word on that one. After all if they do not know what they are talking about who the HE** is left to trust.

Joe Myers