Originally Posted By: mhenderson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Recently, I inspected a house where the meter socket was double tapped.One set of wires went to the service panel inside, the other went to the disconnect for A/C is this allowable? I was taught double tapping is a no- no unless it was designed that way…City Inspector says it was ok,Im running into this alot & certain cities allow this while others dont…Just want some feed-back from you guys…the jury is out!!
Originally Posted By: jmyers This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Mike,
You are certainly correct about the lugs having two wires under the terminal. To my knowledge these lugs are meant to have one wire under them and I doubt they are approved for more than one wire.
While working for an electrical distributor we carried the T & B and the Ilsco brand lugs and I have never heard of any being rated for more than one wire under a single terminal.
Unfortunately I do not think this is a code issue, this would be a UL listing issue. Ultimately, the AHJ would have the final say whether this practice would be allowed.
My biggest concern with this situation would be the wires being different sizes they would certainly have a tendency to work loose. This could cause failure, shorts or arcing of the circuit. Second if the wire was damaged in between the meter and the a/c unit there would be no way to de-energize the circuit causing a safety concern.
In the very least I would request a disconnect be placed by the meter panel if this wire is exposed and venurable to damage. I would entertain the idea of an electrician re-torque this terminal at least annually.
If you have ever come accross any older fused panels you will probably notice this same setup. Sometimes they place the wires under the same lugs (load side) that supply the panel with electricity. Other times they will tap the buss. It is common and you should check the wires for proper overcurrent protection, such as breakers or fuses, for the circuit.
Originally Posted By: Robert Patterson This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Blane,
The AHJ takes precedent over the code as does the equipment label. An AHJ can adopt and amend none of, any of or all of the NEC. The NEC in itself is not a regulatory document. You have to check the AHJ and determine which Version of the NEC they have adopted and what amendmentsthey have made to it. In my little area here, there are a least 5 different Code/Amendment variations.
Originally Posted By: Blane Sparhawk This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Bob;
You are quite correct,But.
You must remember 2 things about the AHJ in any area of the country : 1. They are human and so are able to be mistaken at times . 2. The NEC is a book that is very easily misinterpreted. (something may mean something very different to 2 different readers.) This is mostly because the writers and readers are to very dissimilar group of people (lawyers as opposed to electricians, inspectors, etc)! 
Originally Posted By: jfarsetta This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Blane,
Do me a favor... re-register using your real name. We know you're very interested. Now, we need to remember you're just Blane. Ask Chris (Webmaster) if he can set it up for you.