# Double taps **URL:** \ **Category:** Electrical Inspections\ **Created:** [December 13, 2009, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660 "2009-12-13T01:08:08Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![btreacy](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/59ef9b/32.png) [@btreacy](https://forum.nachi.org/u/btreacy)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2009, 1:08am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/1 "2009-12-13T01:08:08Z")
Can Square D breakers be double tapped. There is a small lug that appears to be able to handle 2 wires, one on each side of the lug. ---
**Author:** ![mroberson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mroberson/32/195146_2.png) [@mroberson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mroberson)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2009, 1:15am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/2 "2009-12-13T01:15:59Z")
Some of the newer Square D Homeline breakers can be double tapped. This is how I tell the difference: Single screw, and compression = Single wire Single screw with compression plate = Double tap (not sure the actual term) > **[Square D HOM Breaker & Max Wire Size](https://forum.nachi.org/t/25757)** > > I inspected a Square D HOM 30 amp breaker with a stranded CU #8 wire for the A/C. The wire strands are split to fit under the special washer and around the screw of all three terminations (see photo) Unfortunately, I can not find my Square D HOM... In this thread, the wires are installed poorly, but you can see in the photo the crimped plate below the screw. ---
**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:** [December 13, 2009, 2:02am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/3 "2009-12-13T02:02:07Z")
This is what to look for: ![twowirebreaker (Small).jpg](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/9/7/97718489eb726358b0e2359da249e2aca127dbbc.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Port](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bc8723/32.png) [@Jim\_Port](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Jim_Port)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2009, 3:13am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/4 "2009-12-13T03:13:07Z")
The Square D QO and Homline are good for 2 conductors in the 15 and 20 amp sizes. ---
**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:** [December 18, 2009, 6:07am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/5 "2009-12-18T06:07:58Z")
> [@mroberson](#): > > (not sure the actual term) Around here (Great Lakes/Upper Midwest), we call them saddle clamps. The terminology for electrical system components is not the same everywhere so they may known by other names elsewhere. ---
**Author:** ![gwilcox](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/gwilcox/32/312_2.png) [@gwilcox](https://forum.nachi.org/u/gwilcox)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2010, 2:17am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/6 "2010-03-13T02:17:25Z")
Jim what documentation do you have on this…I have been reading online from the square d site and have not found this info yet… Thanks ---
**Author:** ![jpope](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jpope/32/59425_2.png) [@jpope](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jpope)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2010, 2:31am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/7 "2010-03-13T02:31:33Z")
> [@gwilcox](#): > > Jim what documentation do you have on this…I have been reading online from the square d site and have not found this info yet… > Thanks The listing is usually affixed directly to the breaker. When they are specifically listed for two conductors, it’s no longer referred to as a “double-tap,” unless both conductors are on the same side of the screw. The term “double-tap” is generally reserved to describe an “improper 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:** [March 13, 2010, 3:07am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/8 "2010-03-13T03:07:10Z")
In this photo, from Mark Shunk in that old thread, you can clearly see the wire sizes and connections for the square D breaker: [![](http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n277/mdshunk/P1010163.jpg) ](http://i114.photobucket.com/albums/n277/mdshunk/P1010163.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![bgraham](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bgraham/32/179260_2.png) [@bgraham](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bgraham)\ **Post date:** [March 13, 2010, 1:10pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/9 "2010-03-13T13:10:17Z")
and both wires have to be the same gauge. Had a electrician try to tell me the doorbell transformer(16 gauge strained) was ok on that 15 amp circuit with the #14 solid. Ask for his determination in writing, still don’t have it.😃 ---
**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:** [March 13, 2010, 1:16pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/10 "2010-03-13T13:16:26Z")
> [@bgraham](#): > > and **both wires have to be the same gauge**. Had a electrician try to tell me the doorbell transformer(16 gauge strained) was ok on that 15 amp circuit with the #14 solid. Ask for his determination in writing, still don’t have it.😃 Bruce do you think that’s true when you look at the installation graphic on the side of the Square D breaker in the photo? I see #14-#10 as permitted to be both landed on the breaker. Maybe I’m missing something but I don’t see any prohibition for different size conductors. ---
**Author:** ![pmassie](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/pmassie/32/100_2.png) [@pmassie](https://forum.nachi.org/u/pmassie)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2010, 1:21am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/11 "2010-03-18T01:21:24Z")
Square D single-pole. This breaker is rated for two conductors only, but many are rated for a single conductor only, so this is something to be aware of when inspecting the breaker. **Square D and Cutler-Hammer currently manufacture breakers which are UL-listed for this application.** ---
**Author:** ![bsmith](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/bsmith/32/1175_2.png) [@bsmith](https://forum.nachi.org/u/bsmith)\ **Post date:** [March 18, 2010, 2:29am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/12 "2010-03-18T02:29:06Z")
The label on the Square D breaker states that it is listed for one or two wires. ![sq d breaker label copy.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/c/c/cc79623d880e27efb19ba77e6c045d337db1b98b.jpeg) ![sq d breaker label copy.JPG](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/c/c/cc79623d880e27efb19ba77e6c045d337db1b98b.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![sgoddard](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/sgoddard/32/2021_2.png) [@sgoddard](https://forum.nachi.org/u/sgoddard)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 11:42am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/13 "2010-05-15T11:42:05Z")
What about 2 neutral wires under one screw on the ground bar or a neutral and a ground wire together under one screw ---
**Author:** ![jlevy1](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/jlevy1/32/57038_2.png) [@jlevy1](https://forum.nachi.org/u/jlevy1)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 11:49am UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/14 "2010-05-15T11:49:40Z")
> [@pmassie](#): > > Square D single-pole. This breaker is rated for two conductors only, but many are rated for a single conductor only, so this is something to be aware of when inspecting the breaker. **Square D and Cutler-Hammer currently manufacture breakers which are UL-listed for this application.** You just have to be sure that if there is a three wire home run, both hot legs are not connected to the same breaker. ---
**Author:** ![Jim\_Port](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/bc8723/32.png) [@Jim\_Port](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Jim_Port)\ **Post date:** [May 15, 2010, 2:06pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/15 "2010-05-15T14:06:15Z")
While commonly done in the past it was contrary to the UL listing. It has been spelled out now in the NEC so that the infomation is more readily available. The rule is multiple grounding conductors are typically ok, but check the panel label. Neutrals must not share, nor be grouped with another conductor. ---
**Author:** ![Brian\_A.MacNeish](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/90db22/32.png) [@Brian\_A.MacNeish](https://forum.nachi.org/u/Brian_A.MacNeish)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 1:07pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/16 "2010-05-16T13:07:32Z")
> [@Robert\_Meier](#): > > Bruce do you think that’s true when you look at the installation graphic on the side of the Square D breaker in the photo? I see #14-#10 as permitted to be both landed on the breaker. Maybe I’m missing something but I don’t see any prohibition for different size conductors. If you had a #14 and a #10 installed, how could you ensure adequate pressure and mechanical tightening on the #14? That’s why they ask for matched size conductors, so that equal pressure and holding power is on both sides of the saddle. ---
**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:** [May 16, 2010, 1:30pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/17 "2010-05-16T13:30:26Z")
> [@Brian\_A.MacNeish](#): > > If you had a #14 and a #10 installed, how could you ensure adequate pressure and mechanical tightening on the #14? That’s why they ask for matched size conductors, so that equal pressure and holding power is on both sides of the saddle. I don’t see where they ask for matched size conductors on the side of the breaker…only what sizes are allowed. ![](https://global.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/original/3X/f/3/f38285896ce50362b32165dad67fc2659bb76743.jpeg) ---
**Author:** ![mlarson](https://sea2.discourse-cdn.com/internachi/user_avatar/forum.nachi.org/mlarson/32/89225_2.png) [@mlarson](https://forum.nachi.org/u/mlarson)\ **Post date:** [May 16, 2010, 8:08pm UTC](https://forum.nachi.org/t/double-taps/44660/18 "2010-05-16T20:08:04Z")
> [@Brian\_A.MacNeish](#): > > If you had a #14 and a #10 installed, how could you ensure adequate pressure and mechanical tightening on the #14? That’s why they ask for matched size conductors, so that equal pressure and holding power is on both sides of the saddle. The little pressure plate on breakers rated for two conductors does not bind on the screw so the plate can pivot enough to clamp each conductor correctly.