Originally Posted By: jtedesco This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Scott:
Yes, but I cannot find it now. The type of breaker that will permit two wires has that information on the side of the breaker, and has two termination positions where the screw is found.
I am pretty sure I posted a picture of one here a while back.
Originally Posted By: Greg Fretwell This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This is a picture I took to show the temperature ratings of various QO breakers but you can see the 20a single pole on the left is identified for 2 conductors.
I may have a better picture. There is also a tiny label in the wiring pocket that says it is OK for 1 or 2 conductors.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Here is another picture of a Square-D breaker rated for two wires. Cutler Hammer also has a series of similar breakers.
Note that the make/model of the breaker is not that important [to a home inspector]. The important thing to remember is that a breaker rated for 2 wires will have individual slots/groves for each wire, so that there will not be wire-to-wire contact.
Also, there is some concern with possible nuisance trips on these types of breakers if both circuit wires are more heavily loaded.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
Originally Posted By: mpettitt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
This is a question I never seem to get quite straight. If you see a 15 or 20 amp breaker rated for two wires and it has two wires, what should you report. If one wire is just a doorbell transformer I don’t mention it, but what if they are two normal household circuits.
Originally Posted By: jpope This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
mpettitt wrote:
If you see a 15 or 20 amp breaker rated for two wires and it has two wires, what should you report.
You would report nothing.
If two wires are connected to a circuit breaker listed for one, you would report. . . Multiple conductors connected to a breaker listed for only one conductor.
Regardless of what the wires are feeding.
-- Jeff Pope
JPI Home Inspection Service
"At JPI, we'll help you look better"
(661) 212-0738
Originally Posted By: mpettitt This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
Thanks Jeff for clearing that up for me. I guess I still have to wonder if one type of breaker is rated for two conductors why not manufacture all breakers this way, saves space like piggy backs or is it because of possible nusiance trips. I’m under the asumption that the only difference between a breaker rated for one conductor verses one that is rated for two is the double clamping ability to properly hold and separate the wires.
Originally Posted By: roconnor This post was automatically imported from our archived forum.
roconnor wrote:
Also, there is some concern with possible nuisance trips on these types of breakers if both circuit wires are more heavily loaded.
mtimpani wrote:
Thats what I don't understand. If normal 15a breakers are for one wire, how do square D 15a breakers handle two wires and not trip?
Breakers can usually handle a load somewhat higher than the breaker rating, and circuit wires are usually not fully loaded. As long as both wires on the single breaker are not for circuits that would be heavy loaded at the same time, it can work out okay.
Some HI's wouldn't say anything if the breaker appears to be made for two connected wires (I would stay away from the term "listed" either way), and the wire sizes appear to match the breaker rating. However, I would tend to take a little more conservative approach, and just make a note of possible nuisance trips if both wires are for more heavily loaded circuits. Note that it is beyond a home inspection to determine the load on circuits.
-- Robert O'Connor, PE
Eagle Engineering ?
Eagle Eye Inspections ?
NACHI Education Committee
I am absolutely amazed sometimes by how much thought goes into doing things wrong
