Originally Posted By: pdickerson
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Mark and Mike,
Yes, the only difference in a 1-pole breaker that is rated for 2 wires is that it has the ability to properly secure 2 wires at the terminal. The ampacity rating of the breaker does not come into play. Keep in mind that the job of the circuit breaker is to prevent the wires from over heating. There is no danger to the wires if more that one is properly secured to the beaker terminal. If the electrician has designed the circuits properly, then the combined load on both wires will be less than that of the breaker rating (should be 80% of that in most cases), and there will be no nuisance tripping. If the circuits have not been properly designed, than the overloaded breaker will trip, but there is no unsafe condition. The breaker has done its job. The upshot is that breakers with 2 terminals allow the electrician more flexibility, but it also allows for someone to screw up.
All of this, however is beyond the scope of a home inspection, because in most cases, there is no way for an HI to know how much load there is on the individual wires. If the wires are sized correctly and properly secured to a 2-terminal breaker, I don't write it up.