I often come across these manual timers and wanted to know if running 2 or even 3 wires to the connections like this is acceptable. I know you cannot double, or triple-tap breakers, but I was wondering if the same standard applies here since there are technically no breakers.
Thanks
Keep in mind that it is not specific to breakers, or really even about the breaker itself. It is about the wire terminations and what those specific terminations are rated for. The terminations on some breakers are rated for two conductors, others for just a single conductor.
As far as the terminations in your picture, there might be some info on the sticker on the back of the cover. Do you have a picture of that?
You’re right, my mistake, I actually just read an article saying that very thing. Presumably, most breakers are rated for only 1 conductor right?
I don’t have any pictures of the back of the cover in this instance. I will be careful to check for that next time I come across this.
Yes, most breaker terminations are rated for just one conductor, especially the GFCI and AFCI breakers. But Square D has tons and tons of breakers out there where the terminations are rated for two conductors. They are by far the most installed brand around my area, so that is what I almost always see. It is easy to identify a Square D 2-conductor termination as you will see that there is a plate under the clamping screw. This plate has two “indents” in it, making it clear it can accept two wires.
Are you ever going to start paying attention while on site??
You answer was right in front of your face!!
So if I am reading that label right, you can use either one 14ga-8a wire, or 2 14ga-10ga wires here.
Yeah, Square D is very common here in southern California too, so I will keep my eye on this.
Most of the d-taps I see are almost always by homeowners, as I’m sure is the case for you too.
I see three wires for the AFCI, but they all have distinct connections for 1 black and 2 white wires.
Yep.
It is best not to make assumptions about who installed it. Many, many electricians or their helpers will install a double tap as well.
Yep.
That is a good point and duly noted. It’s easy to want to speculate as inspectors, but that is not our job of course.
In my opinion, never chime in on who might have done the work. It really doesn’t matter. Just state the facts and leave the blaming to everyone else, lol.
Looks like an Intermatic time clock. The terminals are listed for one or two conductors of the same size. As Ryan stated this information is typically located on the label.
Thank you Robert.
At least that guy installed the outdoor version.
I’ve found a number that were indoor only, but outside anyways.
Funny thing is, they all look the same inside as far as the degradation of the wires.
Here’s one I called out as an indoor unit that was outdoor. Ground was off too.
I gather that the cover label will also indicate whether the timer is an indoor or outdoor version right
Yes it should. Outdoor equipment should have a 3R rating or say outdoor. This label clearly indicated that it’s an indoor unit.
Is it just me or is it surprising to find a number of these timers labeled for indoor use? Here in Southern California, 99.9% of our pools are outside. I think I have only come across an indoor pool 1 time. If there were a mixup, I would think it was an outdoor-rated timer on an indoor pool.
You can tell by the way the lip is curled over on the outdoor units.
The indoor ones are straight(not curled) and there’s no gasket on the door.
These are timers, they can do lots of things. They often controls pools. When they are outside, they need to be in the outside housing.
They could be in a pump house that is protected from the elements too, so an inside one would work there too. The cost difference is about $30, so no one should be shocked if someone “cheats” a little and saves money.
The one I called out most recently was installed by the pool installer when the house was built. It’s been there nearly 20 years, working just fine. So they DO work, but it was rusty and gnarly inside.
Thank you for explaining that. Should this topic come up in a summary with the clients this explanation will be helpful.
Hey look Robert’s had a shock plate
