double lugging

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peteo

Senior Member
Location
Los Angeles
Hi, first time posting. If my questions are not okay please move or delete...
First question. Query this forum is not really for other topics (alarms, NFPA 79, 664, etc)...
Second question. Had four small stores last year with one long room each, and the tenant's panel in the back. General wanted receptacles along both walls. I wired 'left' and 'right' side 3 wire outlets along the walls, thinking 'alternate' circuits would be more reliable than circuit 1 on the left and circuit 2 on the right side. Ended up with practically duplicate 3 wire runs at the panel, wired with c/b 1 & 3 supplying, respectively, half the receptacles each. Inspector glanced at the two wires in the breakers and said, "No double lugging." So I ran out and added a couple breakers for that job, quick and easy.
Some lugs are, of course, listed for two wires but my inspector didn't even stop to think about that, which is fine. Any input about this? One option could be to use a double wire ferrule in the panel...

[ January 18, 2006, 05:29 PM: Message edited by: peteo ]
 
Re: double lugging

If the breaker is not listed for more than one conductors a properly sized wire nit with a pigtail to the breaker is fine.
 
Re: double lugging

You could have made a pigtail. That would have saved you a couple breakers.

Square D Homeline and QO series breakers are designed for two conductors. Most other breakers are not.
 
Re: double lugging

Originally posted by peteo:
Hi, first time posting.

Welcome to the Forum.


First question. Query this forum is not really for other topics (alarms, NFPA 79, 664, etc)...

There is a Low Voltage Section.


Second question.
Some lugs are, of course,listed for two wires


CH and QO are.

but my inspector didn't even stop to think about that, which is fine.

Not with me. I would show him, or explain it to him.

Any input about this? One option could be to use a double wire ferrule in the panel...

Use a wire nut and pigtail.
Even though we use CH, we do not 'double lug'. We would pigtail.
 
Re: double lugging

Originally posted by peteo:
. . . my inspector didn't even stop to think about that, which is fine. Any input about this?
Yes. If you have breakers rated for two, you pull one out and show him the markings.
 
Re: double lugging

Look at a map, and then you'll thunk yourself on the forehead. :D

I always heard CA referred to as the "left coast", but I always thought it was more political than not. :p
 
Re: double lugging

Right coast here, still waiting for some of the traffic to die down before I leave. If I'm not out by 5:30 I wait til 9:30.
 
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