Double Tap

[Strombea]

Where in the NEC does it specifically talk about 'Double Tapped' Neutrals and grounding conductors? (residential Panels)

The AHJ tells me that neutrals cannot be double tapped, or that a neutral and ground cannot be set together. Thus a buss bar will need to be added because there are more breaker slots than neutral and ground bus holes.

At least each circuit's neutral wire and ground wire should be able to be tapped in the same hole.

I understand that the 'hot' wire is not to be double tapped. this post refers to the neutrals and grounds in a "romex" type residential panel make up.

 

[GoldDigger]

In general, even though the neutral and ground bus bars and screws may be identical in design, the NEC does not want double wiring a single screw for neutral but does allow it, if the manufacturer is OK with it, for ground. Among other things, neutrals normally carry current and so are subject to thermal cycling at the screw, unlike the grounds.

 

[iwire]

The grounded conductors (neutrals) specifically

408.41 Grounded Conductor Terminations. Each grounded
conductor shall terminate within the panelboard in an individual
terminal that is not also used for another conductor.

Exception: Grounded conductors of circuits with parallel
conductors shall be permitted to terminate in a single terminal
if the terminal is identified for connection of more
than one conductor.

And as is always the case the terminal must be used per it's listing, the terminal would have to be marked as suitable for one conductor.

110.14 Electrical Connections.

(A) Terminals. Connection of conductors to terminal parts
shall ensure a thoroughly good connection without damaging
the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure connectors
(including set-screw type), solder lugs, or splices to
flexible leads. Connection by means of wire-binding screws or
studs and nuts that have upturned lugs or the equivalent shall
be permitted for 10 AWG or smaller conductors.

Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals
used to connect aluminum shall be so identified.

 

[ActionDave]

Where in the NEC does it specifically talk about 'Double Tapped' Neutrals and grounding conductors? (residential Panels)

The AHJ tells me that neutrals cannot be double tapped, or that a neutral and ground cannot be set together. Thus a buss bar will need to be added because there are more breaker slots than neutral and ground bus holes.

At least each circuit's neutral wire and ground wire should be able to be tapped in the same hole.

I understand that the 'hot' wire is not to be double tapped. this post refers to the neutrals and grounds in a "romex" type residential panel make up.

We all used to do it, but the truth is it never was really allowed. The prohibition was buried in the panel manufactures specs. A few code cycles ago the NEC added an exclamation mark to make things clear.

iwire posted the code reference; your inspector is correct. Add a buss for your equipment grounds, overall it's a better installation.

 

[zog]

Zombieland rule #2

 

[augie47]

"I understand that the 'hot' wire is not to be double tapped."

a little added FYI. If allowed by the manufacturer, and it normally is, more then one conducutor can be terminated on a breaker.

 

[GoldDigger]

"I understand that the 'hot' wire is not to be double tapped."

a little added FYI. If allowed by the manufacturer, and it normally is, more then one conducutor can be terminated on a breaker.

Unless it is the neutral wire on a GFCI or AFCI breaker?

 

[Strombea]

Thank You for your responses!!!!!

Thank You for your responses!!!!!

I got it now and appreciate your great wisdom to all you senior members!!!!

Maybe square D will start putting in the correct amount of set holes for there twin breakers

 

[Strombea]

Zombieland rule #2

haha thanks!!

 

[Greg1707]

free spaces in ground or neutral bar

free spaces in ground or neutral bar

If you just need to free up a few spaces it is possible to remove a number of equipment grounds and splice them together. Just make sure the pigtail is the largest size conductor. That is, if you have a number of 14s and 12s extend the number 12 to the terminal bar.

 

[kwired]

If you just need to free up a few spaces it is possible to remove a number of equipment grounds and splice them together. Just make sure the pigtail is the largest size conductor. That is, if you have a number of 14s and 12s extend the number 12 to the terminal bar.

Or possibly double up some of the EGC's freeing up spaces for the neutral conductors.

 

[Smart $]

If you just need to free up a few spaces it is possible to remove a number of equipment grounds and splice them together. Just make sure the pigtail is the largest size conductor. That is, if you have a number of 14s and 12s extend the number 12 to the terminal bar.

Or possibly double up some of the EGC's freeing up spaces for the neutral conductors.

Can also do this with neutrals of circuits permitted to be MWBC... but the handle tie requirement will kick in.

For EGC's I'd consider installing [another] grounding terminal bus.

 

[don_resqcapt19]

"I understand that the 'hot' wire is not to be double tapped."

a little added FYI. If allowed by the manufacturer, and it normally is, more then one conducutor can be terminated on a breaker.

I thought that only Square D and one of the Eaton lines permitted two conductors on their breakers.

 

[kwired]

I thought that only Square D and one of the Eaton lines permitted two conductors on their breakers.

Not certain about Eaton, but the Square D both QO and Homeline only have this provision for 30 amp and less units, 35 amp and up use a different style termination and is only designed for a single conductor.