The code mentions double tapped neutrals being not allowed, but the why is missing. In the breaker panels exist terminal strips for landing wiring neutrals and grounds. If we have more neutral and/or ground wire conductors than we have terminal positions, what is acceptable remedy?
Double tapped
- Thread starter Tony P.
- Start date
- Status
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
By double tapped you are referring to only one neural conductor under a terminal?
It was long a UL requirement before being added to the NEC, if you don't get this correct you will let the smoke out
First this is the correct way
It was long a UL requirement before being added to the NEC, if you don't get this correct you will let the smoke out
First this is the correct way
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
EGC can share a terminal, GC can not. Turn the power off and add an EGC bar if you need to
Tom baker,
Yes, the issue is two (2) wires going to the neutral or ground buss terminals. I get the electronics of the lifted neutral, just do not follow the why of only one wire per screw terminal. In my experience, albeit not a total experience like folks who do this everyday, all day, if the connections are made properly then they don’t loosen up.
Is the EGC bar an adder to increase terminals count?
Yes, the issue is two (2) wires going to the neutral or ground buss terminals. I get the electronics of the lifted neutral, just do not follow the why of only one wire per screw terminal. In my experience, albeit not a total experience like folks who do this everyday, all day, if the connections are made properly then they don’t loosen up.
Is the EGC bar an adder to increase terminals count?
The answer is in the hands of a NRTL not the NEC, the NEC is basically just enforcing the listing of the equipment. Besides that, loosening a double tapped egc screw will not cause the same problem as loosening a double tapped neutral screw when both are carrying a load
Roger
Roger
Last edited:
- Location
- New Jersey
- Occupation
- Journeyman Electrician
Yes the neutral bar is listed for only one neutral conductor per hole and has been listed that way for decades. The NEC added to wording directly into the code because very few knew about the listing of the neutral bar.
- Status