double up wires on breakers

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jcoale

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is their code for not putting two wires under a breaker and is it unsafe.logic all you have done is increase the number of outlets but still only have the ampacity that the breaker will allow.
 
jcoale said:
is their code for not putting two wires under a breaker and is it unsafe.logic all you have done is increase the number of outlets but still only have the ampacity that the breaker will allow.
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110.3(B)

Most breakers are only listed to accept a single conductor. Some Square D and some Cutler Hammer breakers are exceptions to this rule. They allow two conductors. (They're clearly marked with a figure that's cast into the body of the breakers.)

The issue isn't the number of outlets but rather the soundness of the connection.

- Jim Katen
 
Wouldn't this also apply?

110.14 (A) "Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect aluminum shall be so identified."

'Doubling up' on a breaker is setting the stage for nusiance trips, IMO.
 
jcoale said:
is their code for not putting two wires under a breaker and is it unsafe.logic all you have done is increase the number of outlets but still only have the ampacity that the breaker will allow.
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Luketrician said:
'Doubling up' on a breaker is setting the stage for nuisance trips, IMO.
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There is no way you can say that two or more circuits supplied by one overcurrent device is unsafe or setting the stage for nuisance trips.

First as long as the breaker is sized correctly for the conductors there is no safety issue.

Second standing at the panel we have no idea what the circuits supply.

The original circuit might be lightly loaded and someone added a new home run for a few more outlets so they doubled it up.

If the breaker is not rated for two conductors you could just splice them and run one to the breaker.
 
Simply put ,2 wires are only permitted if the breaker is listed for it.Otherwise its a big NO.This not about if we think its safe but simply code compliant.Nothing wrong with a pigtail.
 
This happens occasionally when the stupid engineer places the same circuit on two sides of the panel. Splicing in the panel is OK but looks unplanned -- which is a sin.
You can tell if the terminal has a plate with two grooves with the screw in between. Or you could use a microscope and read the fine print.
~Peter
 
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