Number of wires to circuit breaker

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killer76

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I have now, been told so many different methods, and have read so many different parts of the forum, so I just better ask this,
In a load center, panel board, or safety switch, can (2) two wires be connected to the load of a single circuit breaker

In the forum, I have read that it is determined if the lug is permitted for more that one wire, and that this is a parallel circuit

However I have many electricians quoting parts of the code restricting this method, and I have not found any part telling me (2) two wires are not permitted to a breaker.

We have this application: the customer has a 20A 2P CB off it, they run a hot from both legs to a (4) four pole lighting contactor

Can someone tell me if it is not permitted and the location in the code restricting it,

Or if it is permitted and the location in the code allowing it,

Thanks
Robert
 
The number of conductors a breaker can have at it's terminal is not an NEC issue. It's a listing issue, and that would be covered under 110.3(B).

This means if the instructions say you can have two or more wires, then it's allowed. Otherwise, it's just one wire.

As for paralleling, they would need to go the the same load. If they don't it's just a splice.
 
480sparky said:
The number of conductors a breaker can have at it's terminal is not an NEC issue. It's a listing issue, and that would be covered under 110.3(B).

This means if the instructions say you can have two or more wires, then it's allowed. Otherwise, it's just one wire.

As for paralleling, they would need to go the the same load. If they don't it's just a splice.
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The manufacturers instructions that is, not the designer or engineer telling you it's OK, or even if they call it out on the drawing.
 
Square D is the only manufacturer that I know of that lists their breakers for two conductors per terminal.

When in doubt, just make a pigtail spice.
 
Peter, C-H's breakers are listed for two conductors also.

Roger
 
yeah thats what i said - why not just put a splice right off the breaker and have as many as you want. why would you carry both to the breaker
 
tyha said:
yeah thats what i said - why not just put a splice right off the breaker and have as many as you want. why would you carry both to the breaker
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Because some old timer that not read a code book in 20 years will say its illegal LOL
 
Thank you all for your help

And "pbeasley" I have this draw as so

I am old school panel wiring, and see no reason to run separate wires

However the customer is paying for it so we will verify the square d breakers will meet the listing for (2) two wires

Thanks again,

I know were to get the answers from qualified personnel
 
480sparky said:
This means if the instructions say you can have two or more wires, then it's allowed. Otherwise, it's just one wire.
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That is what I think, but I can't find any citation that supports me.

Where is it written that the instructions must explicitely allow two or more wires?
 
Mike Furlan said:
That is what I think, but I can't find any citation that supports me.
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110.3(B)
Mike Furlan said:
Where is it written that the instructions must explicitely allow two or more wires?
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It doesn't. It simply states you must install a CB according to the manufacturers' instructions.
If those instructions state that it's listed for 2 (or more) wires, then you can do so. If there''s no statement on a limit of conductors, you're stuck with just one. Or they may specifically state one conductor.
 
480sparky said:
110.3(B)


It doesn't. It simply states you must install a CB according to the manufacturers' instructions.
If those instructions state that it's listed for 2 (or more) wires, then you can do so. If there''s no statement on a limit of conductors, you're stuck with just one. Or they may specifically state one conductor.
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That's right. TO be more explicit; if you fail to follow the manufacturers installation instructions or you use the device for other function that it is listed you will violate its listing therefore in non-compliance with the Code. The AHJ still could override the Code requirements, but that is the case on all deviations and the chances are slim to no-fat......:D
 
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