dtontarski Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 Is there any scenario where installing (double tapping) 2-12 gauge wires on a 30-amp circuit breaker would be correct? The panel did not have an accurate circuit directory, and tracing the circuits this breaker protected was not possible. Download Attachment: Alex 038.jpg 216.3 KB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hausdok Posted June 30, 2008 Report Share Posted June 30, 2008 No. OT - OF!!! M. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sodapop Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Violation of Table 310.16 and /or 240.4(D)(5) Even though the wire is twisted together, the wire itself is still only 12/2 NM (romex). Do you have a photo of all the breakers in the panel? I won't mention the Square-D breaker in a Cutler-Hammer panel. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 It looks like the 15amp on the top right is double tapped too. Also I got a glimpse of the bus bar on the left. It looks like each neutral is sharing a terminal with a ground which is wrong. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dtontarski Posted July 1, 2008 Author Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 Thanks for the replies. Yes 3-double tapped circuit breakers in all, and the grounded conductors and ground wires are all under the same screws. I recommended a professional electrician be called in for these reasons and several other conditions I observed. (The grounded conductors and ground wires are together on 95%+ of the main service panels I inspect in this area.) This is the first time I have seen the doubled up 12 gauge wires on a 30 amp circuit breaker. I assumed it was wrong due to the fundamental reasons that both double tapping and 12 gauge on 30 amp circuit breakers are generally wrong, but no sense risking assumptions when I have this opportunity to run issues by the pros that monitor and contribute to this forum. I figured one of the seasoned pros might chime in with an obscure rule exception where this would be acceptable and enlighten us all. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Phillip Posted July 1, 2008 Report Share Posted July 1, 2008 I believe that Cutler-Hammer makes some breakers that allows 2 wires on the breaker (15 amp) The 30 amp is too large for the 12 gauge wire unless it is to a AC unit or a well pump that rated for that set up. I bet someone need 10 gauge wire and ran two 12 so they would not have to go buy some 10. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Create an account or sign in to comment
You need to be a member in order to leave a comment
Create an account
Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!
Register a new accountSign in
Already have an account? Sign in here.
Sign In Now