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View Full Version : Double wires on a single wire breaker


sherryidic
Aug 17, 2007, 04:09 PM
Hi,

My home inspector put the following in my inspection report and I would like to know if anyone know the possible solutions, including the lower cost ones. Also, does this create any danger or fire hazard?


* the two improper double feeds in the sub panel in the
Laundry where two wires were attached to breakers designed for one wire connection,
There was little room in the box for additional lines or
Breakers that may be required in the future."

tkrussell
Aug 17, 2007, 04:18 PM
Most breakers only allow for one wire to be inserted in the wire terminal. A short piece of scrap wire spliced and pigtailed with the two wires on the breaker will solve the problem.

If the panelboard is made by Square D, most likely the breakers will allow for two wires connect to the terminal. What brand of breaker panel do you have?

If the breaker, or any connection for that matter, is only rated for one wire and two are connected, there is a possibility for a loose connection, which can cause damaging heat.

sherryidic
Aug 17, 2007, 04:33 PM
Is it possible to replace a single wire breaker with a double wire breaker?

tkrussell
Aug 17, 2007, 04:37 PM
It would be cheaper to just splice and pigtail, even if the manufacturer has a rated circuit breaker. Depends on if the manufacturer offers a breaker rated for more than one wire.