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Electrical Inspections Contains discussions about electrical systems. This includes receptacles, panels, wiring, etc.

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Old 10/12/07, 12:05 PM
Kevin A. Richardson Kevin A. Richardson is offline
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Default Back-up Generator Installation

I wrote up three "double-taps" the other day on a home that had a whole house back-up generator. There were two 15amp and one 20amp circuit breakers that were double tapped.

My question is this: Are these double taps allowed if the second circuit is tied to the back-up generator circuit breaker panel?

Kevin
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Old 10/12/07, 12:17 PM
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Bruce M. Graham, III Bruce M. Graham, III is online now
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Default Re: Back-up Generator Installation

Kevin,
Was there a transfer switch installed?



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Old 10/12/07, 12:22 PM
Kevin A. Richardson Kevin A. Richardson is offline
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Default Re: Back-up Generator Installation

Quote:
Originally Posted by bgraham
Kevin,
Was there a transfer switch installed?
Yes, there was a transfer switch, but I am not certian if is was an automatic or manual switch.
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Old 10/12/07, 12:25 PM
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Paul W. Abernathy Paul W. Abernathy is offline
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Default Re: Back-up Generator Installation

Remember...unless the "terminal" is listed for more than a single conductor ( ie: QO or CH Brands of 30A or less ) then it is simply incorrect.

Now lets say it is a generac system with its own seperate panel and it connections via the conduit with the massive WAD of conductors....the proper method would be to splice conductors....NOT double up on breakers...

I wont go deeper than that....if you would like to know more details on generators......we can talk...but the main issue where I gather in your question is is it allowed to double tap a breaker......Not unless the terminal is listed for it.......



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Old 10/12/07, 12:32 PM
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Default Re: Back-up Generator Installation

If what I am understanding is they are really using the breaker as a junction box, if the generator comes on automatically if there is a power loss, it could be a problem. But it is not a double load, as we are used to seeing but rather a double line.
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Old 10/12/07, 12:51 PM
Kevin A. Richardson Kevin A. Richardson is offline
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Default Re: Back-up Generator Installation

Quote:
Originally Posted by pabernathy
Remember...unless the "terminal" is listed for more than a single conductor ( ie: QO or CH Brands of 30A or less ) then it is simply incorrect.

Now lets say it is a generac system with its own seperate panel and it connections via the conduit with the massive WAD of conductors....the proper method would be to splice conductors....NOT double up on breakers...

I wont go deeper than that....if you would like to know more details on generators......we can talk...but the main issue where I gather in your question is is it allowed to double tap a breaker......Not unless the terminal is listed for it.......
Thanks, Paul!

That answers my question.

Kevin
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