Double tapping main

[Steve A. Rinner]

Is it ever ok to double tap the main lug in a panel. I alway believed this was never allowed. I have a sellers electrician telling me it is ok. something about a 35 foot rule and something about crimping? The tap goes to the AC disconnect.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks

[James H. Bushart]

Have the seller's electrician refer you to the local code that allows it.

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by srinner

The tap goes to the AC disconnect.

Very unlikely that this is a proper connection. Do you have any puctures?

[Bruce A. King]

I know someone who had a meter panel burn up due to loose double taps. The power company came out and said "not our problem, not our box, call an electrican".

She had it fixed by an electrician, the bill was quite high, they had to make a few trips, a cable was too short, it was below 15 degrees etc etc.

The owner ended up filing a complaint with the power company and getting reimbursed.
Here is why they had to pay:
1. Your name is on the box.
2. You put the anti-tamper tag on it so you must have approved the wiring.

[Steve A. Rinner]

photo. hope this helps

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by srinner

photo. hope this helps

100% violation for using a lug listed for one conductor with two conductors. Also the use of a white conductor as an ungrounded conductor is a violation as well.

110.14 Electrical Connections.
Because of different characteristics of dissimilar metals, devices such as pressure terminal or pressure splicing connectors and soldering lugs shall be identified for the material of the conductor and shall be properly installed and used. Conductors of dissimilar metals shall not be intermixed in a terminal or splicing connector where physical contact occurs between dissimilar conductors (such as copper and aluminum, copper and copper-clad aluminum, or aluminum and copper-clad aluminum), unless the device is identified for the purpose and conditions of use. Materials such as solder, fluxes, inhibitors, and compounds, where employed, shall be suitable for the use and shall be of a type that will not adversely affect the conductors, installation, or equipment.
FPN: Many terminations and equipment are marked with a tightening torque.
(A) Terminals. Connection of conductors to terminal parts shall ensure a thoroughly good connection without damaging the conductors and shall be made by means of pressure connectors (including set-screw type), solder lugs, or splices to flexible leads. Connection by means of wire-binding screws or studs and nuts that have upturned lugs or the equivalent shall be permitted for 10 AWG or smaller conductors.
Terminals for more than one conductor and terminals used to connect aluminum shall be so identified.

[Jim Port]

RM has posted the correct cite for this violation.

It is possible to employ the tap rules to do what was asked about. however, this is not the correct way to do it.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Jim Port

It is possible to employ the tap rules to do what was asked about. however, this is not the correct way to do it.

It would be nice to post a picture employing the tap rule. Do you have one?

If yes, email it to me (whis11 @ charter.net) if your member status doesn't allow picture posting.

Thanks.

[James F. McKee]

I would really like to see that picture as well....

[Jim Port]

First it would help to understand that a tap has specific rules and conditions in which they can be used. A tap by definition has its OCP at the end, not where it originates. NEC Article 240.21 will spell these out.

No personal pics but here is one from another HI forum,

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Jim Port

First it would help to understand that a tap has specific rules and conditions in which they can be used. A tap by definition has its OCP at the end, not where it originates. NEC Article 240.21 will spell these out.

No personal pics but here is one from another HI forum,

There is no image, Jim, simply the red "X" box...

[Robert Meier]

Here's a 10' tap rule compliant installation. 400 amp feeder, #6 tap conductors (minimum 10% of feeder ampacity) to 15 amp circuit breaker. The lugs on the bottom accept two conductors (double lugs) in the #6 AWG to 500 kcmil range:

[Larry D. Kage]

Thanks.

Do the lugs at the top, that are hidden, have a similar design accepting two conductors?

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by lkage

Thanks.

Do the lugs at the top, that are hidden, have a similar design accepting two conductors?

Yes, the load portion of the switch (top lugs) is factory wiring for a dimming system. The bottom portion is the feeder connection.

[Humberto Carvajal]

Nice pictures. Thanks for posting these.