Double taps

[Bruce L. Treacy]

Can Square D breakers be double tapped. There is a small lug that appears to be able to handle 2 wires, one on each side of the lug.

[Michael Roberson]

Some of the newer Square D Homeline breakers can be double tapped.

This is how I tell the difference: Single screw, and compression = Single wire
Single screw with compression plate = Double tap (not sure the actual term)

http://www.nachi.org/forum/f19/squar...re-size-26314/

In this thread, the wires are installed poorly, but you can see in the photo the crimped plate below the screw.

[Larry D. Kage]

This is what to look for:

[Jim Port]

The Square D QO and Homline are good for 2 conductors in the 15 and 20 amp sizes.

[George P. Wells, CMI]

Originally Posted by mroberson

(not sure the actual term)

Around here (Great Lakes/Upper Midwest), we call them saddle clamps. The terminology for electrical system components is not the same everywhere so they may known by other names elsewhere.

[Gerald C. Wilcox]

Jim what documentation do you have on this......I have been reading online from the square d site and have not found this info yet.....
Thanks

[Jeffrey R. Pope]

Originally Posted by gwilcox

Jim what documentation do you have on this......I have been reading online from the square d site and have not found this info yet.....
Thanks

The listing is usually affixed directly to the breaker. When they are specifically listed for two conductors, it's no longer referred to as a "double-tap," unless both conductors are on the same side of the screw.

The term "double-tap" is generally reserved to describe an "improper connection."

[Robert Meier]

In this photo, from Mark Shunk in that old thread, you can clearly see the wire sizes and connections for the square D breaker:

[Bruce M. Graham]

and both wires have to be the same gauge. Had a electrician try to tell me the doorbell transformer(16 gauge strained) was ok on that 15 amp circuit with the #14 solid. Ask for his determination in writing, still don't have it.

[Robert Meier]

Originally Posted by bgraham

and both wires have to be the same gauge. Had a electrician try to tell me the doorbell transformer(16 gauge strained) was ok on that 15 amp circuit with the #14 solid. Ask for his determination in writing, still don't have it.

Bruce do you think that's true when you look at the installation graphic on the side of the Square D breaker in the photo? I see #14-#10 as permitted to be both landed on the breaker. Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see any prohibition for different size conductors.

[pmassie]

Square D single-pole. This breaker is rated for two conductors only, but many are rated for a single conductor only, so this is something to be aware of when inspecting the breaker. Square D and Cutler-Hammer currently manufacture breakers which are UL-listed for this application.

[Bill Smith]

The label on the Square D breaker states that it is listed for one or two wires.

[Steve W. Goddard]

What about 2 neutral wires under one screw on the ground bar or a neutral and a ground wire together under one screw

[Jim Port]

While commonly done in the past it was contrary to the UL listing. It has been spelled out now in the NEC so that the infomation is more readily available.

The rule is multiple grounding conductors are typically ok, but check the panel label. Neutrals must not share, nor be grouped with another conductor.

[Brian A. MacNeish]

Originally Posted by Robert Meier

Bruce do you think that's true when you look at the installation graphic on the side of the Square D breaker in the photo? I see #14-#10 as permitted to be both landed on the breaker. Maybe I'm missing something but I don't see any prohibition for different size conductors.

If you had a #14 and a #10 installed, how could you ensure adequate pressure and mechanical tightening on the #14? That's why they ask for matched size conductors, so that equal pressure and holding power is on both sides of the saddle.