Double Taps in Cutler Hammer Panel

[Mark A. Timpani, CMI]

I always wondered that if certain breakers, square d etc., can take 2 wires, why do they use 30 breakers or so in a panel? Why not use just 15? Everything is money related. It would save money to half the number of breakers in a panel.

[Paul W. Abernathy]

Originally Posted by bwiley

Has anyone ever quantified how many fires, injuries or equipment failures have happened because of a double tap?

ok Blaine....lets not bring reasoning into the equation...lol

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by gliebig

But if the doorbell transformer is stranded, and the second branch is solid, that is still a safety hazard. You cannot mix different gages or types of wires under the same screw regardless if it's "low voltage" or not. I've had situations like this many times before and the doorbell circut pulls right out without any force. In that case, it must be pigtailed with the same type (solid) and the same gauge (No. 14) with a 15 amp breaker.

If I called out a double tapped doorbell transformer (stranded or not), I'd be doing it in 90% of my inspections.

It's low voltage, so I think I'll continue to allow the Electricians to continue doing their thing.

[Ben J. Gromicko]

Electrical panel from hell
http://www.nachi.org/electrical-pane...-challenge.htm

[Paul W. Abernathy]

you know what we should do Ben is offer to give away a FREE book on electrical inspections once it comes out to the top 5 people who do the game online. I will pick up the tab on it..... Also a special GIFT to anyone who finds anything I did not call out in the video when it is out....we did it on such a ROLL their was little time to study it well before we started shooting....and as you know I did not stop once the video started....so I looked and see something I might not have mentioned....lets see who finds out what it was....

BTW.......you are doing some Wonderful things with that NACHI.TV fella.

[Stephen P. Shockley]

Another question. After seeing the picture of the transformer for the doorbell posted, shouldn't these transformers be mounted somewhere that someone couldn't come in contact with them very easily or even enclosed in an electrical box? Just asking. I have seen them mounted in the crawl spaces in proximity of where the front entrances are. I'm attaching a photo of one that I found up in a linen closet inside a home that I inspected.

Thanks in advance for the answers...


Please advise,

Steve

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by sshockley

Another question. After seeing the picture of the transformer for the doorbell posted, shouldn't these transformers be mounted somewhere that someone couldn't come in contact with them very easily or even enclosed in an electrical box? Just asking. I have seen them mounted in the crawl spaces in proximity of where the front entrances are. I'm attaching a photo of one that I found up in a linen closet inside a home that I inspected.

Thanks in advance for the answers...


Please advise,

Steve

Steve,

Doorbell transformers are normally attached to the outside of the electrical panel. Never inside.

If you find one elsewhere throughout the home, they are fine. They're low voltage.

[Stephen P. Shockley]

Thanks David. I value your advice and it is always appreciated. I've attached that photo again. For some reason it didn't take on my last post.

Regards,

Steve

[David P. Valley]

Originally Posted by sshockley

Thanks David. I value your advice and it is always appreciated. I've attached that photo again. For some reason it didn't take on my last post.

Regards,

Steve

You're Welcome.

Yep. That's a simple doorbell transformer.