Pigtail splice in the main panel

[Joe Funderburk, CMI]

Can you do this? Two conductors were pig-tailed together and inserted into one leg of a double-pole breaker. How is this different from double-tapping?

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

If it was a single pole breaker, there would be no problem. However, the two-pole breaker should be dedicated for whatever appliance (most likely a dryer) it protects. There shouldn't be a 120V circuit created from one leg of the two-pole.
If the condition was involving a single-pole breaker....Splicing the conductor isn't considered double-tapping since the two conductors aren't brought under the one lug. The problem is when the lug is not rated for two wires...possible arcing and overheating may occur. Since the two wires are pigtailed with one wire going under the lug, there isn't an issue of a possible bad connection. The wires will still be protected properly by the OCPD. Basically it's the same thing if the wires were spliced in a junction box down the run.

Jeff

[Bob Elliott]

Could be a heater and A/C which are never on together.
Double tapping is wrong because of possible sparking from a loose screw.

I notice they have the breaker in off position and also so corrosion going on at the lower conductor..

[wnapier]

I have a related question, something I've wondered about for sometime.

If one is pigtailing wires (something I've done once or twice myself over the years) should the last length going to the breaker be upsized from what the other two pigtailed conductor wire sizes are?

Though I doubt it would ever happen (without the breaker tripping first) it would seem that the last run could almost act like a fusible link in certain situations unless it were larger.

At least that is what I've done. Overkill and unnecessary, huh?

Al in TN

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

There's no need to increase the size of the pigtail connecting to the breaker as long as the conductor was properly sized to begin with. The breaker will still trip at it's proper rating even though there are two separate conductors being run. Yes the amperage may differ going through each conductor, but the total combined will not go over the rating of the breaker.

Jeff

[wnapier]

Thanks Jeff, pretty much what I figured but wanted to hear it from someone else.

Still OK to do if it makes one feel better though, right?

Al in TN

[Chuck Evans]

I've never seen that kind of splice used in a panel. It looks like an automotive type clamp on tap. If this is an approved device could someone please provide some more info on it?

[Jeffrey R. Wicklander]

It's a type of 'Suitcase' used to make splices without stripping. UL listed



Jeff

[Humberto Carvajal]

Those connectors are often used in lighting fixtures. At least that's where I usually come across them.

Bert

[James A. Levy]

Originally Posted by hcarvajal

Those connectors are often used in lighting fixtures. At least that's where I usually come across them.

Bert

Yes, would much rather see a wire nut, but suitcases can do the job. They are primarily a lighting connector though.

[Chuck Evans]

Originally Posted by jwicklander

It's a type of 'Suitcase' used to make splices without stripping. UL listed



Jeff

Thanks - I have never seen one in use in the thousands of panels I've inspected. Now when I do, I won't have to ask.