circuit breakers
circuit breakers
(OP)
I was wondering if code allows more than one wire to connect to a single pole circuit breaker? I was told that there is a circuit breaker available that is rated for 2 wires.
A 100A 120/208v panelboard is being replaced and many of the circuits are being backfed into the new panel. The contractor found several existing breakers with more than 1 wire connected. He divided them so that each breaker on the new panel now only has one wire, but that doesn't leave any room for the new circuits that were scheduled to be fed by this new panel. I am trying to figure out if we can copy the existing wiring (have more than 1 wire for some breakers) or have to use breakers that are specially rated to do so?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!
A 100A 120/208v panelboard is being replaced and many of the circuits are being backfed into the new panel. The contractor found several existing breakers with more than 1 wire connected. He divided them so that each breaker on the new panel now only has one wire, but that doesn't leave any room for the new circuits that were scheduled to be fed by this new panel. I am trying to figure out if we can copy the existing wiring (have more than 1 wire for some breakers) or have to use breakers that are specially rated to do so?
Any advice would be appreciated. Thank you!






RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
That article applies if the intent is that the two conductor's ampacities be combined to satisfy the overcurrent protection requirement.
But I think what he is talking about is putting two fully-rated conductors under the lug and going to different places with each conductor.
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
I don't think you'll find anything in the code specifically allowing or forbidding it. I would imagine that any inspector certainly wouldn't allow it.
RE: circuit breakers
RE: circuit breakers
"Terminations
The 10–30 ampere circuit breakers have pressure plate terminals suitable for two-wire copper
terminations. QO-GFI 15–30 ampere and QO-AFI circuit breakers have pressure plate terminals
suitable for single-wire terminations. These circuit breakers are suitable for use with 60°C or 75° C
conductors."
I have done a lot of two-wires on a single pole breaker, it's no big deal, and no, the NEC says nothing about it.
Steve Wagner
RE: circuit breakers
Reesh14: We've been terminating circuit breakers more than 2 wires, but we've found out a hot spot and even a burnt out terminals whenever we routinely checks our panel through thermal scanning and visual inspection.
With this practice, like yours, we've reviewed and check the practice conformity against the standard with direct inquiry to the Square D(Schenieder) technical support. They had nothing to say about multiple termination and tappings but they advice us to use a bolts and nuts termination that disregards the aluminum allen-hex compression terminals which loosen over time and high thermal expansion that leads to overheating. With it, we never experienced such hotspots on terminal in conjunction with PdM schedules.
"Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell them, certainly I can! Then get busy and find out how to do it." Theodore Roosevelt.