Double Tapped Circuit Breaker. Web electricians call connecting multiple wires to one circuit breaker terminal “double tapping.”. Web however, just because double tapping is common does not make it okay.
Web however, just because double tapping is common does not make it okay. There are some companies that sell breakers that are for 2 wires. Web pigtailing circuit breaker wires.
Connect one back to the old breaker and the other one to the newly installed circuit breaker. Because it is usually hidden behind a door or panel, you will not notice this overheating. Double tapping can actually be very dangerous.
Web with two wires connected to the same breaker or terminal, the circuit breaker could overheat. A licensed electrician can usually just pull the two wires out, pigtail them to a third wire with a wire nut, and connect the third wire by itself to the breaker. To do this, loosen the terminal connection and slowly pull out the wires.
Web adding another breaker can be done if there is room. The problem is that double tapping does not lead to immediate catastrophic results. Double tapped wiring is ok if the circuit breaker is designed for two conductors.
Web in this video we show you some common safety violations to look for in your main electrical panel with a common failure being a double tapped electrical circ. Web pigtailing circuit breaker wires. Breaker that holds two wires.
If the two wires are not fastened tightly enough, this could result in arcing. Instead, the circuit breaker will become hot or trip repeatedly. Some electricians may see double tapping as a “shortcut,” but like most shortcuts, it’s not worth it.
