4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

[David A. Smith]

Noticed this on an inspection today: 4 wires going into a 20 amp double pole breaker. Box had plenty of spaces left, so no need to double tap single breakers. My only guess is that it may have been easier to pull two 14ga per leg, versus a 10ga or 8ga ? Any ideas as to what is going on here ? The box was not marked as to what the breaker is powering. Is it wrong ?

[Don Hawley]

Noticed this on an inspection today: 4 wires going into a 20 amp double pole breaker. Box had plenty of spaces left, so no need to double tap single breakers. My only guess is that it may have been easier to pull two 14ga per leg, versus a 10ga or 8ga ? Any ideas as to what is going on here ? The box was not marked as to what the breaker is powering. Is it wrong ?
It is double lugged never mind why, it is wrong and should be corrected.

[Jerry Peck]

... 4 wires going into a 20 amp double pole breaker.
.
.
... two 14ga per leg, versus a 10ga or 8ga ?
.
.
Is it wrong ?


It is double lugged never mind why, it is wrong and should be corrected.

But the multiple taps are not the larger issue - 14 AWG conductors protected by a 20 amp breaker is the larger issue.

14 AWG = max overcurrent protection size of 15 amps

[David A. Smith]

I listed it as a defect on my report. My gut told me it was wrong, but the double pole breaker had me unsure. Always trust your gut, right...

Thanks guys !!!

[Jim Port]

But the multiple taps are not the larger issue - 14 AWG conductors protected by a 20 amp breaker is the larger issue.

14 AWG = max overcurrent protection size of 15 amps

Under normal branch circuit rules. Motor and compressor loads would allow larger ocp than 15 amps on #14.

The multiple conductors are an issue regardless.

[Jerry Peck]

Under normal branch circuit rules. Motor and compressor loads would allow larger ocp than 15 amps on #14.

Based on the labeling.

I was taking into consideration that, not knowing what the circuits were for, the code allowance for maximum overcurrent protection of 14 AWG is 15 amps.

Just trying to keep things simple.

[Rollie Meyers]

I see 3 different breakers in that panel also, A GE, Siemens, & ITE Imperial Corp., from the 1970's, from the looks of it the panel is most most likely GE, or possibly a Eaton BR or as I call it "Zinsco II".

[Gunnar Alquist]

... from the looks of it the panel is most most likely GE, or possibly a Eaton BR or as I call it "Zinsco II".

Rollie,

You got that from that image of a part of a panel? That's pretty amazing.