Thread: Residential Main Breaker Tap

Can the line side of a residential service main breaker be tapped if listed and feed main breaker of 2nd panel to create pole spaces ? Please list article to support response.

Thanks

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If you are asking about two conductors terminated in the lugs of the main breaker, the answer is no. Few breaker brands are listed to accept two conductors and this is typically in the 15-30 amp sizes. Larger breakers are for one conductor.

A pic would help.

2008 NEC 240.21(B)(2) Would appear to allow this application, however; there are 3 requirements that have to be met. I'll leave it to the professional electricians to explain the fine details.

Originally Posted by Trent Posner

Can the line side of a residential service main breaker be tapped

Originally Posted by Dennis Thatcher

2008 NEC 240.21(B)(2) Would appear to allow this application, however; there are 3 requirements that have to be met. I'll leave it to the professional electricians to explain the fine details.

That NEC section is not relevant to the question. That section is about "taps" to feeders ... the question was about multiple tapping a breaker.

Multiple tapping a breaker is a function of the rating of the terminals on the breaker, and it is highly unlikely (as Jim pointed out) that the breaker would be rated for multiple taps with conductors that large.

The original post can be read 2 ways

One way is: Is he asking about double tapping the lugs on the line side of the main breaker?

OR

Another way is: Is he asking if it is allowed to tap the feed going to line side of the main breaker ( aka: a feeder tap )

Trent please clarify