Thread: Double wired breaker

Double wired 15 amp Cutler Hammer breakers. Are there types of breakers that allow two wires and if so how would you identify the breakers in the panel? Thank You

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The only breakers I know of that are rated for two wires of the same size is the Square D QO series...could be others but ....

Some, (maybe all new), Cutler Hammer CH breakers, 10-30-amp single pole, also accept 2 14-10 copper conductors. Those and the Square-D (QO and Homeline) are the only ones.

Dick and Richard thanks for the info.

See attached:

Thanks for the attachment Richard

BUT ... (that big 'but') ...

You DID notice that ONLY applies to the *15 amp* breaker, right?

Not listed or allowed for the 20 amp breaker.

I think someone would have to be blind to not see that since it's highlighted....

Rich

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

BUT ... (that big 'but') ...

You DID notice that ONLY applies to the *15 amp* breaker, right?

Not listed or allowed for the 20 amp breaker.

As the original creator and poster of that highlighted photo (from May, 2005) I have to say you are wrong there. The wire size ranges apply to everything within that section...in this case 10 to 30 amps. Otherwise, the 25 and 30 amp breakers are allowed no wires. That wouldn't make much sense.

Originally Posted by Richard Moore

As the original creator and poster of that highlighted photo (from May, 2005) I have to say you are wrong there. The wire size ranges apply to everything within that section...in this case 10 to 30 amps. Otherwise, the 25 and 30 amp breakers are allowed no wires. That wouldn't make much sense.

Rich,

You want to take that one?

(See, there was a reason behind my posting that.)

Richard -

"The wire size ranges apply to everything within that section...in this case 10 to 30 amps."

So the chart is indicating a 30 amp breaker can have a #14 wire? I don't think so.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

Rich,

You want to take that one?

(See, there was a reason behind my posting that.)

Naaa... go ahead. That's right in your wheel-house.

RR

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Richard -

"
So the chart is indicating a 30 amp breaker can have a #14 wire? I don't think so.

Aw c'mon guys. Use a little common sense here. Look further down the chart. Using your logic in the 2nd section, it's OK to have #14 on a 35 and in the third section, 50-amp breakers need 3/0!

It's the wire size the lugs in that section will accept...NOT the recommended wire size for every amperage breaker.

Sheesh!

I see what you're saying now. That chart is a tad confusing - at least to a semi-senile person like myself.

The chart is not confusing, okay, I guess it is, because at least one here IS confused.

The chart says:
Ampere Rating | Wire Size Range

10 amp rating | (1) #14-8 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#8.)

15 amp rating | (2) #14-10 (Jerry's note: That means (2), yes *2*, wires sized #14-#10. Note that the terminal on the 10 amp breaker is rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)

20 amp rating | (1) #14-6 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#6. Note that the terminal on the 20 amp breaker is again rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)

25 amp rating | same as the 20 amp rated breaker
30 amp rating | same as the 20 amp rated breaker

35 amp rating | #14-2 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#2.

Now, go down to the sub notes and you will see that sub note 1 means it applies to 1 and 2 pole breakers.

You will see that sub note 2 means that breaker (the one and only one rated for two wires) can use solid and stranded TOGETHER.

So, the 15 amp breaker *is the only breaker on that chart rated to TWO (2) wires, and, that applies to single pole and double pole breakers, and, that you can mix stranded and solid wires together.

BUT ONLY on the 15 amp breaker.

NONE of the other sizes.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

The chart is not confusing, okay, I guess it is, because at least one here IS confused.

If you are referring to me, Jerry, just say so!

"10 amp rating | (1) #14-8 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#8.)
10 amp rating | (1) #14-8 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#8.)

15 amp rating | (2) #14-10 (Jerry's note: That means (2), yes *2*, wires sized #14-#10. Note that the terminal on the 10 amp breaker is rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)

20 amp rating | (1) #14-6 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#6. Note that the terminal on the 20 amp breaker is again rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)"

WRONG!!!

Let's take that 20-amp:
(1) #14-6 (3). My bold because you seemed to ignore that. The note (3) indicates it is for 3-pole breakers. Exactly where does that leave you for what's allowed for a single-pole 20-amp? Or 25 or 30 amp?

And if you insist on just reading straight across, please explain the "requirement" that 50-amp breakers NEED 3/0.

I have been wrong before but I'm not the confused one when it comes to reading this SIMPLE chart. I'm actually baffled that anyone would read it the way you are. However, for your benefit, I will e-mail Eaton tonight and see if I can get them to reply to this. If I'm wrong I will apologize profusely. Can I expect the same from you?

Originally Posted by Richard Moore

If I'm wrong I will apologize profusely. Can I expect the same from you?

Yep.

But I expect to see your apology tomorrow when they respond.

Originally Posted by Jerry Peck

The chart is not confusing, okay, I guess it is, because at least one here IS confused.

The chart says:
Ampere Rating | Wire Size Range

10 amp rating | (1) #14-8 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#8.)

15 amp rating | (2) #14-10 (Jerry's note: That means (2), yes *2*, wires sized #14-#10. Note that the terminal on the 10 amp breaker is rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)

20 amp rating | (1) #14-6 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#6. Note that the terminal on the 20 amp breaker is again rated for a larger wire than on the 15 amp breaker, that's because IT IS NOT rated for (2) wires, just one wire.)

25 amp rating | same as the 20 amp rated breaker
30 amp rating | same as the 20 amp rated breaker

35 amp rating | #14-2 (Jerry's note: That means (1), yes *1*, wire sized #14-#2.

Now, go down to the sub notes and you will see that sub note 1 means it applies to 1 and 2 pole breakers.

You will see that sub note 2 means that breaker (the one and only one rated for two wires) can use solid and stranded TOGETHER.

So, the 15 amp breaker *is the only breaker on that chart rated to TWO (2) wires, and, that applies to single pole and double pole breakers, and, that you can mix stranded and solid wires together.

BUT ONLY on the 15 amp breaker.

NONE of the other sizes.

Got back into this one late tonight. What Jerry posted is exactly how I too read it.

(TO ALL) Please do not post apologies for your stated positions... if you are wrong, just post pictures of your old lady so others can gauk at her. Or, if you have caught her with the mailman (delivering more than mail), please post those pictures as well . Shoot, I have some I can't wait to post with old Debbie (my 'X') getting a physical from the whole Mormon Tebernacle Choir.

Rich

Richard,
You are correct, 10-30 amp 1 and 2 pole breakers can accept a single conductor #14-8 or 2 conductors #14-10. If you see on the left hand side of the breaker if you are looking at the front, the wire capacity is molded into the plastic.
Thank you for your enquiry,
Click here to answer 2 questions about the service you received today!
<https://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/dfgserve/serve.do?applicationId=1341&f
ormId=2441>
Pravin Khopkar
EatonCare, Technical Resource Center
Eaton Corporation, Electrical Business
175 Vista Boulevard (Avery Creek)
Arden, NC 28704
Fax: 828 651 0549
trc@eaton.com
www.Eaton.com <http://www.Eaton.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: TRC, Technical Resource Center
Sent: Wednesday, April 25, 2007 4:18 AM
To: 'richard@rainspect.com'
Subject: RE: Technical Product Question-PK0425-07

Richard,
I have forwarded your query to our residential breaker specialist. I am
awaiting his reply, will get back soon.
Thank you for your enquiry,
Click here to answer 2 questions about the service you received today!
<https://www.ch.cutler-hammer.com/dfgserve/serve.do?applicationId=1341&f
ormId=2441>
Pravin Khopkar
EatonCare, Technical Resource Center
Eaton Corporation, Electrical Business
175 Vista Boulevard (Avery Creek)
Arden, NC 28704
Fax: 828 651 0549
trc@eaton.com
www.Eaton.com <http://www.Eaton.com>


-----Original Message-----
From: richard@rainspect.com [mailto:richard@rainspect.com]
Sent: Tuesday, April 24, 2007 11:17 PM
To: TRC, Technical Resource Center; C-H, Email Database
Subject: Technical Product Question

Other
Circuit Breakers
I'm a home inspector and this has to do with residential breakers
designed for one or two conductors, and table 3-30 for the wire size
range under the lugs of CH breakers in particular. The table seems
clear to me in that all three options for 10-30 amp breakers applies to
all the breakers in that section. IE. All 10 through 30 amp, single
and double pole breakers can accept two 14-10 conductors. I have
another inspector (actually more than one) on a Home Inspection forum
insisting on reading straight across the chart, line by line, and saying
that only 15-amp breakers can have two conductors...because that happens
to be on the same line. I'm frustrated in my attempt to point out that
the chart makes no sense that way.
Perhaps you could view the discussion at
http://www.inspectionnews.net/home_inspection/electrical-systems-home-in
spection-commercial-inspection/669-double-wired-breaker.html ?
A simple answer from Eaton on the forum would be the ideal, but an
e-mail clarification that I can pass on would also be OK.
Your help would be much appreciated before I tear my hair out.
Thanks,
Richard Moore

'nuff said.

Originally Posted by Richard Moore

'nuff said.

Nope.

As stated above, I apologize, you were, are, correct and I am, was, wrong. How do you say that "profusely"?

See, I am wrong on occasion, and this was one of those occasions.

Profusely enough?

LOL...if anything...too much. My apologies for the way I handled it, but you can be a tough nut to crack.

We had a tornado watch in my area tonight. Now I know what was really going on - Jerry actually admitted he was wrong - in writing for all to see.

I think the moon shifted axis too.
JF

o.k.-- wrong is wrong....

Originally Posted by Jack Feldmann

We had a tornado watch in my area tonight. Now I know what was really going on - Jerry actually admitted he was wrong - in writing for all to see.

Jack,

And it was not the first time either ...

... maybe the first time in recent memory ...

... but, then ... as we age, the memory goes too.