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  1. #1
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    Dec 2018
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    illinois
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    Default 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    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 ?

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  2. #2

    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    Quote Originally Posted by David A. Smith View Post
    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.


  3. #3
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    Quote Originally Posted by David A. Smith View Post
    ... 4 wires going into a 20 amp double pole breaker.
    .
    .
    ... two 14ga per leg, versus a 10ga or 8ga ?
    .
    .
    Is it wrong ?
    Quote Originally Posted by Don Hawley View Post
    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

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Dec 2018
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    illinois
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    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    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 !!!


  5. #5
    Join Date
    Aug 2008
    Location
    Maryland
    Posts
    1,970

    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    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.

    All answers based on unamended National Electrical codes.

  6. #6
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    Mar 2007
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    Quote Originally Posted by Jim Port View Post
    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.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Chico,Ca
    Posts
    454

    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    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".

    Last edited by Rollie Meyers; 06-11-2020 at 09:13 PM.

  8. #8
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Location
    Santa Rosa, CA
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    3,154

    Default Re: 4 wires to a 20 amp double pole breaker

    Quote Originally Posted by Rollie Meyers View Post
    ... 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.

    Department of Redundancy Department
    Supreme Emperor of Hyperbole
    http://www.FullCircleInspect.com/

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