What Is A Double Tapped Breaker: Dangers and How to Fix Them

Circuit breakers protect your electrical system and home. If a circuit is overloaded, the breaker is tripped to cut off the flow of electricity. Normally each breaker has only one wire, but double tapped breakers are common. The problem may be identified by an electrician or home inspector.

A double tapped breaker is a breaker that has two wires instead of one. Double tapping can cause an arc or spark that may start a fire. Double tapped breakers tend to trip frequently and overheat. You can fix a double tapped breaker by adding a breaker, using a tandem breaker, or pig tailing the wires.

At best, double tapped breakers are nuisances in your electrical system. At worst, these miswirings are dangerous. Let’s review the basics of a circuit breaker, and learn more about double tapped breakers.

Every wire in your home is soldered at a point in the circuit breaker box. A spring is connected to the solder. When too much electricity runs through a wire, the solder melts. This releases tension on the spring and trips the circuit breaker to stop the flow of electricity.

When you reset the breaker, tension is put on the spring again. It is not the number of outlets and appliances that trip the circuit breaker. Instead, it is the overall load on the electrical system or specific circuit. Circuit breakers also trip as a result of power surges from thunderstorms and rolling blackouts.

A circuit breaker is designed with a tightening screw that is large enough for only one wire. If two wires are connected to the breaker, the tightening screw will not hold both wires securely. Electricity flowing through the end of an unsecured wire causes an electrical discharge in the form of arcs and sparks. More than 30% of all house fires are caused by electrical issues. These types of fires not only damage property, but they are also responsible for thousands of injuries and deaths each year.

First, turn off the main breaker in the box to cut off the electricity. You don’t need to take anything apart inside the box. This is a safety precaution. Next, find the connecting screws at the end of the breakers. You may need a flashlight. Check each tightening screw to see if there is only one wire or two under each screw. You may need to maneuver a bit to see if there are two wires. Some electricians double tap with wires side-by-side and other stack the wires in the screws.

If it is a DIY job, check the size of the breaker that is being used or installed. Home circuit breakers are typically 15 or 20 amps. Circuit breakers can only handle about 80% of their rated amps. You need to know the amps of the outlets and electrical connections that feed into the circuit breaker. Multiply that number by 80% to determine the right size breaker. Choosing a breaker with an equivalent or lower rating increases the risk of damaging the electrical system and causing a fire.

Related Questions

Why are circuit breakers double tapped?

Double tapped circuit breakers are considered defects in an electrical system. The original electrician may have not had enough breakers for the home wiring, or the homeowner may have added wiring for new appliances and electronics and decided not to add a new circuit breaker. Double tapped circuit breakers are rare in newer homes, but they remain one of the most common issues found by home inspectors.

Are there any times when it is OK to double tap a breaker?

Some circuit breakers are designed for two wires, such as the breakers made by Square D and Cutler Hammer. Circuit breakers that can handle two conductors are clearly marked.

What are the signs of a double tapped breaker?

In addition to a visual inspection of your breaker box, there are other signs that may indicate a double tapped circuit breaker. Double tapped circuit breakers frequently trip. There may also be signs of arcing or sparks inside or around the box, such as burn marks.

Is a double tapped circuit breaker illegal?

Double tapped circuit breakers are safety risks, and the practice does not comply with building codes. If you have new wiring installed in your home and find double tapped circuit breakers, speak with the electrician. It may have been an oversight. If you are adding wiring to your home, follow local building codes. It is far more affordable to add a new breaker box than to lose your home to a fire.

What is a triple tapped circuit breaker?

Triple tapped circuit breakers happen less often than double tapped circuit breakers, but they do happen. A triple tapped circuit breaker has three wires in a circuit breaker that is designed for only one. If you find a triple tapped circuit breaker, it can be fixed with a new breaker or tandem breaker. Pig tailing may be less effective with triple tapped circuit breakers.

Double tapped circuit breakers are one of the most common defects found in home inspections. Instead of having one wire connected to the circuit breaker, the wiring was installed with two wires to a single breaker. Double tapping a circuit breaker is a safety concern. The practice causes arcing and sparks in the wiring that increases the risk of fires.

Double tapped circuit breakers can be fixed by adding a new circuit breaker. You can also use a tandem circuit breaker if your box accepts this type of breaker. Pig tailing is another fix for double tapped circuit breakers.

There are circuit breakers on the market that are designed for double tapping. The devices are clearly marked as accepting two wires inside the breaker box. Make sure that your breaker box is designed for these types of circuit breakers before installing them.