I may be a lug, but not a double lug- Lake Wenatchee and Quincy Home Inspections

As home inspectors we are constantly in search of information that can help us make proper observations when performing a home inspection.

Here is a case that had many twist and turns.

One fairly common observation made during a home inspection is what is referred to as “Double Lugged” connection. This is when two (or more) conductors (wires) are under one lug (screw).

These electrical connections have to be made in accordance with the listing of the device they are connected to.  So if the manufacturers has not tested/designed the device for the application or if there is no prescriptive application within the NEC (National Electrical Code) for that specific use, then it is not allowed.

In a nutshell if a circuit breaker is not specifically designed to accommodate two wires then it is improperly double lugged and this is a defect.  

So in this little search for knowledge I was discussing that I knew of two manufacturers of Circuit Breakers that have lugs approved for two wire connection, Cutler Hammer and Square-D.

The Square-D breaker is pretty easy to see the lug has actually two wire slots in them and it is printed on the side of the breaker. But they are only approved for two #14 to #10 copper conductors (wires) not aluminum conductors.

But with Cutler Hammer breakers it is not so obvious. Their lug looks like it is only good for one conductor. Finding the answer in the literature is not that easy.  (Mr. Buell is an information warrior and found it buried in the document.)

But I was not clear on the specifics of this information so I called the manufacturer and got the definitive answer and how to read their documentation that now makes sense.

(Link for this document- Link)

So for all you out there in Home Inspection land you now have the docs.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

Benjamin Franklin

“Inspecting the World-One Home at a time”

NCW Home Inspections, LLC  is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Orville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…       
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