2 wires 1 breaker ?

[Rolly]

I recently saw a breaker box with a circuit breaker with two 12ga wires tied to one breaker. There were a total of 6 plugs hooked to a 20 amp breaker. Is this safe? does this meet code? Would you do it in your trailer?

Rolly

[bdosborn]

Having two wires under a single lug doesn't meet code. Having 6 receptacles on a 20A breaker does.

Bruce

[H.A.]

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[Dale M.]

IF its a trailer, what jurisdiction has authority over it if its on the move.... And do you call code inspection at each phase of build... Just saying..... Keep in mind its not a house which will be on same spot for 50 to 100 years, its a trailer... Use common sense during build and if it does not meet code it may not be a issue, just be sure its safe.....

Dale

[bdosborn]

Just about every code has been enacted because someone got hurt or there was a fire. So you really should think twice before you poo-poo codes. Think about the audience here - most people have never wired 120V before. Short cuts and bad practice are not the kind of techniques we should be posting.

Bruce

[Dale M.]

I am not POO-POOing anything.... Tell me specifically what codes cover ac wiring in a travel trailer....

Dale

[bdosborn]

NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 551 - Recreational Vehicles.

Links to various forum discussions on 551

551 references various sections of the rest of the NEC as well. Including wire ampacity, over current protection, etc.

Bruce

[cpinetree]

Some circuit breakers are rated for 2 wires, Square D's QO series is such a breaker. There may be others.I believe both wires should be the same gauge (like 2 #12's)
If the breaker is not designed for 2 wires you could always use a wirenut to combine the 2 wires plus an additional wire to attach to the breaker. [crude ascii art of that (load1+2===wn-----breaker)]
It meets NEC code, assuming the breaker manufacturer allows it, or you use the wirenut 2 wires into 1 method.
I would have no problem putting 10 recpts on 1 breaker as long as the load pulled through all of them at the same time does not exceed the amperage rating of the wire and the correct breaker is used for that wire gauge.

[cpinetree]

Despite meeting code, Its commonly discouraged as makes a messier installation and (in round-about theory anyway) makes the panel serve as a splice enclosure, what is not allowed in some jurisdiction.

Not allowed in some jurisdictions?? I think the practice of having local amendments override the code has been abandoned, and it would be an easy argument to win if the inspector said otherwise.
Using a panel as a junction box is not expressly disallowed by the NEC so therefore is code compliant (NEC is a permissive document. if it doesn't say you can't, you can.).
Panels are often used as junction boxes, especially when old fuse boxes that are in non code compliant locations (think closets, bathrooms, etc) are upgraded to circuit breakers.

[bdosborn]

Not allowed in some jurisdictions?? I think the practice of having local amendments override the code has been abandoned, and it would be an easy argument to win if the inspector said otherwise.

Baahaahahaahahaahaahahaa. That's funny, I'm gonna circulate that one around the office. Good luck with that and let us know how it goes if you ever actually meet an electrical inspector.

Bruce

[bdosborn]

Some circuit breakers are rated for 2 wires, Square D's QO series is such a breaker. There may be others.I believe both wires should be the same gauge (like 2 #12's)

But there are a lot more breakers that aren't rated for two wires. Again, think about our audience, most people are doing 120V wiring for the first time. Lets keep it simple and recommend good practice - one wire to a breaker. Why make it complicated when a mistake could cost you your trailer?

Bruce

[cpinetree]

Not allowed in some jurisdictions?? I think the practice of having local amendments override the code has been abandoned, and it would be an easy argument to win if the inspector said otherwise.

Baahaahahaahahaahaahahaa. That's funny, I'm gonna circulate that one around the office. Good luck with that and let us know how it goes if you ever actually meet an electrical inspector.

Bruce

We have the cell numbers to all the inspectors we deal with, as well as they have regular office hours.
We also try and meet the inspector on the job when we call in the inspection, that way if there are any questions / issues they can be corrected immediately.

[cpinetree]

Some circuit breakers are rated for 2 wires, Square D's QO series is such a breaker. There may be others.I believe both wires should be the same gauge (like 2 #12's)

But there are a lot more breakers that aren't rated for two wires. Again, think about our audience, most people are doing 120V wiring for the first time. Lets keep it simple and recommend good practice - one wire to a breaker. Why make it complicated when a mistake could cost you your trailer?

Bruce

Agreed, KISS method, one wire per breaker is the best practice for simplicity.