If there is no space in the panel for an additional breaker, you can exchange the offending breaker for a “tandem,” basically two breakers that fit in the slot for one breaker.Add another breaker in the panel, and connect one of the wires to the new breaker.This is called a “pigtail,” and is by far the easiest remedy. Connect the two wires together to a third short piece of wire using a wire nut, then connect the other end of the new wire to the breaker.This is another breaker that uses graphic wire symbols to indicate the same thing, but without a note about wire size limitation.Īlthough double taps are a common defect, they is also easy to fix. Single pole acceptable for aluminum (AL) and copper. In the photo below, two wires are connected to a breaker marked “1 POLE UNIT” on the front sticker.Īnd here’s a Square D breaker that is marked as double pole allowed, but only for copper (CU) wires #10 through #14 AWG.
When two wires are allowed, it is marked “2 Pole” in small lettering or with a tiny graphic of two wires at the front or side of the breaker. We know of no other brands of 120-volt breakers that allow what is called “two poles” in the trade. Some, but not all, circuit breakers manufactured by Square D and Cutler Hammer are rated to accept two wires. It’s considered a defect for most breakers because the two wires compressed under a one-wire connector may not be securely fastened. A double tap occurs when two wires are connected to a circuit breaker that is only designed to accept one wire.
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