A double tapped breaker occurs when two wires are connected to a circuit breaker that is designed for one wire. This defect is a common cause of frequent circuit breaker tripping and can be a fire hazard in certain situations. A double tapped breaker is a serious electrical defect that should be fixed as soon as you become aware of it. The longer you put it off, the more likely you are to experience costlier electrical problems.
If you identify a double tapped breaker, be sure to call an experienced electrician to fix the issue before it causes further damage to your electrical system. At Neighborhood Electric, we can help you with fixing double tapped breakers and other electrical problems.
So, how can you identify a double tapped breaker?
To identify a double tapped breaker, you’ll need to examine the breaker to see if it’s designed for one or two wires. Circuit breakers usually have a label showing if the device is designed to hold one or two conductors. If the breaker is designed for one conductor but has two wires connected to it, you’ll know the breaker is double tapped. Some devices may not have labels that can help you determine if there is a double tapped breaker. In such a scenario, you’ll have to contact an “electrician near me” to inspect your circuit breaker.
If your circuit breaker is constantly tripping, a double tapped breaker could be the culprit. When two wires are attached to a circuit breaker that is designed for one wire, it can cause overloading which leads to frequent tripping. If your circuit breaker trips repeatedly, call an "electrician near me" to inspect your electrical system and determine if it's caused by a double tapped breaker.
An electrical panel that is overheating could be a sign of a double tapped breaker. When a breaker that is designed to serve one wire is connected to two wires, the second wire exceeds that limit, thereby causing overheating and potentially a fire. However, there are many other defects that can cause overheating within an electrical panel. It’s a good idea to call an electrician to troubleshoot and find the cause of the problem.
If you’re not an experienced electrician, you should never attempt to fix a double tapped breaker. This job should be left to electricians with the right set of tools to fix the issue safely. Doing DIY electrical work can be dangerous. Apart from risking getting electrocuted, you’re more likely to make faulty connections that can be a fire hazard and put your house at risk. Always hire an experienced electrician to help you with electrical installation, repairs, and replacements. You’ll not only save money, but will also guarantee the safety of your house or business.
A double tapped breaker can cause overheating, arcing, and electrical fires. If you identify this problem in your electrical panel, call Neighborhood Electric to inspect each breaker and perform repairs.