Double-Tapped Breaker
01 · What it is
What is double-tapped breaker?
A double-tapped breaker is when two electrical conductors are connected under a single breaker lug that is only listed and approved for one conductor. The exception is breakers specifically listed for two conductors — most are not.
02 · Why it matters
Why inspectors flag this
Double-tapping creates loose connections, arcing, and fire risk. It violates NEC 110.14 in most cases. It is one of the most common electrical findings in older panels and is almost always a noted defect requiring correction by a licensed electrician.
03 · Example report wording
How professional inspectors report it
Liability-safe sample comment
Two conductors observed terminated under a single breaker lug at position 14 of the main panel. This condition, commonly referred to as 'double-tapping,' is not approved by the breaker manufacturer (Square D QO series) and violates NEC 110.14. Recommend correction by a licensed electrician, typically by installing a tandem breaker or splitting the circuits.
Next Step
Want to turn this into a fully interactive inspection report?
Import your existing PDF into InspectorData. Keep your categories, your comments, your workflow.
90 days free · no credit card · $69/month after
About the Author
Lisa Meine, Certified Master Inspector
12+ years of home inspection experience. Co-founded InspectorData to give working inspectors a modern reporting system that respects their existing templates and workflows. InterNACHI member.