Double taps.  Home inspectors see them all the time.

Most electrical connections are designed to hold a single conductor.

For example, panel box circuit breakers (except some Square-D and Cutler Hammer brand breakers) should not have two black conductors attached to a single screw.  And there should not be more than one white-insulated wire in a single hole on the grounding bus bar.

Such wiring, when incorrectly done, is called a double tap.

Also, NEC Article 110-14 requires that connection devices able to accept more than one conductor should be so marked. 

But any time more than one conductor is connected to anything, looseness is possible and that is never good.  Even when properly done, such connections should be checked.

I see black and white double taps all the time.

But to see a blue and red double tap is very unusual!  It's a bit like seeing something mythical!

Blue and red Romex conductors are generally used for traveler connections in three-way and four-way switched applications. 

This breaker was not labeled in the panel box, and who knows what it is intended to service, but even though this has been there for a long time it is still a double tap. 

And while this breaker might be an older Cutler Hammer, it is a single-pole unit and not intended for two conductor installations.

When I showed it to my client, who has an electrician's background, his eyes went wide and with a big smile said he might have to get into that box and make a "few changes."

My recommendation:  even though you might feel privileged to see something not many have seen, and whether it is mythical or not, look carefully!  And if it needs professional attention your home inspector will tell you.  Even if you have an electrician's background!



Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC  

Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia

www.jaymarinspect.com


 
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28 Comments on Red And Blue Double Taps - Unicorns, Leprechauns And Easter Bunnies

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OCT
05
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Harry - that all homeowners, or general contractors, shared that opinion!

Michael - it's OK!  And I won't tell anyone.

Wow Andrea - methinks that cooler not to have been grounded properly!  And when you take those covers off, try not to stand in water...

John - that it is!  But have you ever seen the fabled blue/red double tap?
6:09am • #9
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Doug - and that not just in electricity!

Richie - and that is what we do on a home inspection!
6:10am • #10
780,962 Points 97 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

But the colors are so pretty Jay.  :)

It seems that the older the home, the more likely this can be found.
6:38am • #11
630,902 Points 5 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Thanks for posting. You succeeded in an easy way to help folks understand with photos.

May I suggest to always leave it to the professionals when it comes to electricity.

Have a nice weekend.

 
6:43am • #12
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Tom - this guy is obviously making a political statement, using a connection that can work in either blue or red states.

I will accept that suggestion Carl!
6:44am • #13
430,920 Points 1 Featured Post

Jay you do such great posts.  Thanks for sharing you knowledge with us.

 

Ginger

 
7:48am • #14
275,890 Points 17 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Maybe they were making a political statement as it we are in the middle of Red and Blue state fever!
7:50am • #15
815,458 Points 165 Featured Posts Localism Sponsor Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jay, thanks for that advice.  Now I will be so busy looking for water I will probably walk into a wall, lol.  
8:17am • #16
1,069,376 Points 70 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Cutler Hammer was...not sure if it still is....a Wisconsin company, and as we know, all things Wisconsin are purrrrfect !
8:37am • #17

Thanks, now I have that "did I leave the oven on?" feeling and I have to run downstairs to check mine. :)
9:05am • #18
671,283 Points 8 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Called Shot Master

Hi Jay when I read your heading I thought about my law enforcement days.  A double tap is one to the body and one to the head.  It could mean two to the body but never shot anyone just once always use a double tap.  Interesting how words have a different meaning depending on what lingo you're talking
1:53pm • #19
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Thank you Ginger.  Keep stopping by!

Kathryn - Ha!  I said that in #13!

Geez Andrea.  If it's not one thing with you it's another!

I hope that is still true for you S&D!
4:16pm • #20
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Sorry George!  I have that feeling sometimes after home inspections!

James - a friend of mine is a cop who says, "Never wing'em!"  He recommends a nice grouping too.
4:19pm • #21
1,156,447 Points 86 Featured Posts Outside Blog Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Jay, at the very least, the colors are patriotic. It doesn't look like there's room to add another breaker, out come the mini's
8:22pm • #22
126,032 Points

By adding the colors it just screams hey look at me! 
8:59pm • #23
1,092,402 Points 201 Featured Posts Outside Blog Hit Router Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Hi Jay, Would you have recommened a new box as well or was this stilll useable? 
9:25pm • #24
548,932 Points 9 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Jay:

I never heard of a double tap.  There is so much that can be wrong with wiring it is scary.  A good electrical review of a property before purchasing it is a prudent practice.
9:45pm • #25
OCT
06
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ed - yes a few could be doubled up on.  Imagine those red and blue cables all over the box!

Rob - it is loud and proud, for sure!  Would love to know what they were trying to wire up.  The box had been changed so much it was impossible to know.  Not much labeled was correct as there had been so much "remodeling" to the house.

The box is usable William, but about 35 years old.  New might be good at this point.

I really see them all the time Evelyn, and there have been other posts on double taps of all sorts.
1:04am • #26
OCT
07
568,210 Points 140 Featured Posts Outside Blog Called Shot Master

Pretty colors. I often give them a little tug. I have had wires come right out of a doubled connection. 
4:56am • #27
977,386 Points 352 Featured Posts Attended Rain Camp Called Shot Master

Ha!  That would have made me afraid of getting my eyeball singed Jim!
5:06am • #28

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Jay Markanich - N. Virginia Home Inspector

Bristow, VA

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Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC

Address: 12315 Sherborne Street, Bristow, VA, 20136

Office Phone: (703) 330-6388

Cell Phone: (703) 585-7560

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An experienced home inspector's look at current home inspection events and conditions along with his useful recommendations.


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