How NOT To Create Two New Circuits To Finish A Basement
I run across this condition quite often. Usually in older homes that have been modified or remodeled. I would say about 80% of the finished basements in this area may have been done without a permit.
How NOT to create two new circuits to finish a basement.
This house boasted a newly-finished basement. It had a family room, a new bathroom, and a finished laundry/storage room.
I knew there were electric problems when the bathroom GFI receptacle turned off the lights, fan, and another receptacle in the family room. Electricians don't do that. Permits don't allow that.
I had not been in the electric panel box, but knew something fun was in store.
On one side was a classic "double tap." Called a double lug, but referred to colloquially as a double tap, we see two black wires secured under one circuit screw, or lug. See the yellow arrow?
This is not permitted. It is improper. It is done by someone who is not an electrician who does not want to create a new circuit for the basement. It was not labeled, but I could follow the wire out of the box and saw where it went.
But I knew that one new improper "circuit" would not be enough to service the basement.
Then looking on the other side the monster presented itself!
These are two different 20amp circuits, ostensibly created to service the basement.
They are double tapped off of a major appliance circuit - in this case the 50amp AC circuit.
THIS IS A DANGEROUS INSTALLATION.
These are bogus circuits.
The wires are not stripped properly, exposing too much copper.
And, AND, they both are solid copper and are coupled to braided aluminum wires under those lugs. Don't do that! And don't create new circuits this way!
My recommendation: professionals should ALWAYS do what professionals should do! There is no point in finishing a basement without a permit, and then try to sell it to someone else as a bonus and wonderful feature! Now the work begins. An otherwise very nice house has been marred by a basement sold as a "feature."
Jay Markanich Real Estate Inspections, LLC
Based in Bristow, serving all of Northern Virginia.
Office (703) 330-6388 Cell (703) 585-7560
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