snipped-for-privacy@snyder.on.ca wrote in news: snipped-for-privacy@4ax.com:
And the only reason that's not a fire hazard is that with two 15A breakers on the same leg, he won't be putting any more than 30A on the neutral -- and it's a 10g wire, so that's at least marginally safe. I doubt it meets Code.
Jack wrote in news:5791690a$0$46652$c3e8da3$e074e489 @news.astraweb.com:
... which is a Code violation and potential fire hazard, unless the receptacles are rated for use with AWG 10 conductors (or unless you used AWG 12 pigtails between that and the receptacles).
The issue is that unless the receptacle was designed for AWG 10 conductors, it's not possible to properly secure one that large under the terminal screw, and it may work loose, leading to arcing and fire.
I ran #12 when I installed a garbage disposal and would have had a heck of a time getting #10 pulled through those bends. Thicker sizes are a pain fo r an amateur to handle. Of course pros do it every day.
Here's what I'm wondering. You're in your shed working on a project late a t night. You're surrounded by disassembled pieces, some of which you'll ne ver figure out where to put if you disturb your layout, some breakable, som e sharp. You power up your saw or other tool and trip the breaker.
Do the lights die too? Are you now in the dark unable to move without trip ping over stuff? Or does just the outlet breaker trip?
Solid or stranded? I almost always pull stranded for #10 and larger...
'Pends on whether you thought ahead when wiring or no... :) Ideally, there even ought to be two light circuits, too, altho for just a small shed it's overkill. Having split circuits in a multi-story house for example means you can at least find your way to the panel in the basement instead of the whole place being dark as a parallel idea...
I have the packaging for two 20 amp commercial spec receptacles, one Leviton and one Pass and Seymour. Neither package specs the wire size or the max number of wires attached to the device.
I'd really appreciate a manufacturers link to info listing max number of wires and max wire size.
Years ago I tried to find this info and gave up. Unless the device says otherwise, if there is an open screw head I'll use it.
I have vague recollection that a device wasn't allowed in-circuit with another device - e.g. a downstream recep may not be wired in parallel with an upstream recep using the device terminals, but rather the upstream device must be pigtailed.
The above link to this device does list the wire size(s) and type (back terminal Cu only) but like yours I see no mention of limiting the number or which connections can be used simultaneously.
I searched for the UL reference numbers to see if they would say something but had no luck on the score, either.
Certainly on duplex outlets without the rear connections it's very common to wire outlets in series using the two sets of side screws and GFCI duplex outlets are constructed specifically with a "line" and "load" side for the purpose. Simply adding the two additional rear contacts doesn't seem to me to make sense to prevent their use if convenient and as you say, I've never seen anything saying "Don't do that!".
So, I think the "one terminal, one wire" rule is Code-compliant but I don't know how to prove it w/o a lot more effort than I've time or inclination to invest.
Single and duplex receptacles rated 15 and 20 A that are provided with more than one set of terminals for the connection of line and neutral conductors have not been investigated to feed branch-circuit conductors connected to other outlets on a multi-outlet branch circuit, as follows: Side-wire (binding screw) terminal with its associated back-wire (.screw-actuated clamp type) terminal . Multiple conductors under a single binding screw Multiple conductors in a single back-wire hole
If these are NOT investigated, the listing does not apply so it is an unlisted use and a NEC violation.
OTOH you can use a push in and the screw.
I think the issue is that a terminal screw can only have that use. It can't be used for another purpose, like tensioning the back plate. You also run into problems that if the plate is all the way open to insert conductors, the screw may not be long enough to get a wire under it.
Using the 2 sets of terminals as a feed through has been evaluated and is legal.
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.