Illinois Home Inspector Practice Exam

What does it mean when two wires are under one screw of a circuit breaker?

1. Dual connection

2. Double tap or double lugging

3. Overloading the breaker

4. Short circuiting

The correct answer is: Double tap or double lugging

When two wires are under one screw of a circuit breaker, this situation is referred to as double tap or double lugging. This term describes the practice of connecting two conductors to a single terminal or screw on a circuit breaker, which can lead to various issues related to electrical safety and functionality. In standard electrical code and safety guidelines, each circuit breaker is designed to accommodate a single wire connection. When multiple wires are attached to a single terminal, it can prevent the breaker from functioning properly during a fault condition. The breaker may not trip as it should, which can potentially result in an overload that leads to overheating and increased fire risk. Additionally, having double taps can cause poor electrical connections, which can result in arcing and further hazards. The other options do not accurately describe the act of placing two wires under one screw. For instance, dual connection generally refers to standard practices of connecting multiple wires appropriately and safely, rather than improperly connecting them to a single screw. Overloading the breaker implies that the total current exceeds the breaker's capacity, while short circuiting refers specifically to a fault that creates an unintended pathway of low resistance, causing excessive current to flow. Neither of these concepts directly describes the condition of having two wires under one screw.