How many wires under a Breaker?

[tsccgy19]

A friend had a house built recently. We looked in the panel and the Contrator has doubled up wires on breakers in the panel. For instance, he has 2 nummber 14's under the screw of one breaker. I pointed this out to the Electrical Inspector, and he says there is nothing wrong with it as long as the total number of outlets from BOTH cables do not exceed 12.
I have been in the business for 25 years and have never doubled up....Nonetheless, I can't challenge him on it because I see no violation in the codebook?
This seems like a poor practice. Has anyone seen anything in the codebook that prevents this???
Thanks,
Steve

[electricguy]

I Have not seen this done either. I am In BC. I understand SQ D Breakers are rated for 2 wires under the screw for #14 and #12.but having 24 outlets on a 15 amp circuit does not make sense to me.

[bigrockk]

I have always thought of this as "against code" and a poor practice as well,but cannot find a specific code rule pertaining to terminations at circuit breakers.
Anybody know of a rule other than 2-108 ?

[Cosimo Diano]

2-034 Use of Approved Equipment
No one shall use any electrical equipment other than approved electrical equipment of a kind or type and rating approved for the specific purpose for which it is to be employed.

2-034 Appendix B Instructions pertaining to its installation. It is of the utmost importance that the installer closely follow installation instructions supplied by the manufacturer to fulfill the terms of the approval agreement.

6-212(1) Enclosures for circuit breakers and externally operated switches shall not be used as junction boxes, troughs, or raceways for conductors feeding through or tapping off to other apparatus.

[CRM]

Although it may not be a code violation, it's poor workmanship, especially if this is a new house. Generally you see two wires on one breaker on jobs where panels are full. I believe a tandem breaker would be a better option if the panel is full, or install a subpanel.

[Cosimo Diano]

If the breaker is approved for two wires the inspector should accept it.

<font color="#a62a2a" size="1">[ January 23, 2005 08:38 AM: Message edited by: Cosimo Diano ]</font>