Is a Double Lugged Neutral Wire “Up to Code?”
By Juan Jimenez – The Richmond Home Inspector
A double lugged neutral is not, and has never, been up to code.
Let’s face it, the electrical section of a home inspection report can sound like another language. In fact, we even get many calls from electricians with questions about what we’ve written up. The number one electrical question we get is “What is an MWBC?” which we tackled in another blog. The second question we answer the most is, “wasn’t this up to code when the home was built?” This is particularly true when we “write up” double-lugged neutrals.
So what is a double lugged neutral?
Burned double lugged neutral
It’s simple. This is when two grounded conductors, also called neutrals, or the white wires, are under one screw/terminal. This is a defect because the terminal is only listed for one grounded conductor. One problem, which you can see on the right is that the connections can become loose, which can cause arcing. Another problem is that loosening the grounded conductor of an MWBC in the panel can be a safety hazard if it’s under load because the current will flow to, and possibly overload one of the circuits in the MWBC.
Tip:
Find more defects, get fewer callbacks, and make more money with the Best Thermal Camera for home inspectors, and electricians
-
- 320 x 240 Resolution
- Under $600
- Upload photos to your phone via BlueTooth
- Overlay visual light image for optimal photos
Well was it code when the home was built? Nope. The NEC (National Electrical Code) made it clear in 2002 that this was prohibited. Section 408.41 states “Each grounded (neutral) conductor within the panelboard must terminate in an individual terminal.” The Virginia Residential Code, which is based from the NEC reflects this in E3706.4 which states “Each grounded conductor shall terminate within the panelboard on an individual terminal that is not also used for another conductor”
So what about homes before that? That is where the disagreement lies. It’s simple though. The NEC states in 110.3 “Equipment must be installed and used in accordance with any instructions included in the listing or labeling requirements” which is reflected in Virginia Residential Code E3403.3 as “Electrical materials, components, devices, fixtures and equipment shall be listed for the application, shall bear the label of an approved agency and shall be installed, and used, or both in accordance with the manufacturer’s installation requirements.
We have been checking these labels for years and so far 100% have stated that neutral terminals are only listed for one conductor. I don’t expect that percentage to change anytime soon. And there you have it. Double lugged neutrals are a defect, were never up to code, and should be corrected. The good news is that it should take an electrician about 1 minute to fix it!
Tip:
Make sure you’re inspecting or building up to code with Code Check Complete 3rd Edition: An Illustrated Guide to the Building, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes
More Must-Read Articles for Home Inspectors and Electricians
- Is knob and tube wiring really dangerous?
- Complete Guide to Aluminum Wiring
- Short Circuits Explained
- Are Fuse Panels Still Safe? (Were they ever safe?)
- What Exactly is a Split Bus Panel?
- Everything You need to Know about Tandem Breakers
- The Proper Way to Upgrade 2-Prong Outlets
- Box Fill Calculations For Home Inspectors and Electricians
- What is an MWBC and How to Inspect Them?
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. So I provide you with you relevant knowledge and products to make extra money 🙂
