2 20 Amp Breakers Tied Together

The Perils and Possibilities of Tying Two 20-Amp Breakers Together

Meta Description: Never tie two 20-amp breakers together! This article explains the significant electrical dangers of this practice, the code violations involved, and the correct way to increase amperage for your circuits. Learn about the risks of fire, electrocution, and costly repairs.

Connecting two 20-amp breakers together is a dangerous practice that should never be attempted. This seemingly simple act violates fundamental electrical safety codes and significantly increases the risk of electrical fires, electrocution, and costly property damage. This article will delve into why this is such a hazardous practice and explain the safe alternatives for increasing electrical capacity.

Why You Should Never Tie Two 20-Amp Breakers Together

The primary reason you should never connect two 20-amp breakers together is that it overloads the circuit's wiring. Each breaker is designed to protect a specific amount of wiring capable of handling a certain current. Connecting them in parallel bypasses this crucial safety mechanism. Instead of each breaker protecting a separate 20-amp circuit, you essentially create a single circuit attempting to carry 40 amps through wiring designed for only 20 amps. This leads to:

• Overheating: The wires will overheat significantly, potentially melting insulation and creating a fire hazard. This is especially dangerous in older homes with outdated wiring.
• Circuit Breaker Failure: The breakers themselves may fail to trip, even if the current exceeds their rating, leaving the overloaded circuit active and further increasing the risk of fire.
• Electrocution: Overheating and damaged wiring increase the risk of exposed live wires, resulting in a significant electrocution hazard.
• Code Violations: This practice violates national electrical codes, invalidating any insurance claims resulting from electrical fires or other damages.

Understanding Amperage and Circuit Protection

Amperage (measured in amps) represents the amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit. Breakers are designed to interrupt the flow of current if it exceeds a safe level, protecting the wiring and preventing fires. A 20-amp breaker means the circuit can safely handle a maximum of 20 amps. Exceeding this limit puts your home and family at considerable risk.

Safe Alternatives to Increase Electrical Capacity

If you need to increase the amperage available for a specific circuit, there are safe and code-compliant methods to achieve this:

• Install a Larger Breaker: Instead of connecting two breakers, install a breaker with a higher amperage rating, but only after determining if the existing wiring is rated to support the higher amperage. Improperly upgrading a breaker is just as dangerous. This often requires the assistance of a qualified electrician.
• Run a New Circuit: The safest solution is often to run an entirely new circuit with appropriately sized wiring and a correctly rated breaker. This is the most reliable and safest option for increasing your home's electrical capacity.
• Consult a Qualified Electrician: Always consult a licensed electrician to assess your electrical needs and make safe modifications to your electrical system. They can properly evaluate your home's wiring, determine the appropriate amperage for your circuits, and make the necessary installations to ensure your safety and compliance with electrical codes.

Connecting two 20-amp breakers together is a shortcut that puts your home and family at grave risk. It is a dangerous and illegal practice. Always prioritize safety and utilize the correct methods to improve your home's electrical capacity. Don't gamble with your safety – consult a professional electrician.