Is It Legal To Tie Two Breakers Together

Is It Legal to Tie Two Breakers Together? A Comprehensive Guide to Electrical Safety

Meta Description: Connecting two breakers together might seem like a simple solution, but it's crucial to understand the legal and safety implications before attempting it. This guide explains the risks and regulations surrounding this practice.

Connecting two breakers together is a question that sparks considerable debate among homeowners and DIY enthusiasts. The short answer is: generally, no, it's not legal or safe to tie two breakers together. This practice carries significant risks and violates electrical codes in most jurisdictions. This article will delve into the reasons why, explaining the potential dangers and the legal ramifications of such actions.

Understanding Electrical Codes and Regulations

Electrical work is highly regulated to ensure safety and prevent fires, electrocution, and other hazards. National Electrical Code (NEC) standards, and their local equivalents, dictate the safe installation and operation of electrical systems. These codes are meticulously designed to prevent precisely the kind of shortcuts that tying two breakers together represents. Ignoring these codes can lead to serious consequences, including:

• Fines: Inspections often reveal illegal wiring practices. Penalties can be substantial.
• Insurance Issues: If a fire or electrical accident occurs due to improper wiring, insurance companies may deny claims.
• Liability: Should someone be injured as a result of your faulty wiring, you could face legal liability.

Why Tying Two Breakers Together is Dangerous

The primary reason tying two breakers together is illegal and dangerous is that it overloads the circuit. Each breaker is designed to handle a specific amperage. Combining two circuits onto a single breaker surpasses its rated capacity, leading to:

• Overheating: Excessive current flow generates significant heat, potentially melting wires, damaging appliances, and igniting fires.
• Tripped Breakers (or worse, no tripping): An overloaded circuit might cause the breaker to trip – or, if the breaker is faulty or improperly sized, it might not trip at all, leading to a dangerous situation.
• Electrical Shock: Faulty wiring resulting from an overloaded circuit creates a substantial risk of electrical shock.

What are the Alternatives?

Instead of resorting to illegal and dangerous practices, consider these safe alternatives:

• Adding a Circuit: If you need more circuits, the safest option is to add a new circuit breaker and wiring to your electrical panel. This requires professional help but ensures compliance with safety standards.
• Upgrading Your Panel: If you're consistently running out of breakers, upgrading your electrical panel to a larger one might be necessary. This is a significant undertaking and should only be performed by a qualified electrician.
• Circuit Load Balancing: Review your circuit usage. You may be able to redistribute the load across existing circuits to prevent overloading.

When Professional Help is Necessary

Working with electricity is inherently risky. Unless you possess extensive electrical experience and are fully versed in local electrical codes, it's crucial to always consult a qualified electrician. They have the expertise and licensing to perform electrical work safely and legally. Attempting DIY electrical work, especially something as potentially dangerous as connecting two breakers, can have severe repercussions.

In conclusion, tying two breakers together is illegal, unsafe, and potentially catastrophic. Prioritize safety and adhere to local electrical codes. Always consult a licensed electrician for any electrical work beyond basic understanding. The cost of professional help is far less than the potential cost of a fire, injury, or legal repercussions.