Is your electrical panel safe? How do you know? You can’t see behind the metal cover. A very common and extremely dangerous issue is what is called a double tapped breaker.

A double tapped breaker is when two conductors have been installed under the terminal of one circuit breaker. Circuit breakers are not designed to hold two conductors together and could loosen up - leading to arcing, overheating or even an electrical fire. Each circuit should be on its own separate breaker and sized correctly.

Another dangerous install is when two conductors are install in the same lug on the neutral bar. This also leads to fires, property damage and death.

You may have double tapped breakers if your electric panel has been installed by someone without the correct electrical experience and training. This could spell trouble for the safety of your home and family as well as future building permits.

If you are not experienced with working with an electrical panel, it is always best to have a professional electrician handle the job for you. Contact a licensed electrical contractor, such as John’s Electric, because playing with electricity when you don’t know what you’re doing can spell disaster.