double up on screw clamps

jimmyhopps

is it safe and/or code to put two wires into each of the screw clamps and grounding bus within a safety disconnect switch? I want to do this to effectively create two circuits coming out of the switch rather than have a separate junction box and fork a new circuit there. i'm using 10awg wire and two of them seem to fit into clamp easily.

k_buz

The more important question would be what are two sets of wires for?

Speedy Petey

I agree with K.
Also, define "screw clamps". That is not a term used when describing wire terminating.
I'd like to see the switch to see if it even can supply two load side circuits.

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

jimmyhopps

thanks guys. the 2 circuits are for 2 receptacals in separate locations in my basement. the switch is only for safety purposes such that i can lock out my kids. please see attached photo.

Attached Images

 

Speedy Petey

There is NOTHING about that switch that would let you have two load feeds.
WHY a safety switch? Why not a small panel?

__________________
Sometimes I feel like if I answer any more questions it is like someone trying to climb over a fence to jump off a bridge and me giving them a boost.

Jim Port

The lugs in that disconnect are for one wire only.

__________________
Answers based on the National Electrical Code. Local amendments may apply. Check with your local building officials.

rrolleston

Installing a switch in an area they can't get to or put a locking switch cover on the switch would be a better idea.

__________________
Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

gregzoll

Now, my question is, why lock out the kids from something that makes our lives easier? If it is to keep them from placing stuff into the sockets, use TR (Tamper Resistant) sockets. I bet that you are a whoot to live with, if you are doing this, what other "tricks" have you done to keep people from using modern conveniences.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Now listen, Cadet. I've got a job for you. See this button?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Don't touch it! It's the History Eraser button, you fool!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: So what'll happen?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: That's just it. We don't know. Maybe something bad, maybe something good. I guess we'll never know, 'cause you're going to guard it. You won't touch it, will you?

k_buz

Something isn't being told to us. If that was just to turn off power to something (say a tablesaw) why not just unplug it? If you are worried about them plugging it back in, turn it off at the breaker.

rrolleston

I was looking at the gauge he was using and thought maybe he has a workshop somewhere and larger 30 amp outlets I have never seen tamper resistant that size.

__________________
Please ask me about my special discount for people that shut up and stay out of my way! With Electricity there is the right way to do it and the dead way. Just because it works does not make it safe.

gregzoll

If the are 30 amp 240vac, place them up high where the kiddies can not get to them, and/or use a locking sub-panel that whom ever possesses the key, can only access.

__________________

To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Now listen, Cadet. I've got a job for you. See this button?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: Don't touch it! It's the History Eraser button, you fool!
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: So what'll happen?
To view links or images in signatures your post count must be 10 or greater. You currently have 0 posts.
: That's just it. We don't know. Maybe something bad, maybe something good. I guess we'll never know, 'cause you're going to guard it. You won't touch it, will you?

jimmyhopps

the circuits are for a new wood shop in my basement. i know i can flip the breaker, but it is not easily accessible and this lockout protection makes the wife happy(er). i didn't do a sub panel since that is above my skill set and time allotment. it is 10awg because the circuit from the main panel and its breaker are 30 amps (previously used for a clothes dryer no longer needed) and i didn't see the need to spend money to change it (and if i need 30amps later i have it). the disconnect will be fused at 20amps since that is what the receptacles are.

I hear all the questions and understand the other options noted, but i struggle to see what is dangerous or a code violation about this. isn't running two circuits out one end of the switch equivalent to forking into two circuits after it comes out of the switch?

Thanks guys

k_buz

I don't see a problem with what you want to do, IF you would just pigtail the wires on the load side so only one wire is under the lugs.

But, this still wouldn't turn off power to one recept if the other one is on. You would be just disconnection power to both recepts.

I'm having a hard time with this because in one sentence you are saying its to keep your kids safe, and in another you are saying it to ensure that both recepts aren't used at once.

k_buz

Please be aware, IN THEORY, this would be ok, but the old dryer circuit would have to have a ground present in order to extend this circuit. If this old dryer feed was run in 3 wire type SE cable, you would not be able to extend this circuit.

jimmyhopps

the switch is just about safety. the recepts will not be used concurrently.