I am looking at the side of a 20 amp Square D breaker type HOM series 1 and it shows a pictorial of two # 14 load wires under the screw/pressure plate. I see two issues,first the # 14 on a 20 amp breaker and 2 load wires on a single pole breaker. Does SQ D assume that the load is split evenly ? How can they show this as acceptable? I have called Square D and they are researching it. Chris (having a senior moment)
I believe the purpose of diagram you are looking at is only to show that this type of breaker has terminals that can accomodate 2 conductors of equal size. I don't have one in front of me, but I think it also lists acceptable wire sizes. It is unfortunate that they chose #14 to illustrate the fact that the terminals accept 2 conductors, but it is up tp the installer to properly size the circuit conductors.
They are showing the range of the lug not the range of the breaker. They use the same lug on all breakers from 15 to 30 Amps. It is up to the installer to chose the correct wire for the application. Remember not all #14 AWG wiring is restricted to 15 amp protection (i.e. motors).
