Two common panel problems. A double-tapped (or double-lugged) breaker has two wires jammed under one breaker terminal built for a single wire — a loose-connection and overheating risk. Over-fusing is a breaker rated higher than the wire it protects (say a 20-amp breaker on 14-gauge wire), so the wire can overheat before the breaker ever trips.
$100–400 to correct; a clue to a stretched or amateur-wired panelAddress soonElectrical
Why it matters
Both defeat the breaker's one job — protecting the wire from overheating — and are fire risks. On their own they're an inexpensive fix, but a panel full of them is a strong signal of amateur or rushed electrical work, and often of a panel stretched beyond its capacity. Insurers and inspectors flag them.
How to spot it
With the cover on you usually can't see the wiring, but a photo of the open panel can show two wires under one breaker screw, or breaker amp ratings that look high for the circuit. Warm spots, buzzing, or scorch marks around a breaker are urgent. Have an electrician confirm.
What it costs
Correcting double-taps and over-fusing is usually $100–400. If it points to an overloaded or undersized panel, budget for a larger fix — see the undersized electrical service guide.
What to do
Have a licensed electrician review the panel, especially in a flipped or DIY-renovated home. Treat a messy panel as a reason to look harder at the rest of the electrical.
Education and triage, not a home inspection. Casaroo flags panel red flags from a photo and prompts an electrician's review — a licensed electrician confirms and corrects them. We flag; we don't inspect.
Common questions
What is Double-tapped & over-fused breakers?
Two common panel problems. A double-tapped (or double-lugged) breaker has two wires jammed under one breaker terminal built for a single wire — a loose-connection and overheating risk. Over-fusing is a breaker rated higher than the wire it protects (say a 20-amp breaker on 14-gauge wire), so the wire can overheat before the breaker ever trips.
Why does it matter for home buyers?
Both defeat the breaker's one job — protecting the wire from overheating — and are fire risks. On their own they're an inexpensive fix, but a panel full of them is a strong signal of amateur or rushed electrical work, and often of a panel stretched beyond its capacity. Insurers and inspectors flag them.
How can I spot it?
With the cover on you usually can't see the wiring, but a photo of the open panel can show two wires under one breaker screw, or breaker amp ratings that look high for the circuit. Warm spots, buzzing, or scorch marks around a breaker are urgent. Have an electrician confirm.
How much does it cost to fix?
Correcting double-taps and over-fusing is usually $100–400. If it points to an overloaded or undersized panel, budget for a larger fix — see the undersized electrical service guide.
Electrical work should be assessed and corrected by a licensed electrician; requirements vary by province.
Last reviewed 2026-07-02.
This guide is general education, not a home inspection and not advice for your specific property — always
consult the appropriate licensed professional, and get a licensed home inspection before you remove conditions
or buy. Cost ranges are 2026 estimates that vary by region, size, and access; confirm specifics with a
qualified professional.