View Full Version : Can I tie a single wire to a double pole breaker.
asabear
Sep 14, 2011, 12:23 PM
Can I tie a single wire(120V) to one side of a double pole breaker. Amperage of the breaker matches the load I need, but it is a double pole and I don't have two singles to replace it with.
Stratmando
Sep 14, 2011, 03:04 PM
I don't see a problem.
donf
Sep 15, 2011, 05:49 AM
I'm no sure what you are asking.
Do you mean, can you take a double pole circuit breaker and attach it to the bottom of the bus bar so that only one pole of the breaker is attached to the panelboard?
If so, then the answer is "No." The reason would be that you are not using the circuit breaker per the manufacturer's instructions.
The manufacturer's design calls for both poles of the breaker to be latched onto the panelboard.
Also, a two pole breaker is not listed for use as a single pole breaker.
You can probably pick up a single pole breaker for $20. Or less at any number of hardware stores.
Stratmando
Sep 15, 2011, 04:23 PM
Multiwire circuits use 2 pole breakers, or should by current code. This is one circuit, Only downfall is you lose a space?
TK?
tkrussell
Sep 16, 2011, 02:34 AM
I see no problem using one pole of a two pole breaker.
donf
Sep 16, 2011, 07:21 AM
If the breaker is installed properly (using two positions) I agree. But if one pole is left hanging off a phase bus, I believe that would be a problem, correct?
tkrussell
Sep 16, 2011, 12:14 PM
Of course,
But if one pole is left hanging off a phase bus, I believe that would be a problem, correct?
However, I do not see that is what suggested.
Besides, the panel cover would not fit, and most, if not all, panels have an obstruction of some sort at the bottom of bus bars to prevent that from happening.
While you may be thinking outside of the box, in a three dimensional world, your encroaching into the fourth dimension.
While I may be able to make the case the usage of only one pole of a two pole breaker may be a UL listing violation, as long as the panel is labeled correctly and accurately, I have seen much worse done.
donf
Sep 16, 2011, 12:19 PM
Thanks, I was just asking.