Hello just installed a brand spanking new 40 amp breaker into the panel for a 220 stove... tested connectiong with tester after Installation.. ground to both hot wires tests 118 , testing both hot reads ZERO... while all other breakers on the panel read 238-239 when testing both hot wires

You must be using two single breakers, not a double pole breaker. You must use a double pole breaker. Those singlel breakers are not be installed side by side or you would get a voltage reading of 238-39. When you measure voltage you are measuring the difference in voltage. By not installing the breakers side by side you have installed them on the same phase, therefore the voltage is the same and the meter is showing 0 difference in voltage.

Reading down the left side of the panel, spaces 1 and 3, 5 and 7, etc are on opposite phases. On the right side of the panel spaces 2 and 4, 6 and 8, are on opposite phases.

Using a double pole breaker forces you to install on opposite phases.

By code you must use a double pole breaker or the breaker handles must be tied together. That way you can't turn one off and not the other.

Replace the single breakers with a double pole breaker.

? Not sure I understand. Why would 2 singles side by be different than a double? The boxes switch phase on every other breaker. Not being side by side I could understand.

Not sure I understand. Why would 2 singles side by be different than a double?


That's the problem Brian, they are not installed side by side. (My assumption).

I agree there. Most people have never seen the inside of a breaker box and have no idea that side by side breakers are on different phases.