I have 40' run from the main panel with BX and want to use 14/3 instead of two runs of 14/2.
Is there a problem using a double pole breaker (15amp) to feed (with 14/3) a split receptacle and then a lighting circuit on one half and 4 receptacles on the other?


Is the only drawback is when one side trips they both trip.

Thanks for your advice.

What you propose is fine, and exactly the way it needs to be down. If two circuits are connected to the same device such as a split receptacle, if I am understand you correctly, it must be connected to a two pole breaker. This is if some one works on the outlet both circuit will be shut off.

If you just have two circuits, one for lights and one for outlets, a two pole is not required, but using one is not a problem, other than if one trips you lose the other circuit, as you mention.

The caution is with using 3 wire you will have a shared neutral, and the neutral wire must be spliced at where it splits into two circuits, and not use screws on a receptacle. Splices are more reliable than screw connections, and a loose screw can create an open neutral, which can damage appliances and burn out light bulbs.

When you say splices are more reliable than screws, does that include the popular wire nuts?

Yes. Any type or brand of "Wirenut" can be used,and but the word is widely used for any make or brand of twist on wire connector.

BTW, "Wirenut" is a brand name trademarked by Ideal Industries, 3 M calls them Spring Connectors, and Buchanan calls them Twist Connectors.

We in the trade call them all wirenuts, and ask for wirenuts at the counter when ordering, and get what ever brand they supply house carries.

The intention is to splice the wires, with a wirenut or any type of splicing connector or method, and not just rely on the two silver screws on the receptacle for continuous connection of a shared neutral.

Screws can loosen too easily, and if for a shared neutral, this will cause an open neutral which can wreck havoc with both circuits.

Splices are considered more reliable than a screw connection, and therefore is required by code to splice the shared neutral.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

What you propose is fine, and exactly the way it needs to be down. If two circuits are connected to the same device such as a split receptacle, if I am understand you correctly, it must be connected to a two pole breaker. This is in the event that some one works on the outlet both circuit will be shut off.

If you just have two circuits, one for lights and one for outlets, a two pole is not required, but using one is not a problem, other than if one trips you lose the other circuit, as you mention.

The caution is with using 3 wire you will have a shared neutral, and the neutral wire must be spliced at where it splits into two circuits, and not use screws on a receptacle. Splices are more reliable than screw connections, and a loose screw can create an open neutral, which can damage appliances and burn out light bulbs.

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I have a similar situation. But regarding the separation of circuit, my understanding is that with 20Amp 240 Double Pole breaker, you can break the tie that separate the 2 lever/switch into 2 separate 20Amp 120v. If I can do this, then I would essentially can shut off each of the circuit individually. Is this correct understanding?

Only if you have two circuits on one device, as a split receptacle with one circuit on top and another on the bottom, do you need to use a 2 pole circuit breaker. In this case you cannot break the handle of a 2 pole breaker.

If you have two circuits that use a shared neutral, and both are not one one device, then a 2 pole breaker is not needed.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

Only if you have two circuits on one device, as a split receptacle with one circuit on top and another on the bottom, do you need to use a 2 pole circuit breaker. In this case you cannot break the handle of a 2 pole breaker.

If you have two circuits that use a shared neutral, and both are not one one device, then a 2 pole breaker is not needed.

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I was trying to simplify my wire run. I want to have 2 separate 120V/20am circuit to 2 separate outlets(devices). Hence my thought to use 1 run of 12/3 wire into a 240V/20am double pole... and I would splice/split into 2 different outlet resulting in 2 120V/20am.

So if you say that I don't need a double pole breaker. Is it possible to get 12/3 wire into 2 single poles with share neutral? I guess my question is how to get the 2 single poles to share the same neutral. May be it's too simple and I'm no seeing it. :)

It is simple, no offense. It gets wired same as a 2 pole. Black to one breaker, red to another breaker, white to neutral, and bare or green to equipment ground, which is the same as the neutral bar if the main breaker is in that panel.

Caution if you use half size or tandem breakers, be sure to plug each CB onto opposite legs of the panel.

Nothing wrong with using a 2 pole for a shared neutral circuit, actually a good idea. Just cannot cut the handle.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tkrussell

It is simple, no offense. It gets wired same as a 2 pole. Black to one breaker, red to another breaker, white to neutral, and bare or green to equipment ground, which is the same as the neutral bar if the main breaker is in that panel.

Caution if you use half size or tandem breakers, be sure to plug each CB onto opposite legs of the panel.

Nothing wrong with using a 2 pole for a shared neutral circuit, actually a good idea. Just cannot cut the handle.

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Yes, after reading more about this, the key is that the half-size breaker must on on the opposite leg of the panel.

I think I will weight the option of where to just stick with double pole or 2 single poles.

Thank you very much.

aglasser,

Please do not double post.

https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/electr...-a-344892.html

I think everyone is assuming that you will be reusing the wire for for two separate circuits, hence the term "shared neutral" came up.

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Question is closed.