[dave connor]

Recently had an electrical contractor come in and upgrade the old 70 amp service to house. He put in a new Federal Pioneer 60 Amp Main on a 24 circuit panel explaining that is all we would probably need due to the demands we have and may possibly have in the future. I still have 5 empty circuits in panel.

Two 15 amp circuits had been running to the Garage/Shop fed by 14/3 and then split in the garage feeding two separate circuits, each on its own 15 amp breaker.

When the switch over was made the electrician used a double pole 15 amp single breaker.
Now I assume ( it has't happened yet, but may) if the circuit is overloaded both circuits in the garage will be without power.

Why this was done I don't know, but My question is--Can I just remove the double pole breaker and go back to two single 15 amp circuits for the Garage/Shop as before.

In the past I have had a circuit overload and have still had power on the remaining circuit. Much handier.

Tks. Dave.

[tkrussell]

First, can you tell me what a new Federal Pioneer 60 Amp Main is?

The minimum size service allowed ,in the US, is 100 amp.

On the 2 pole CB, is there any outlets that have both circuits connected? This is the only time a 2 pole CB is required for a multi-wire circuit.

If not, then the electrician may be confused and think he needs a 2 pole Cb for any multiwire circuit.

If there is no outlet with both circuits connected to it, then using two separate breakers is no problem.