It must be two completely separate circuits with separate neutrals, wired in dual /2 or single /2/2 cable. Never /3.

Is it OK to use tandem breakers?

Tandem breakers are safe and legal to use only when the panel is designed for them and only in the slots that accept tandem breakers. Look at the manufacturer’s labeling on the inside face of the panel door.

How many tandem breakers are allowed?





Up to 8 tandem circuit breakers can be used. BR1212B100 = 12 spaces, 12 total circuits allowed. Tandem circuit breakers are not allowed.

How do you know if you can use tandem breakers?

Another way of showing this will be a diagram that has one single line, representing the entire panel, with individual lines sprouting off it, representing the breakers. Any line that turns into two (these lines usually have a marked “hump” to them) shows you where tandem breakers are allowed, if at all.

Can you feed two circuits one breaker?

Yes, it’s fine to combine circuits onto one breaker, at which point they become one circuit.

Can I use a tandem breaker for 220v?

Tandem Circuit Breaker





Each slot on a breaker panel can hold one, single-pole 120 volt circuit. A 220 volt circuit will be double-pole and take up two slots. Tandem circuit breakers are a workaround to this normalcy, and it will put two 120-volt circuits in one slot.

Can you use a tandem breaker for 240V?

As others have mentioned, it’s not possible to get 240 volts from a single pole in a 120/240V split phase system. Each tandem breaker provides 2 120 V circuits, this is true. However, if you measure between the terminals on a single tandem breaker, you’ll get 0 volts.

How many double breakers can you put in a panel?

Most 200-amp breaker panels have 40 to 42 slots of single-pole breakers or 20 slots for double pole breakers.

How many receptacles can be on a 20 amp circuit?

One rule of thumb is to assign a maximum draw of 1.5 amps to each receptacle, which allows for 10 receptacles on a 20-amp circuit.

What is a double pole 20 amp breaker used for?



The Square D by Schneider Electric Homeline 20 Amp Two-Pole Circuit Breaker is used for overload and short-circuit protection of your electrical system. This breaker is compatible with Homeline load centers and CSED devices. The ANSI-certified and UL-listed unit is rated for 120/240 VAC and 10,000 AIR.

Can you use a double pole breaker for two separate circuits?

Double-pole breakers have two hot wires that are connected by a single neutral wire. That means if there’s a short circuit on either of the poles’ hot wires, both trip. These breakers can be used to serve two separate 120-volt circuits or they can serve a single 240-volt circuit, such as your central AC’s circuit.

How many circuits can share breakers?

Technically, you can have as many outlets on a 15 amp circuit breaker as you want. However, a good rule of thumb is 1 outlet per 1.5 amps, up to 80% of the capacity of the circuit breaker. Therefore, we would suggest a maximum of 8 outlets for a 15 amp circuit.

What is a piggyback circuit breaker?



A double circuit breaker takes the space of a single circuit breaker on a panelboard. Depending on local customs, they are called duplex, slimline, twin, half-height, half-inch, double and waferbreakers.