Because the two hot wires are on separate poles of the AC system when one is seeing a voltage into the house the other is seeing a voltage out away from the house. So they’re able to share a single neutral wire.

What are double pole 15 amp breakers used for?

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.

Where are double pole circuit breakers used?





The first, a single pole breaker and the second, a double pole breaker. A single pole breaker is typically used with 120-volt circuits, 15-20 amps. They are constructed with one hot wire and one neutral wire. A double pole breaker is primarily used with a 240-volt circuit, 20-60 amps and consists of two hot wires.

Why are 2 15 amp breakers tied together?

Both hot wires need to be tied together so they won’t be tripped/switched off independently. You should replace the two individual breakers with a 240v breaker.

Are there double pole 15 amp breakers?

Square D Homeline 15 Amp 2-Pole Circuit Breaker HOM215CP.

Is a double pole 15 amp breaker 30 amps?

Answer: Yes, because the breaker draws 30 amps from each leg … 1 leg per each busbar. You might be better using two individual 30 amp breakers since a double breaker has a connection bar and both sides will trip if either leg trips.

Can I use just one side of a double pole breaker?





A double pole switch can be used to control light and a fan or 2 lights on separate circuits. It is easy to wire a double pole switch to work as a single pole switch because only one side is used instead of both.

What does a double circuit breaker mean?

A double breaker is basically an interconnected set of two single-pole breakers. Each one snaps onto a different hot bus in the panel, and because they’re interconnected, they trip at the same time. Double-pole breakers are usually rated for current in a range between 30 and 60 amps.

Can you separate a double pole breaker?

There is nothing wrong with using double pole breakers for two circuits if they are actually separate circuits, just be aware that when one circuit trips its side of the breaker the other side will trip off the circuit on it.

How do you wire a double pole circuit breaker?

Steps on How to Wire a Double Pole Circuit Breaker

  1. Switch off the main breaker & test for current. …
  2. Examine the panel’s wiring. …
  3. Wire strip the circuit wires. …
  4. Connect your double pole circuit breaker. …
  5. Reassemble the breaker panel.


What is the difference between single and double pole circuit breaker?

A single-pole breaker regulates normal lighting, power outlets, and other household appliances. It is relatively narrow and takes a single position in the breaker box of the home. On the other hand, A double pole breaker is a pair of separate pole breakers stacked over each other.

What are tandem circuit breakers used for?

A special kind of circuit breaker is the tandem breaker, which is designed to allow two 120-volt circuits to be fit into a single slot in the circuit breaker box. They are normally installed in situations where the breaker box is already full with no available slots for additional circuit breakers.

Why are some circuit breakers tied together?



Handles are typically tied together when all the breakers are supplying a single piece of equipment. For example, in a 120/240 volt single phase system, two breakers might be tied together for a piece of equipment that requires 240 volts. Three breakers tied together would be common for a 3 phase systems.

Why do some 2 pole breakers have one switch?

A two pole breaker that has only one switch is called an internal trip breaker. The two phases disconnects are tied together inside the breaker itself so that if one phase trips it kills power to both. Because the two phases are tripped inside the breaker, it’s considered an internal trip.

Can two breakers share a neutral?

as long as the phase conductors are on different “phases” it’s fine. Recent code requires them to be on a double pole breaker though. I do it as much as possible in houses. It’s easier to pull one three wire for two circuits, than 2 separate two wires.

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.

Can 2 circuits share a breaker?



The short answer is yes, if you have breakers that accept two wires, or if you pigtail them in the panel and connect a jumper to the breaker.

Do tandem breakers share a neutral?

The neutral isn’t any bigger than the hots, yet it’s being asked to carry twice the load. There is no breaker on the neutral to protect it. So this sharing is setting the neutral on fire.

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.

How much can I put on a 15 amp circuit?

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 pancake breaker?



Pancake breakers ? Never heard that term but guessing you mean (tandem)mini breakers. Mini breakers are fine but as in Chicago some localities may not allow them by code. They are normally used because the panel is full and can not accept any more and they help avoid needing a sub or another larger panel.