May 2 circuits, such as a lighting circuit and another receptacle circuit, be tied to a 2pole breaker so they will both be interupted at the same time? One leg on each pole of the circuit breaker. Do circuits have to have individual single pole breakers or would this method be approved? Also is it approved to use individual single pole breakers as a double pole if the handles are mechanically connected by a tie?
2 pole breaker
- Thread starter pipedope
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Re: 2 pole breaker
No you can not use (2) 1p breakers with a handle tie as a substitute for a 2p breaker where a 2p breaker is required.
We (2) 1p breakers are tied together with a handle tie if there is an overload or short circuit on one pole the other will not trip. In other words the handle of one pole moving to the tripped position will not pull the other handle along with it. A 2p breaker that "appears" to be simply (2) 1p breakers simply tied together with a handle tie isn't. The key word is "common trip."
The trip mechanisms are tied together internally such that if one breaker calls for a trip it will activate the other pole to trip also. Thus the term "common trip."
No you can not use (2) 1p breakers with a handle tie as a substitute for a 2p breaker where a 2p breaker is required.
We (2) 1p breakers are tied together with a handle tie if there is an overload or short circuit on one pole the other will not trip. In other words the handle of one pole moving to the tripped position will not pull the other handle along with it. A 2p breaker that "appears" to be simply (2) 1p breakers simply tied together with a handle tie isn't. The key word is "common trip."
The trip mechanisms are tied together internally such that if one breaker calls for a trip it will activate the other pole to trip also. Thus the term "common trip."
paul
Senior Member
- Location
- Snohomish, WA
Re: 2 pole breaker
May 2 circuits, such as a lighting circuit and another receptacle circuit, be tied to a 2pole breaker so they will both be interupted at the same time?
Yes
Do circuits have to have individual single pole breakers or would this method be approved?
No they don't have to. This method is okay.
Also is it approved to use individual single pole breakers as a double pole if the handles are mechanically connected by a tie?
I'm going to answer differently than templdl and say that this is also okay as long as the tie pulls the other breaker into the off position.
May 2 circuits, such as a lighting circuit and another receptacle circuit, be tied to a 2pole breaker so they will both be interupted at the same time?
Yes
Do circuits have to have individual single pole breakers or would this method be approved?
No they don't have to. This method is okay.
Also is it approved to use individual single pole breakers as a double pole if the handles are mechanically connected by a tie?
I'm going to answer differently than templdl and say that this is also okay as long as the tie pulls the other breaker into the off position.
Re: 2 pole breaker
Paul,
Dave
Paul,
If they are (2) individual breakers ties together with a handle tie if one breaker calls for a trip that breaker(trips automatically), NO that handle tie it WILL NOT TRIP or PULL the handle of the other breaker to the OFF or tripped position. You may get lucky to get a manufacturer's breaker who will but none that I know of.
Dave
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
Re: 2 pole breaker
Handle ties are permitted when the only requirement is for simultaneous manual operation. For automatic operation, the internal-trip mechanism is required.
Handle ties are permitted when the only requirement is for simultaneous manual operation. For automatic operation, the internal-trip mechanism is required.
- Location
- Lockport, IL
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- Semi-Retired Electrical Engineer
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