Double Throw Breaker/Disconnect?

[mtaylor]

I'm not sure what section I should have asked it in but I think "Continuing Ed" may fit?

Can anyone tell me what "Double Throw" means as far as breakers or disconnects? I feel like a fool for asking this question for some reason...

Thanks!

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I'm not sure what section I should have asked it in but I think "Continuing Ed" may fit?

Can anyone tell me what "Double Throw" means as far as breakers or disconnects? I feel like a fool for asking this question for some reason...

Thanks!

A 3 way switch is a double throw switch. Does that help?

It is a single pole double throw to be more specific.

 

[480sparky]

I've never heard of a 'double-throw' breaker. Double-pole disconnects may also be known as transfer switches.

I did a quick Google search and a transfer switch may be what you're thinking of.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I've never heard of a 'double-throw' breaker. Double-pole disconnects may also be known as transfer switches.

I did a quick Google search and a transfer switch may be what you're thinking of.

This is true. A transfer switch is a double pole double throw disconnect. I also have never seen a Doble throw breaker.

Double throw means it will energize something in one position and something else in the other position. There are also DP Double throw switches with a center off position.

 

[480sparky]

This is true. A transfer switch is a double pole double throw disconnect. I also have never seen a Doble throw breaker.

Double throw means it will energize something in one position and something else in the other position. There are also DP Double throw switches with a center off position.

Double-throw simply means you are providing two paths for the current to flow. You can either use them as a transfer switch, giving you the option to 'choose' between two sources of power, or you can apply one source of power to the common terminal and 'choose' which load to send it to.

The number of poles is roughly dependant on the number of power sources (2 or single-phase, 3 for 3-phase, etc.)

 

[charlie b]

Double throw means it will energize something in one position and something else in the other position.

That's a good description. By contrast, a "single throw" switch will energize something in one position and de-energize the same something in the other position.