Hi leg delta

[ptonsparky]

Small 1Ph 230 volt motor loads. Typically we would use a 2
pole breaker on A & C phase. B being the hi leg. Is there a good reason not to use a 3 pole breaker, which would allow use of B phase for more than just 3 phase loads?

 

[roger]

Small 1Ph 230 volt motor loads. Typically we would use a 2
pole breaker on A & C phase. B being the hi leg.

There is no reason to not use the high leg on phase to phase loads, the load will only see the phase to phase voltage.

Is there a good reason not to use a 3 pole breaker, which would allow use of B phase for more than just 3 phase loads?

No reason at all.

Roger

 

[ptonsparky]

There is no reason to not use the high leg on phase to phase loads, the load will only see the phase to phase voltage. No reason at all.

Roger

I believe the 2 polebreaker rating of 240/120 is the reason not too, although I can point to multiple installations that are done that way entirely successfully for 20-30 years.

 

[kwired]

I believe the 2 polebreaker rating of 240/120 is the reason not too, although I can point to multiple installations that are done that way entirely successfully for 20-30 years.

Same here. Also seen many 10 AWG copper or # 10 nails for handle ties on single pole breakers to make two or three pole unit out of them utilizing the high leg as well.

 

[roger]

I believe the 2 polebreaker rating of 240/120 is the reason not too, although I can point to multiple installations that are done that way entirely successfully for 20-30 years.

I agree and you would have to use a straight rated breaker but it would be no different than using a three pole breaker. In either case the "B" phase would have to supply a phase to phase load.

Roger

 

[ActionDave]

I believe the 2 polebreaker rating of 240/120 is the reason not too,

I think so too, and those non slash breakers are twice the price of a three pole breaker.

although I can point to multiple installations that are done that way entirely successfully for 20-30 years.

I can too. I did a few myself before I learned it was a code violation.

 

[ptonsparky]

?..

I can too. I did a few myself before I learned it was a code violation.

I chalk it up to "Code Changes" when I have to go back and tell customers we can't do it that way anymore.

 

[norcal]

Use a 2 pole breaker w/ a 240V rating, code issue satisfied & pocketbook emptied of extra $$.