Window AC units

[Nate Scott]

Is there a code vilation if you use a 3 pole breaker that was a spare in a panelboard for 3 seperate window air conditioner units because the Electrician cannot get any single pole breakers for this old type of panelboard.
The Electrician says whats the differance if they simultaneously shutoff like office modular furniture on multiwire circuits.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Is there a code vilation if you use a 3 pole breaker that was a spare in a panelboard for 3 seperate window air conditioner units because the Electrician cannot get any single pole breakers for this old type of panelboard.
The Electrician says whats the differance if they simultaneously shutoff like office modular furniture on multiwire circuits.

It is not a problem however if one unit blows the circuit they will all obvious go out. I am assuming you mean 3 120 volt units also.

 

[220/221]

I don't see the # of poles as an issue as long as the amperage is correct.


That's just a logical guess BTW. Someone will be along shortly to give a real answer

 

[raider1]

I agree with Dennis, it is not an NEC violation to use a common trip 3 pole breaker for three separate 120 volt circuits. In fact this may become a very common pratice under the 2008 NEC to comply with 210.4(B).

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I agree with Dennis, it is not an NEC violation to use a common trip 3 pole breaker for three separate 120 volt circuits. In fact this may become a very common pratice under the 2008 NEC to comply with 210.4(B).

Chris

Good point. In the 2008 code you will be required to use a 3 pole breaker with a MWBC feeding three different loads. I am not sure whether you are using MWBC but you can see that it is not an issue.

 

[480sparky]

We may need to start putting 3p breakers into 1ph panels when we start installing combination devices.

 

[raider1]

Good point. In the 2008 code you will be required to use a 3 pole breaker with a MWBC feeding three different loads. I am not sure whether you are using MWBC but you can see that it is not an issue.

Under the 2008 you won't be required to have a 3 pole common trip for a MWBC, just simultaneous disconnection, so a listed handle tie on single pole breakers would work, but you already knew that.

Chris

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Under the 2008 you won't be required to have a 3 pole common trip for a MWBC, just simultaneous disconnection, so a listed handle tie on single pole breakers would work, but you already knew that.

Chris

Yes I did and I believe that some manufacturers don't make 3 gang handle ties. Maybe they are now with the 2008 code.

 

[raider1]

Yes I did and I believe that some manufacturers don't make 3 gang handle ties. Maybe they are now with the 2008 code.

Correct, it is hard to find handle ties in my area so I feel that the 3 pole breaker will become the norm on MWBC's in my area.

Chris

 

[SmithBuilt]

Whats so irritating is a 3 pole breaker is not 3 x the cost of a single pole. Its way out of line. There cannot be that much difference materials.

 

[LarryFine]

Whats so irritating is a 3 pole breaker is not 3 x the cost of a single pole. Its way out of line. There cannot be that much difference materials.

Maybe it's the labor involved in adding the little pieces that interlock the trip mechanisms and in riveting the cases together.