It could be either. If it has any heavy appliances like a stove it might require 220-240 which would be a double.
Use of a double pole breaker or a single pole breaker depends entirely on the application. If you don't know about the application, contact a qualified electrician in your area.
The term "double pole" usually means a breaker with 2 handles that attaches in the space as a normal single pole breaker. If this is what you mean, no, you cannot. There is no potential, or voltage, between the wire terminals. If by "double pole" you mean what is usually called a 2-pole breaker, which is a breaker with 2 handles that attaches in the space of 2 single pole breakers, then yes, you can use this breaker and 12/2 wire to produce a 220v circuit.
If the 12,000 BTU A/C only requires 20 amps to run then yes you can use the same 12 gauge wire but you cannot change it to a 15 amp breaker. You will need to install a 20 amp double pole breaker. If it requires more than 20 amps you will have to replace the wiring and breaker.
A GE tandem breaker can be removed and replaced with a GE single pole breaker.
Single pole 20 amp breaker.
Use of a double pole breaker or a single pole breaker depends entirely on the application. If you don't know about the application, contact a qualified electrician in your area.
The term "double pole" usually means a breaker with 2 handles that attaches in the space as a normal single pole breaker. If this is what you mean, no, you cannot. There is no potential, or voltage, between the wire terminals. If by "double pole" you mean what is usually called a 2-pole breaker, which is a breaker with 2 handles that attaches in the space of 2 single pole breakers, then yes, you can use this breaker and 12/2 wire to produce a 220v circuit.
If the 12,000 BTU A/C only requires 20 amps to run then yes you can use the same 12 gauge wire but you cannot change it to a 15 amp breaker. You will need to install a 20 amp double pole breaker. If it requires more than 20 amps you will have to replace the wiring and breaker.
A GE tandem breaker can be removed and replaced with a GE single pole breaker.
Single pole 20 amp breaker.
AWG 12/2 requires the use of a 20 amp single pole breaker.
No. In North America a double pole breaker is used to obtain a voltage of 240 volts from the distribution panel. What ever the amperage rating stamped on the handle of the breaker is, that is the amperage that the breaker will trip at.
To be short...Yes
Yes. An everyday occurrence of this circuitry is in your kitchen counter split receptacles. The top half of the receptacle is a 15 amp circuit and from the same breaker the bottom half of the receptacle is another 15 amp circuit. A two pole single handle breaker is a common trip. If one of the circuits fed from the breaker faults the other connected circuit will shut off also. If you are talking about slot position in a breaker panel, you can remove the two pole breaker and install two single pole breakers.
Some people use single or double but the thickness depends on how much you let it heat on the stove.
What governs the type of breaker is the voltage and wattage of the heater elements. If the tank is 120V then you would only use one breaker. The size of the breaker you use will depend on the watts of the element. Watts = amps x volts, Amps = Watts/ volts. Once you establish the amperage then size the wire and the breaker to fit. If the tank is 240V the same rules apply only you would use a 2 pole breaker. IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOBSAFELY AND COMPETENTLYREFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS. If you do this work yourself, always turn off the power at the breaker box/fuse panel BEFORE you attempt to do any work AND always use a meter or voltage indicatorto insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
No, the wire will overheat.