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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 JOB

SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY

REFER 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 indicator

to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

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Q: Should a hot water heater be put on a 30 single or 30 double amp breaker?
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What is the difference between a single pole breaker and a double pole breaker?

Courtesy of Ace Hardware - I found it on their site · What is the difference between a double pole and a single pole thermostat?Single pole thermostats breaks only one side of the power line to your heater and cannot be turned off. Therefore, power is continuous to the heater even if it is not running. The control knob will have a low temperature setting without an off position. Single pole Thermostats uses only two wires. This means that even if the temperature dial is turned all the way down, voltage is still going into the heater through one line. This may pose a hazard to anyone who might perform electrical work on the heater without realizing that the circuit was still on. You will need to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before electrical repairs can be made safely.Double pole thermostats breaks both sides of the power line; therefore all power to the heater is interrupted. This acts as a safeguard for people performing electrical work on the heater. However, to be on the safe side, you should always turn off the power at the circuit breaker, not at the thermostat, before making any electrical repairs. A double pole will uses four wires and has a off position on the thermostat.Since they are inherently safer, you should always try to use double-pole thermostats, if possible. Another advantage of a double-pole thermostat is that you can turn it completely off and the heat will not come on no matter how cold your room gets. But with a single-pole unit, the thermostat will turn the heat on even if set on the lowest setting.CHECK YOUR LOCAL CODES FOR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS IN DETERMINING IF YOU NEED A SINGLE OR DOUBLE POLE THERMOSTAT BEFORE PURCHASING OR INSTALLING. How can I determine if I have a single or double pole thermostat?Usually, you can tell the difference between a single pole and double-pole thermostat by looking at the dial. A double-pole normally has an "Off" position on the dial whereas a single-pole thermostat does not. The only sure way to tell which kind you have is to remove it from the wall and count the wires connected to it. A double-pole thermostat will have four wires that switches both hot wires whereas a single-pole thermostat will have two wires that only switches one of the hot wires. Can I use a single or double pole thermostat with a 120, 208, or 240 volt heater?Yes. Can I use 1 thermostat to control more than 1 baseboard heater?Built-in thermostats (mounted directly on baseboard) are designed for single heater use. However, it is possible to control more than 1 heater on a wall thermostat if the thermostat rating is not exceeded. Can I mount the thermostat on one side and wire the baseboard heater on the opposite side?No, the thermostat requires power from the supply wires and must be wired in conjunction with the baseboard heater. Is a built-in or a wall mount thermostat better?A built-in control is convenient when the walls are already finished. The built-in thermostat is also convenient to install. However, the wall thermostat is a more accurate way to control the room temperature, is more convenient to use, and has a broader selection of models. The use of electronic thermostats provides more accuracy and saves you money on your electric bill. Can all of the heaters in my house be controlled by one thermostat?There are many benefits to zonal heating. Zonal systems save energy by not heating unoccupied rooms and provide the ultimate in comfort by allowing occupied zones to be heated specifically to individual needs. The purpose of each zone's (room) heater is to heat that specific zone per the set point of the individual thermostat. What is the difference between a low voltage and a line voltage thermostat?Low voltage thermostats should be used when the heater load is greater than 3,800 watts such as commercial heater or central forced air systems.Line voltage thermostats should be used for zonal heat systems such as electric fan heaters, baseboard heaters and radiant heaters. What should I do if my wall thermostat feels hot to the touch?Cadet recommends you replace the thermostat. A hot thermostat indicates that it is not working efficiently; decreasing its accuracy. NOTE: A normal operating thermostat will be slightly warmer than the room temperature by 3 to 5 degrees. Can I use a wall mount thermostat to control my heater if it has an in-built thermostat?Yes, to bypass the in-built thermostat, turn the thermostat on the heater to the highest setting, then use the wall thermostat to regulate the room temperature.


Do you need a 20 amp single or double pole breaker for your washer?

Washing machines in the U.S. operate on 120 volts. That requires a single pole 20 amp breaker and wired with 12/2 w-ground wire. Black to the breaker, white to the neutral bus bar, and copper ground to the ground bus bar.


What amp breaker for 12-2?

AWG 12/2 requires the use of a 20 amp single pole breaker.


What circuit breaker will interchange with American Switch Company?

Replacement for American Switch single pole 15 amp circuit breaker


How do you convert a single breaker box with a 220 amp breaker supplying a hot tub to a 110 volt 30 amp breaker supplying an outlet?

: Replace the main panel breaker feeding the subpanel with a 30 amp breaker if it is currently larger (50A typical). Then you should be able to change your subpanel's 2 pole breaker to a couple of single pole 30A breakers. Use one of the single 30's for your 30A receptacle.: : : : IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB : SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY : REFER 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 an electrician's test meter having metal-tipped probes (not a simple proximity voltage indicator) to insure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.

Related questions

Should you buy double pole breaker or single pole?

It depends on the specific requirements of your electrical system. Single pole breakers are typically used for 120-volt circuits, while double pole breakers are used for 240-volt circuits. If you are unsure, it is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician to determine the appropriate type of breaker for your needs.


Can a 220 VAC breaker be single pole or does it have to always be a double pole breaker?

A 220 VAC breaker can be single pole or double pole depending on the application. For standard 220 VAC circuits like most household appliances, a double pole breaker is typically used. However, in certain situations where only one hot wire is needed, a single pole breaker can be used for 220 VAC circuits.


Double pole or single pole hot water heater thermostat?

Single pole.


Does a camper use a single or double breaker?

A camper typically uses a single breaker for its electrical system. This breaker protects the camper's internal circuits from overloading, providing safety and preventing damage to the electrical system.


Can a double pole 20 amp breaker be used with 12-2 wire for a single 220 circuit?

Yes, a double pole 20 amp breaker can be used with 12-2 wire for a 240V circuit. However, make sure the device you are connecting requires 240V and not 120V. Also, consult local electrical codes and regulations to ensure compliance with safety standards.


What is the difference between a single pole breaker and a double pole breaker?

Courtesy of Ace Hardware - I found it on their site · What is the difference between a double pole and a single pole thermostat?Single pole thermostats breaks only one side of the power line to your heater and cannot be turned off. Therefore, power is continuous to the heater even if it is not running. The control knob will have a low temperature setting without an off position. Single pole Thermostats uses only two wires. This means that even if the temperature dial is turned all the way down, voltage is still going into the heater through one line. This may pose a hazard to anyone who might perform electrical work on the heater without realizing that the circuit was still on. You will need to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before electrical repairs can be made safely.Double pole thermostats breaks both sides of the power line; therefore all power to the heater is interrupted. This acts as a safeguard for people performing electrical work on the heater. However, to be on the safe side, you should always turn off the power at the circuit breaker, not at the thermostat, before making any electrical repairs. A double pole will uses four wires and has a off position on the thermostat.Since they are inherently safer, you should always try to use double-pole thermostats, if possible. Another advantage of a double-pole thermostat is that you can turn it completely off and the heat will not come on no matter how cold your room gets. But with a single-pole unit, the thermostat will turn the heat on even if set on the lowest setting.CHECK YOUR LOCAL CODES FOR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS IN DETERMINING IF YOU NEED A SINGLE OR DOUBLE POLE THERMOSTAT BEFORE PURCHASING OR INSTALLING. How can I determine if I have a single or double pole thermostat?Usually, you can tell the difference between a single pole and double-pole thermostat by looking at the dial. A double-pole normally has an "Off" position on the dial whereas a single-pole thermostat does not. The only sure way to tell which kind you have is to remove it from the wall and count the wires connected to it. A double-pole thermostat will have four wires that switches both hot wires whereas a single-pole thermostat will have two wires that only switches one of the hot wires. Can I use a single or double pole thermostat with a 120, 208, or 240 volt heater?Yes. Can I use 1 thermostat to control more than 1 baseboard heater?Built-in thermostats (mounted directly on baseboard) are designed for single heater use. However, it is possible to control more than 1 heater on a wall thermostat if the thermostat rating is not exceeded. Can I mount the thermostat on one side and wire the baseboard heater on the opposite side?No, the thermostat requires power from the supply wires and must be wired in conjunction with the baseboard heater. Is a built-in or a wall mount thermostat better?A built-in control is convenient when the walls are already finished. The built-in thermostat is also convenient to install. However, the wall thermostat is a more accurate way to control the room temperature, is more convenient to use, and has a broader selection of models. The use of electronic thermostats provides more accuracy and saves you money on your electric bill. Can all of the heaters in my house be controlled by one thermostat?There are many benefits to zonal heating. Zonal systems save energy by not heating unoccupied rooms and provide the ultimate in comfort by allowing occupied zones to be heated specifically to individual needs. The purpose of each zone's (room) heater is to heat that specific zone per the set point of the individual thermostat. What is the difference between a low voltage and a line voltage thermostat?Low voltage thermostats should be used when the heater load is greater than 3,800 watts such as commercial heater or central forced air systems.Line voltage thermostats should be used for zonal heat systems such as electric fan heaters, baseboard heaters and radiant heaters. What should I do if my wall thermostat feels hot to the touch?Cadet recommends you replace the thermostat. A hot thermostat indicates that it is not working efficiently; decreasing its accuracy. NOTE: A normal operating thermostat will be slightly warmer than the room temperature by 3 to 5 degrees. Can I use a wall mount thermostat to control my heater if it has an in-built thermostat?Yes, to bypass the in-built thermostat, turn the thermostat on the heater to the highest setting, then use the wall thermostat to regulate the room temperature.


How do you define a pole in circuit breaker?

A pole In a circut breaker refers to the number of circuts it controls, single pole only controls one, double controls 2 at same time


Can you use a double pole 15 amp breaker in place of a 20 amp single pole breaker for a 12000 BTU air conditioner?

No, it is not safe to use a double pole 15 amp breaker in place of a 20 amp single pole breaker for a 12000 BTU air conditioner. The breaker size must match the electrical requirements of the appliance to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure the proper breaker is used.


Found 2 wires on a single circuit breaker why?

Having two wires on a single circuit breaker is not recommended as it can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards. Each circuit breaker should have only one wire connected to it to ensure proper protection and functioning of the electrical system. It is best to consult a licensed electrician to correct this issue.


What might be wrong if your furnace dryer water heater and well are on a 240V and they all have juice but nothing will turn on?

Check voltage on top side of breaker each leg to ground should read 110 if not check main fuses on incoming side to be sure 220 is present,then check secondary side of fuses 220 line to line 110 from line to ground.I think you will find that one leg is open. Did you use a 1 inch double breaker by chance.You need to use regular double pole breakers so you get volts from both phases,The skinny double breakers are the same width as a single 1 inch breaker but they are running off one phase and that would cause your problem.


Do you need a 20 amp single or double pole breaker for your washer?

Washing machines in the U.S. operate on 120 volts. That requires a single pole 20 amp breaker and wired with 12/2 w-ground wire. Black to the breaker, white to the neutral bus bar, and copper ground to the ground bus bar.


Can you use two 15 amp single pole breakers in place of a double pole 30 amp breaker?

No, you cannot use two separate 15 amp single pole breakers in place of a double pole 30 amp breaker. A double pole breaker is designed to simultaneously disconnect both circuit conductors, whereas using two single pole breakers would not provide the necessary protection for the circuit. It is important to use the correct size and type of breaker as specified by the electrical code for safety and functionality.