answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

No, the number on the handle of the breaker is the maximum amount of amperage the breaker will handle before it trips. A two pole breaker is handling 240 volts. A single pole breaker handles 120 volts. Each of the "hot" wires from the two pole breaker has a potential of 120 volts to the neutral wire, but 240 volts from one "hot" wire to the other "hot" wire.

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

1w ago

No, a 30 amp double pole breaker should not be used to supply 15 amp breakers. The circuit breaker should be sized according to the load it is protecting, and using a breaker with a higher amperage rating than the connected devices can lead to safety hazards such as overheating and fires. It is important to always match the breaker size to the load requirements.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

14y ago

Yes and no. Your electric panel has two bus bars. Each supplies 120 VAC. If you measure the voltage across these two buses you get 230-240 VAC. The buses are staggered top to bottom such that each breaker, top to bottom, alternates which of the buses they connect to.

A 2-pole breaker would typically be use for 230-240 VAC service, but could be used for two 120 VAC circuits. However, in the latter case if either of the 120 VAC circuits tripped, both would trip.

In the case of two single pole breakers, it would depend if they were connected to each bus or the same bus. However if used for a 230-240 VAC service you would want both to trip if either side tripped. This is done by joining together the handles of each breaker stacked on above the other in panel.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

No, it gives 240V 15Amps, and if you split it, it gives 120V 15Amps... twice.

When you split it, the circuits will be 180 degrees out of phase with each other, so you cannot put the wires together to result in 30 Amps.

Do not attempt electrical modification without fully understanding what you are doing. If you have any questions or concerns, contact a qualified electrician.

This answer is:
User Avatar

User Avatar

Wiki User

12y ago

In a typical residential electric panel there are two bus bars staggered such that there is 240 volts between adjacent breakers. A double pole breaker spans two slots and the voltage between its poles is 240 volts, with each voltage to common being 120 volts.

The only context where 15 Amp breakers would be down stream of the 30 Amp breaker would be a subpanel application or a device with its own built in breakers. It is acceptable to have lower amperage breakers connected to the 30 amp breaker, but you need to know what you are doing so that you do not apply 240 volts to a 120 volt device.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Can a 30 amp double pole breaker be used to supply 15 amp breakers?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Can double pole circuit breakers be changed into single to create more room in the pannel box?

No, double pole circuit breakers cannot be changed into single pole breakers. The breakers are designed for specific functions and changing them can create a safety hazard. If more space is needed in the panel box, consider upgrading to a larger panel box or rearranging the circuits to free up space.


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.


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.


Can you replace double pole with two single poles?

Yes, you can replace a double-pole circuit breaker with two single-pole circuit breakers if they are connected to separate circuits. It's important to ensure that both single-pole breakers have the appropriate ampacity and are properly installed according to electrical code.

Related questions

Can double pole circuit breakers be changed into single to create more room in the pannel box?

No, double pole circuit breakers cannot be changed into single pole breakers. The breakers are designed for specific functions and changing them can create a safety hazard. If more space is needed in the panel box, consider upgrading to a larger panel box or rearranging the circuits to free up space.


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.


Is a double throw 15amp breaker the same as a 30 amp breaker amp?

You have a double pole breaker for 240Volt supply. The maximum current is 15 amp.


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.


Why would a 30A-250V outlet still have power with breaker off?

It sounds like the breaker is unserviceable. Seeing as it supplies 240 volt outlet it must be a two pole breaker. If it is a single handle two pole breaker then one pole set inside the breaker is not disconnecting one of the lines. If it is supplied from two single pole breakers that has a common tie, the common tie might be loose and does not shut off both poles when thrown to the off position. If there is no common tie then both breakers must be turned off to interrupt the 240 volt supply.


How many pole breaker for air condition?

The number of pole breakers required for an air conditioner depends on the specific electrical requirements of the unit. Typically, air conditioners are powered by double-pole breakers, which consist of two breakers tied together to create a 240-volt circuit. It's important to consult the manufacturer's specifications or an electrician to determine the correct size and type of breaker needed for your air conditioner.


Does a double 50 amp breaker make a 100 amp?

No, a double pole 50 amp breaker protects a 240 volt supply at 50 amps. The number that is on the handle of the breaker is the amperage that the breaker will trip at if an overload occurs on the circuit.


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 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.


Where do you use double pole circuit breakers?

For 220v circuits


How many watts will a 20 amp douple pole breaker handle?

The formulae for calculating watts to amps is Watts divided by Voltage. Therefore to get from Amps to Watts the calculation is Amps × Voltage. Therefore if you are working on a 240 volt supply the calculation is 20 (Amps) × 240 (Volts) which = 4800 watts.


Can you use a 220 breaker in place of 110 breaker on 110 service?

Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.Breakers are rated in amperage and by the amount of poles that they have. Your classification of a 220 breaker is described in electrical terminology as a two pole breaker.Choosing the amperage of the two pole breaker depends upon the 220 volt load that it feeds.Two pole breakers for 220 volt loads.Single pole breakers for 120 volt loads.If the service is only 120 volt then every other bus bar in the panel will be energized. If the panel is a 120/240, then every bus bar in the panel will be energized.This is how and why a 240 volt load requires a two pole breaker.To the answer, yes you an use a two pole breaker in a 120 volt service but only one side of the breaker will have voltage on it depending on where it is situated in the panel board.