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Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz power supply service. Watts= voltage X amps At 120 volt total watts would be 2400 at 20 amps. The electrical code states that circuit conductors that are fed by this breaker on a continuous load can only be loaded to 80%. #12 wire rated at 20 amps, derated to 16 amps continuous = 16 x 120 = 1920 watts, #10 wire rated at 30 amps derated to 24 amps continuous = 24 x 120 = 2880 watts. On load calculations this derate should be taken into consideration. To maintain the required wattage needed for the load the wire size and/or the next size breaker may be needed.
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A two pole 20 amp breaker will handle 20 amps x 240 volts = 4800 watts. A single pole, two pole or a three pole breaker all have the same interruption capacity. The number of poles does not change the trip setting of a breaker.
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For an American residential application, 20 amps x 120 volts = 2400 watts.
A good electrical design never exceeds 80%, so 2400 watt capability = about 1920 max watts should be used with your 20 amp breaker.
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How many watts can a double 30 amp breaker switch handle?
The maximum wattage that a 30 amp breaker can handle is 30 x 230 = 6900 watts. Other variables come into play and this number will decrease depending on the load, duty time, and difference in voltage fluctuation.
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.
Should a hot water heater be put on a 30 single or 30 double amp breaker?
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.
Can you run a double pole 30 amp breaker to two 110 recepticles?
No, A double pole breaker is going to give you 220 volts. 220 Volts is too much voltage for a 110 Volt outlet to handle. == Answer== Better to pull the duplex 30a and install to single-pole 20a breakers...if one kicks out, you will know which side the problem's on. And there's no problem with running a 20a circuit over 10awg wire.
Can a double pole circuit breaker be used for 2 different circuits I have a 20 amp double pole breaker want 2 circuits running 14 gauge wire?
can a 20 amp double pole circuit breaker be used for 2 different 120 v circuits using 14 - 2 wire
