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Tom Rees
10-12-2009, 02:25 PM
I found a circuit wired today that I don't know if it is safe. They had used an old double pole, 240 V, 30 amp breaker and used it to wire a 120 V circuit by using one screw of 30 Amp breaker. Is this ok?:D
Fred Warner
10-12-2009, 03:10 PM
Was the conductor that was terminated on the 30 ampere breaker a #10 gage copper conductor?:confused: :)
Tom Rees
10-12-2009, 03:27 PM
No, I wrote up the wire was undersized but didn't know about the rest.
Speedy Petey
10-12-2009, 03:35 PM
It's not inherently illegal, but I agree about the 30A used as a single pole.

I can think of very few things that would require a single pole 30A circuit/breaker.
Rollie Meyers
10-12-2009, 05:38 PM
It's not inherently illegal, but I agree about the 30A used as a single pole.

I can think of very few things that would require a single pole 30A circuit/breaker.


Travel trailers & some commercial coffee makers are about all that come to mind...
Fred Warner
10-12-2009, 05:44 PM
No, I wrote up the wire was undersized but didn't know about the rest.

The fact that the conductor was undersized is enough. Good job! :)
Jerry Peck
10-12-2009, 06:17 PM
The fact that the conductor was undersized is enough. Good job! :)


Yep, let them replace it with a proper 20 amp breaker, and go single pole at that time.

Simply a waste of money to use a double pole for a single pole.
Speedy Petey
10-12-2009, 06:51 PM
Travel trailers & some commercial coffee makers are about all that come to mind...
Yup, and commercial bathroom hand dryers.
Speedy Petey
10-12-2009, 06:53 PM
Simply a waste of money to use a double pole for a single pole.From a DIY standpoint, if it is already there and not being used many folks consider that a bonus.
We look at it and roll our eyes.
Rollie Meyers
10-12-2009, 08:53 PM
From a DIY standpoint, if it is already there and not being used many folks consider that a bonus.
We look at it and roll our eyes.

DIY = Destroy It Yourself.
Robert Mattison
10-13-2009, 07:06 PM
Rollie Meyers

"DIY = Destroy it yourselft" L.O.L Thanks, that a keeper> :cool: