Whats this breaker called and its purpose please.

**Marc M** · 06-06-2009, 08:59 PM

Just looking to see what this breaker is called and its primary purpose.

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**Gunnar Alquist** · 06-06-2009, 09:37 PM

Originally Posted by Marc M

Just looking to see what this breaker is called and its primary purpose.

Marc,

Not sure what your question is.

The label indicates it is for a pool motor. Are you looking for the term "double-pole:

**Marc M** · 06-06-2009, 09:39 PM

Whats the metal thing at the top of the breaker called? When moved to the right it keeps the breaker from tripping? Is it a lock?

Mike Truss Guy · 06-06-2009, 09:57 PM

A clip?

**ken horak** · 06-07-2009, 03:34 AM

That is a double pole 15 amp breaker with a provision for locking. Yes one installs a padlock on it.
That "metal piece" is an installed provision for locking the circuit breaker in the open(off) or the closed
(on)position
Even if the breaker was locked in the closed(on) position, the breaker would still trip under a fault condition.

Ron Bibler · 06-07-2009, 03:44 AM

Its a lock out clip so you can work on something... in this case the pool and no one can flip the breaker on you

Best

Ron

**Marc M** · 06-07-2009, 07:34 AM

Thanks for the information.

**Bruce Ramsey** · 06-07-2009, 07:57 AM

Do a web search on Lock Out - Tag Out.

Lock Out - Tag Out is the name given to OSHA regulations about physically locking breakers in the off position. The TagOut part includes labeling the locked out component so that people know the energized component is locked out for maintenance or repair.

Very common in industrial settings.

**Jerry Peck** · 06-07-2009, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Bruce Ramsey

Very common in industrial settings.

The lock out is also common in residential settings where the electrician wants to cheap out and not install a disconnect at the appliance and installs one of those at the breaker instead.

Yes, those lock outs are allowed by code. It is, in my opinion, safer and more practical to install the disconnect at the appliance.

One of the few appliances they are not allowed for use is for air conditioning units - there are two very specific exceptions, one which allows cord and plug connected equipment such as window units, refrigerators, etc., and one for units which are part of an industrial process system (obviously not applicable to residential uses).

**Rollie Meyers** · 06-07-2009, 11:03 PM

What make of panel is it? I see the GE twins w/ the lock out provision but the breakers adjacent are 1970's or earlier I-T-E breakers, if it's a I-T-E panel there is some monkey business going on as GE twins only fit a GE loadcenter.

Edit: noticed that the top breaker has a I-T-E on 1 pole and a GE above it w/ the same handle tie, plus missing filler plate......