Shared Neutrals and Double Pole Breakers
#1
06-30-15, 08:25 PM
Shared Neutrals and Double Pole Breakers
I posted a few weeks back regarding shared neutrals and came to learn the breakers need to be tied. I ended up using a double pole 20a breaker on the advice of the local electrical supply store (that isn't a Lowes or HD 
.
If I can make sense of what branches are sharing neutrals and 'tie' the breakers by using double pole breakers, do I use 20a double pole to replace the two 20a single poles? Or do I use a 40a double pole?
.If I can make sense of what branches are sharing neutrals and 'tie' the breakers by using double pole breakers, do I use 20a double pole to replace the two 20a single poles? Or do I use a 40a double pole?
#2
06-30-15, 08:39 PM
Group Moderator
The amperage posted on a breaker is the actual circuit amperage. They don't get added because it's a double breaker.
You use a 2 Pole 20A breaker.
You use a 2 Pole 20A breaker.
#3
07-01-15, 05:15 AM
One double wide double pole 20 ampere breaker is used with:
One 20 amp 240 volt circuit, or,
A multiwire branch circuit (with shared neutral) that provides two allotments of up to 20 amps at 120 volts each, or,
(not frequently seen) Two independent 20 amp 120 volt circuits.
One 20 amp 240 volt circuit, or,
A multiwire branch circuit (with shared neutral) that provides two allotments of up to 20 amps at 120 volts each, or,
(not frequently seen) Two independent 20 amp 120 volt circuits.
#4
07-01-15, 06:43 AM
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If I can make sense of what branches are sharing neutrals
The disposer and dishwasher are often shared. The 2 small appliance circuits are often shared.
Another possible place is an above the range microwave sharing with something else.
If you look in the panel for #12 red wires, you can trace them to where they exit the panel via a 12/3 cable, and then trace the black wire back to it's respective breaker.
#5
07-01-15, 07:54 AM
Member
I ended up using a double pole 20a breaker on the advice of the local electrical supply store
