What is this ciruit breaker called?
#1
12-29-16, 10:20 AM
What is this ciruit breaker called?
I've never seen a breaker like this before and a Google search didn't turn up anything. Will someone please explain? What do I replace it with?
Thanks.
Jim
Thanks.
Jim
#2
12-29-16, 10:27 AM
Forum Topic Moderator
That is a quad pole breaker. It is two 240 breakers in the space of one.
I only see two wires connected to the breaker. Is that the case? If so, you only need a two pole breaker. It would need to match the panel.
I only see two wires connected to the breaker. Is that the case? If so, you only need a two pole breaker. It would need to match the panel.
#3
12-29-16, 10:32 AM
Yes, only two wires connected. It runs a small AC unit. What I don't understand is the 30a and 20a thing. I'm replacing the whole panel (it's an interior panel mounted outside). Do I use a 50a dual pole breaker in this one's place?
#4
12-29-16, 10:33 AM
Group Moderator
Welcome to the forums.
That breaker is supplying a 240v 20A circuit and a 240v 30A circuit.
I see only two wires connected to it. Is there another set disconnected ?
If not you can use a 2P QO breaker.
On edit: You would use a Square D 2P20A breaker.
Square D QO Quad Twin 1-2 pole 20amp 1- 2 pole 30amp
That breaker is supplying a 240v 20A circuit and a 240v 30A circuit.
I see only two wires connected to it. Is there another set disconnected ?
If not you can use a 2P QO breaker.
On edit: You would use a Square D 2P20A breaker.
#5
12-29-16, 05:46 PM
Thanks for the welcome and replies.
So, I bought a Square D Homeline 100a 6 space, 12 circuit outdoor load center to replace the one in the picture. With just two wires feeding the quad pole breaker, what new breaker should I use in the new panel to energize both circuits (the two wire thing has me stumped).
So, I bought a Square D Homeline 100a 6 space, 12 circuit outdoor load center to replace the one in the picture. With just two wires feeding the quad pole breaker, what new breaker should I use in the new panel to energize both circuits (the two wire thing has me stumped).
#6
12-29-16, 05:49 PM
Group Moderator
The wires aren't feeding the breaker...... the breaker is feeding the wires.
You want a Square D Homeline 2 pole 20A breaker.
It will have only two screw terminals on it for those two wires.
Just to clarify.........
the two wires shown in the picture above are connected to supply a 240v 20A circuit. You said this circuit breaker ran a small air conditioner. Is the A/C a 240v model ?
If not.... you will need to investigate the wiring further as something is not set up properly.
You want a Square D Homeline 2 pole 20A breaker.
It will have only two screw terminals on it for those two wires.
Just to clarify.........
the two wires shown in the picture above are connected to supply a 240v 20A circuit. You said this circuit breaker ran a small air conditioner. Is the A/C a 240v model ?
If not.... you will need to investigate the wiring further as something is not set up properly.
#7
12-29-16, 05:54 PM
Ah, yes sorry for the brainfart, the wires are leading off to the appliance....duh. 
OK, a 20a breaker it is...thanks. I wonder why the original installation didn't have a 20a/20a quad pole breaker?
I guess 'small' is relative. It has a 2 or 2 1/2-ton condensing unit outside and a hotel type (looking) unit inside with controls, fan and heat strips all built into a ductless unit.
The separate 20a circuit supplies power to outlets and lighting inside the room (stand-alone add on to the house).
OK, a 20a breaker it is...thanks. I wonder why the original installation didn't have a 20a/20a quad pole breaker?
I guess 'small' is relative. It has a 2 or 2 1/2-ton condensing unit outside and a hotel type (looking) unit inside with controls, fan and heat strips all built into a ductless unit.
The separate 20a circuit supplies power to outlets and lighting inside the room (stand-alone add on to the house).
Last edited by Heymack; 12-29-16 at 06:03 PM. Reason: more details
#8
12-29-16, 05:58 PM
Group Moderator
#10
12-29-16, 06:22 PM
Group Moderator
That panel needed plenty of upgrading.
You converted to a 100A sub panel but it looks like you only have 30A MAX of power available. What size breaker is feeding this sub panel ?
NOW... sub panels are required to be connected with 4 wires. Two hots, neutral and ground.
It looks like your install may be in conduit which could be considered a separate ground.
You converted to a 100A sub panel but it looks like you only have 30A MAX of power available. What size breaker is feeding this sub panel ?
NOW... sub panels are required to be connected with 4 wires. Two hots, neutral and ground.
It looks like your install may be in conduit which could be considered a separate ground.
#11
12-29-16, 07:01 PM
I just opened the panel yesterday for the first time. It's not my primary residence, but I know it's been this way since early 1980's. I don't have answers to your questions, so I'll do some looking and report back. Thanks again for your help.
