Does a 30 Amp Double Pole Breaker have 30 Amps on each Leg?

A Circuit breaker is used in all houses to produce all the electrical circuits and the breakers are of two types. This article will guide you about a 30 amp double pole breaker, what is the process, and more. 

Does a 30 amp double pole breaker have 30 amps on each leg?

Yes, a 30 amp double pole breaker has 30 amps on each leg. It is basically used for protecting the electrical system from overloading and short circuit. The design of the 30 amp double pole breaker is done in a way that two single pole breakers are stuck together and hence each leg is able to pull 30 amps. With two legs there is also a ground wire. 

Double Pole Breaker
Double Pole Breaker

Difference between 30 amp double pole breaker and single pole breaker:

  • Having a double pole Or single pole breaker each has a different design and function. The double pole breaker consists of two slots in the breaker box and consists of longer toggle switches. The double pole breaker is basically used for small appliances rather than for large ones. 
  • There is a rare chance that the double pole breaker can carry less than 30 amps but the single pole breaker is mostly used for larger appliances. 
  • If we compare the quality and cost then the double pole breaker has a higher quality of products and is more costly than the single pole breaker. 
  • Most home electricity consists of 120 volts and for them, a single pole breaker can be used but due to the appliances nowadays used in the houses, they are able to draw higher voltage that needs to connect with a dedicated circuit so 30 amps double pole breaker are good to use as they are more efficient than a single pole breaker. And for use in the home, a double pole breaker should be considered as they are able to provide more power.
Double Pole Breaker
Double Pole Breaker

Wire size required with 30 amp double pole breaker:

The wire size totally depends on the amount of current the breaker needs to carry. And for a 30 amp double pole breaker a 10 gauge wire is good and if you use a thicker wire is also plenty for stabilizing the current. You should use the wire according to the amp size as if the wrong wire is used it will damage the appliances which are used with the circuit and cause a fire. 

You can easily find the wire gauge size online and also can go through the gauge size chart. There are other factors that determine the wire size such as the wire diameter and American wire gauge

Note:

The higher number means the size of the wire is smaller and the cost is more for bigger wires that do have a longer lifespan. 

Chance of getting a trip:

A 30 amp breaker has the possibility to trip if the breaker detects the continuous current flowing of 100 percent or it is less than 80 percent because a 30 amp circuit is able to handle the wattage upto 6000 watts. You check the breaker’s maximum capacity as in the case of appliances that require more than 35 amps. 

Double Pole Breaker
Double Pole Breaker

Is it possible to replace a 30 amps double pole breaker with two single pole breakers? 

Replacing the double pole breaker depends on the size of the circuit if you have to replace the circuit in the same area you can go with two single pole breakers but the wire gauge used on one breaker should match with the other one. To replace the double pole breaker you can use the square D breaker as it is able to handle the two single pole breakers. You should replace the double pole breaker just in case when it cannot handle the current but replace it according to the same manufacturer. If you are using a double pole breaker they are not more costly than a single pole breaker but if you are using two double pole breaker they are more expensive than a single pole breaker. 

Double Pole Breaker
Double Pole Breaker

Conclusion:

Hence the conclusion is that the double pole breaker had 30 Amp on each leg. an example so that you dont get confused about is that if 30 amps double pole breaker has 15 amps on each leg then a 20-amp double pole breaker will have 10 amps on each leg and a 15-amp double pole breaker will have 7.5 amps on each leg which is not possible.

FAQ’s

Can we use one leg of a double pole breaker?

Yes, it is able to use one leg of a double pole breaker but if you are using only one leg then you should use a single pole breaker with 120 volts.

How many amps does a double pole breaker leg have?

A double pole breaker is able to provide 240 volts,20 to 60 amps, and consists of 2 hot wires.

Rick Costa

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