I have an old duplex 15A double breaker (Siemens) and the little metal piece that connects the 2 switches is removable, allowing each part to function as a separate breaker. I need 2 more 15A circuits in a new box and wondered if it was permissible to just remove the metal piece and use them as if they were separate breakers. I didn't see anything in Code, but just wanted to make sure before the inspection.
2007-07-12 17:26:12 · 5 answers · asked by BuckarooBanzai 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
The best answer you got was from thewrangler. The only mistake he made was calling the first two guys "experts". Neither of them was right. Go buy two new breakers for your new panel.
2007-07-13 06:47:25 · answer #1 · answered by John himself 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You said a new box.... Are you trying to reuse the old ones? If yes, do you know how old the breakers are? I don't recommend using old breakers because they are a big source of electrical fire. The contact inside the breaker oxidizes over the years and will create a high resistance arc as the current has to go around the oxidized part. This create a lot of heat (kinda like welding) and will melt your breaker if you are lucky or cause electrical fire at the box if you are unlucky, thus condemning your house (no electric) and you will need to find a new place to live. 1 of my breaker melted on me and I saw smoke and heard zapping noises... My next door wasn't as lucky and his house went up in smoke......
My breakers are properly 20 years old.
Do a yahoo search and you will find lots of info on breaker meltdowns.
Your best bet is to buy 2 1/2 size new breakers for like $10 each and you can sleep soundly without worry about electrical fire.
2007-07-13 01:46:27 · answer #2 · answered by John 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The removable piece that you see between the two levers is there to make sure you get both poles when you reset the breaker or manually switch it off. Internally, the breaker is designed to interrupt both poles in case of a fault. It is not the same as two single pole breakers linked together.
They are not separate breakers and should not be used as separate breakers.
NEC may or may not specifically address this issue, I suspect that it does. In any case, modifying manufactured components is prohibited, and this certainly would be a modification.
2007-07-12 17:40:17 · answer #3 · answered by be_a_lert 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
a double pole breaker is really 2 single breakers in one as each side is rated at 20 amps or what every the breaker is rated at
you can make a double pole breaker out of 2 single pole breakers by useing that tie clip done it a zillion times both ways
2007-07-12 19:53:59 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Ok, now you have 2 expert opinions above, and they disagree... here's my 2 cents.... its an old breaker... new ones don't cost that much, just go get what you need, and then you don't have to wonder about it, hehehe.
Have Fun
2007-07-12 19:59:18 · answer #5 · answered by thewrangler_sw 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋