DIYbanter - View Single Post

In article . com, wrote:
I understand that double pole circuit breakers feed 240v (two120's) to
water heaters, stoves, ect...

But, Im confused about the amperage marking on the middle tab; I see
that most say 30A. Does that mean the each pole from that circuit
breaker can handle up to 30A each pole? 30 + 30 = 60A total? or is the
amps on each hot leg split into two; 15 amps each pole; 15 + 15 = 30A?

Depends on how it's wired, actually. A double-pole breaker can provide one
240V circuit, or two 120V circuits. In your example, a 30A double-pole breaker
will provide one 30A circuit at 240V, or two 30A circuits at 120V.

Another quick question, but off topic:
Why don't wire manufactures insulate the bare ground wire inside romex
cables?

Because it would be pointless to do so. The grounding wire is intended to
insure that the metal frames of equipment (e.g. a washing machine) and exposed
metal components of the premises wiring (e.g. conduits or receptacle boxes)
are grounded and cannot become live. In other words -- it's connected to
things that are not insulated anyway, and thus no purpose would be served by
insulating it.

--
Regards,
Doug Miller (alphageek at milmac dot com)

It's time to throw all their damned tea in the harbor again.