"Richard J Kinch" wrote in message
. ..
Taxlover writes:

Why would each pole be able to handle only 20a on 240v (with 120v on
each pole) but 35a on 120v?

The limitation is on power, not current.

But each pole only sees 120v when used for 240v.
Are you saying the limitation is on power going through the switch; whether
one pole is used for 120v or two are used for 240.

I would think that two poles could handle more power than one, but maybe
not.