fzbuilder wrote:
I have a 2 pole 20 amp breaker that I though went straight to my
washing machine in the garage, but upon tripping it I see my fridge
and a couple 20 amp 120v outlets in the kitchen go out too. I am
wondering if it is possible that someone has wired one side of the
breaker to go to the kitchen and one side to my washing machine. If
so, what would be the best way to tell? Thanks


Not sure why it would matter?
On some double breakers you can take the connecting bar off. If not then
you would have to open the panel and disconnect one of the wires from
the breaker. Turn the beaker back on and map out the circuit. Then
change to the other wire....

It's possible that you have an 'Edison' circuit where one neutral wire
(white) is shared by the 2 circuits. If the breaker is connected to one
12/3 cable w/red, black, white + GND then that is the case. If so then
it must remain as is unless you rewire things.
If not an 'Edison' circuit then there is no reason to use the double
breaker and you could either remove the connecting bar or swap out the
double with 2 single 20's. (Verify that the wire is 12ga or larger)

Kevin