Double pole breakers are a common fixture in homes and businesses worldwide. But did you know that they can also be wired for 110 volts? This guide will show you how!
A double-pole breaker is just two single-pole breakers that the manufacturer put together. A double-pole breaker can also serve two separate 110-volt circuits. It can wire the same as a double-pole circuit breaker, but you can wire only one breaker for 110.
Summary of our five steps to wire a Double pole breaker for 110:
- Switch off the main breaker and test for current.
- Check the panel’s wiring.
- Wire strip the circuit’s wires.
- Connect your double pole circuit breaker for 110.
- Reassemble the circuit breakers panel
We’ll go into more details below:
Step #1: Switch Off the Main Breaker and Test for Current
Turn off the primary power source by turning off the high amp breaker at the top of your panel. Then, remove the screws that hold the panel door and the cover plate together.
Once you can see all of the wirings inside your breakers, use a voltage tester to see if there is still a flow of electricity. Remember to stay away from the service lugs because they always have electricity. After making sure that the main breaker doesn’t have power, move on to the next step.
Step #2: Check the Panel’s Wiring
Find a free spot where you can put your double pole breakers before you touch any of the wirings that goes with it.
As I said, we have two hot wires, also called conductors. This means that our double pole breaker for two circuits is ready to be used.
Because of this, there are only two hot wires involved unless you have a Miniature Circuit Breaker (MCB), which has four terminals: two for the supply coming in and two for the supply going out.
Step #3: Wire Strip the Circuit’s Wires
Use a wire stripper to remove about half an inch of insulation from the end of each hot wire. Repeat this step until you can see all of the copper wires. Do the same thing with the green ground wire, and ensure that all three wires are thick enough to handle the breaker’s amperage.
Step #4: Connect your Double Pole Circuit Breaker for 110
To twist them together, strip the white wire of its coating. At this point, there should be two black, white, and bare wires.
Twist the bare wires and the ground wires together to connect them. About 6 inches from one end, twist one over the other. When you get to the twisted part, you should thread the single wire through the grounding connector and tighten the screw.
Twist the two white wire ends together, then screw the wire nut onto the end. Check to see if there are any bare wires. If there are, cut the end of the wire.
Fold the white wires at the top of the electric box and push them to the back of the box. If you do it right, they should fit easily in the back of the box and only take up a small amount of space.
Connect the bare (ground) wire to the green screw at the bottom of the light switch. You will need to slightly curl the wire with needle-nose pliers and make sure the wire wraps clockwise around the screw.
Loosen the screws on one side of the light switch. Make sure you don’t only use screws on the top or bottom. On the same side, put one screw in the “On” position and the other in the “Off” position.
Use the same method of wrapping the ground wire clockwise to connect the two black wires to the screws. It doesn’t matter if the black hot wire goes on top or the bottom.
Fold the wires as you put them in the box. This ensures that the switch sits right on the box and that the wires don’t put too much pressure on it.
Step #5: Reassemble the Circuit Breakers Panel
Now you can put the dead front cover and panel door back into the body of the panel. Finally, turn the power back on and test the circuit that your new double pole breaker is part of.
Video Reference
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