Electric Dryers or Ranges with a Quad Circuit Breaker
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Quad Circuit Breakers Save Space in Approved Electrical Panels – As described in this question, a quad circuit breaker may be used in panels that are approved for tandem circuit breakers, and a quad breaker is essentially two special tandem circuit breakers that are connected and have the required tie bar or handle for the 240 volt circuits. |
Quad Circuit Breakers Provide Two 240 Volt Circuits
Electrical Troubleshooting Question: A slot in an Electric Panel usually contains 1 circuit breaker. However, I noticed that 2 slots (side by side), say breaker 18 and 20, have 4 circuit breakers (2-30 amps for dryer over 2-40 amps for electric range/oven). I believe that Dryer’s breaker is 18A and 20A, tied together and Range’s breaker is 18B and 20B, also bar tied together. Is this OK? Also, if breaker 18A keeps tripping, should 20A be replaced also as they are bar tied?
Thanks for your reply.
This home electrical repairs question came from: Toti, from Holbrook, New York
See more about Home Electrical Repairs for New York
Additional Comments: Very useful and informative. Will definitely recommend your site to my friends.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical troubleshooting question Toti.
Understanding Quad Circuit Breakers
Skill Level for Quad Circuit Breakers: Advanced – Working in electrical panels is not recommended for homeowners. For best results consult a licensed electrical contractor.
Skill Level for Troubleshooting: Intermediate to Advanced
Tools Required: Basic electricians pouch and a volt tester.
Time Required: One hour or less depending on your abilities experience.
Quad Circuit Breakers Save Space in Approved Electrical Panels
As described in this question, a quad circuit breaker may be used in panels that are approved for tandem circuit breakers, and a quad breaker is essentially two special tandem circuit breakers that are connected and have the required tie bar or handle for the two 240 volt circuits.
- In this question, one of the 240 volt circuits described is tripping OFF, and the question is asked: should I replace the circuit breaker?
- The answer is to replace the circuit breaker only if it is visually damaged or defective.
- About 98% of tripping circuit breakers do so because there is a problem with the circuit wiring or a connection to the electrical equipment or device and not a problem with the circuit breaker.
- So before rushing out to buy a new circuit breaker make sure to check the circuit for problems, which in many cases is found at the other end when the connections have been made.
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