What is the difference between a single pole breaker and a double pole breaker?

Answer 1

Courtesy of Ace Hardware - I found it on their site · What is the difference between a double pole and a single pole thermostat?

Single pole thermostats breaks only one side of the power line to your heater and cannot be turned off. Therefore, power is continuous to the heater even if it is not running. The control knob will have a low temperature setting without an off position. Single pole Thermostats uses only two wires. This means that even if the temperature dial is turned all the way down, voltage is still going into the heater through one line. This may pose a hazard to anyone who might perform electrical work on the heater without realizing that the circuit was still on. You will need to turn off the power at the circuit breaker before electrical repairs can be made safely.

Double pole thermostats breaks both sides of the power line; therefore all power to the heater is interrupted. This acts as a safeguard for people performing electrical work on the heater. However, to be on the safe side, you should always turn off the power at the circuit breaker, not at the thermostat, before making any electrical repairs. A double pole will uses four wires and has a off position on the thermostat.

Since they are inherently safer, you should always try to use double-pole thermostats, if possible. Another advantage of a double-pole thermostat is that you can turn it completely off and the heat will not come on no matter how cold your room gets. But with a single-pole unit, the thermostat will turn the heat on even if set on the lowest setting.

CHECK YOUR LOCAL CODES FOR BUILDING REQUIREMENTS IN DETERMINING IF YOU NEED A SINGLE OR DOUBLE POLE THERMOSTAT BEFORE PURCHASING OR INSTALLING. How can I determine if I have a single or double pole thermostat?

Usually, you can tell the difference between a single pole and double-pole thermostat by looking at the dial. A double-pole normally has an "Off" position on the dial whereas a single-pole thermostat does not. The only sure way to tell which kind you have is to remove it from the wall and count the wires connected to it. A double-pole thermostat will have four wires that switches both hot wires whereas a single-pole thermostat will have two wires that only switches one of the hot wires. Can I use a single or double pole thermostat with a 120, 208, or 240 volt heater?

Yes. Can I use 1 thermostat to control more than 1 baseboard heater?

Built-in thermostats (mounted directly on baseboard) are designed for single heater use. However, it is possible to control more than 1 heater on a wall thermostat if the thermostat rating is not exceeded. Can I mount the thermostat on one side and wire the baseboard heater on the opposite side?

No, the thermostat requires power from the supply wires and must be wired in conjunction with the baseboard heater. Is a built-in or a wall mount thermostat better?

A built-in control is convenient when the walls are already finished. The built-in thermostat is also convenient to install. However, the wall thermostat is a more accurate way to control the room temperature, is more convenient to use, and has a broader selection of models. The use of electronic thermostats provides more accuracy and saves you money on your electric bill. Can all of the heaters in my house be controlled by one thermostat?

There are many benefits to zonal heating. Zonal systems save energy by not heating unoccupied rooms and provide the ultimate in comfort by allowing occupied zones to be heated specifically to individual needs. The purpose of each zone's (room) heater is to heat that specific zone per the set point of the individual thermostat. What is the difference between a low voltage and a line voltage thermostat?

Low voltage thermostats should be used when the heater load is greater than 3,800 watts such as commercial heater or central forced air systems.

Line voltage thermostats should be used for zonal heat systems such as electric fan heaters, baseboard heaters and radiant heaters. What should I do if my wall thermostat feels hot to the touch?

Cadet recommends you replace the thermostat. A hot thermostat indicates that it is not working efficiently; decreasing its accuracy. NOTE: A normal operating thermostat will be slightly warmer than the room temperature by 3 to 5 degrees. Can I use a wall mount thermostat to control my heater if it has an in-built thermostat?

Yes, to bypass the in-built thermostat, turn the thermostat on the heater to the highest setting, then use the wall thermostat to regulate the room temperature.

Answer 2

A single pole breaker is made or used to protect the panel buss for 110 volt devices, A double pole breaker protects the buss for 220 volt devices.

Answer 3

double pole is bigger than a single pole isnt it!