Can a 3-pole breaker be used in a 2-pole application?

Issue:
Three pole breaker use in two pole (single-phase) application

Product Line:
MCCB

Environment:
Powerpact and Masterpact

Resolution:

• A 3p breaker can be used on a 3 phase system using either 2 or 3 poles.
• A 3p breaker can be used on a 1 phase system only if indicated by the markings as noted below.

For reference:

• Per NEC article 240.85: "A circuit breaker with a straight voltage rating, such as 240V or 480V, shall be permitted to be applied in a circuit in which the nominal voltage between any two conductors does not exceed the circuit breaker’s voltage rating."
• According to UL's White book, "3–pole circuit breakers are suitable for use on 3-phase systems only, unless marked to indicate use on 1-phase systems, such as, “For 1–phase connections, use two outside poles,” or an equivalent statement. A 3-pole breaker used in place of a 2-pole breaker on a 3-phase system, such as a 2-pole breaker used in a branch circuit that is actually two legs of a 3-phase system, is acceptable without the 3-pole breaker being specifically marked."

Powerpact M P and R

• Three-pole M, P, and R frame breakers have a marking on the cover that states "single phase any 2 poles."

Powerpact L

• Three-pole Powerpact L frame Micrologic breakers with all trip units (U31X, U33X, U43X, U44X, U53X and U54X) are marked for single-phase use, but on 240Vac circuits only.  Use any 2 poles.

Powerpact H and J

• Three-pole Powerpact H and J-frame thermal-magnetic breakers are marked for single phase use, including MCP.
• Three-pole Powerpact H and J-frame Micrologic breakers with standard trip units (U31X and U33X) are marked for single-phase use

Powerpact B

• Three-pole Powerpact B frame breakers are not marked for single phase use.

Powerpact Q

• Three-pole Powerpact QB, QD, QG, QJ breakers are not marked for single phase use.

EDB EGB EJB

• Three-pole EDB, EJB, and EJB breakers are not marked for single phase use.

Legacy Breakers

• Some three-pole legacy breakers are marked for single-phase use but most are not.  Check the label for marking.

Released for:Schneider Electric USA