I recently converted from a dual hot water tank setup in my house to a single tank resulting in an unused 30amp double pole breaker. I would like to use this breaker and the 10ga wire to power a TTL-30 outlet for my RV when it's in the driveway. Since the double pole is 240V through 2 conductors and I only need 120v is it acceptable to terminate the red conductor and just use the black (hot) white (neutral) and bare (ground) on the double pole breaker?Thanks

No. The breaker will not function properly in case of an overload. It's also a code violation. Just get a single pole 30 and use it with your #10 wire.

Yes but you must change the breaker to a single also.

drsteve wrote:No. The breaker will not function properly in case of an overload. It's also a code violation. Just get a single pole 30 and use it with your #10 wire.That is my main concern that the breaker wouldn't trip on a 30 amp load on one leg of the double pole breaker.

Just swap out that breaker position with a single pole 30A breaker then cover extra space with a 'filler plate' so you don't have an open space in panel coverOr stick a 20A breaker in slot, don't connect any wires and left it off.Filler plates at Home Depot/Lowes---couple bucks

Also, if you are going to reuse existing wire, cap the unused leg to prevent it from touching something.

30 amp RV outlet at home | Good Sam Community

drsteve
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
No. The breaker will not function properly in case of an overload. It's also a code violation. Just get a single pole 30 and use it with your #10 wire.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
Yes but you must change the breaker to a single also.
kbotley
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
drsteve wrote:
No. The breaker will not function properly in case of an overload. It's also a code violation. Just get a single pole 30 and use it with your #10 wire.

That is my main concern that the breaker wouldn't trip on a 30 amp load on one leg of the double pole breaker.
Old-Biscuit
Explorer III
Dec 23, 2013
Just swap out that breaker position with a single pole 30A breaker then cover extra space with a 'filler plate' so you don't have an open space in panel cover
Or stick a 20A breaker in slot, don't connect any wires and left it off.

Filler plates at Home Depot/Lowes---couple bucks
AllegroD
Nomad
Dec 23, 2013
Also, if you are going to reuse existing wire, cap the unused leg to prevent it from touching something.
Bumpyroad
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
so what people are saying is that with a double pole breaker, both sides must exceed load limit to trip? is that correct?
bumpy
RJsfishin
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
Bumpyroad wrote:
so what people are saying is that with a double pole breaker, both sides must exceed load limit to trip? is that correct?
bumpy

I would have exactly the same question, but when I think of how 240 doesn't use or need a common, its probably true.
RJsfishin
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
Some of the old 240v breakers were 2 single pole pinned together. If the above is true, just un pin it.
beemerphile1
Explorer
Dec 23, 2013
An overload on one side of a double pole breaker will trip it but - the resistance of the second unattached pole can cause the breaker to substantially exceed 30a before breaking.
eHoefler
Explorer II
Dec 23, 2013
Use both poles, and just run 6ga wire to a 50 amp outlet. Then you can use an adaptor to get down to a 30 amp plug. This way you can simply change out the breaker to a 50 amp when you get that bigger camper!