[Elecraft] Question about 120 volts vs. 240 volts house supply to KPA 500

[G4GNX]

I agree.

Although we have 240V (unspoilt) in the UK for normal domestic supply, so a single breaker per circuit is all that’s necessary, 440V 3 phase is also available upon request (and a lot of money) and although there would be a circuit breaker in each ‘leg’, the breakers would be ganged - one off = all off. Otherwise (as you say) if one breaker trips, it leaves the circuit/load at high potential and rather negates the effect of a single breaker disconnecting the supply.

Not only is this a danger to the operator, it can also lead to fires! I doubt that any insurance claim would be upheld if they found it had been wired in that fashion.

73,
Alan - G4GNX
South Coast UK
Elecraft K4D / KPA500 / KAT500 / IC-9700




> On 20 Sep 2024, at 20:27, Rick Bates, nk7i <rick.nk7i at gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I would check on the code about the unganged breakers for a 240V circuit.  It may not meet the code.  (ALL of my 240 circuits have ganged breakers; as a reference.)
> 
> Even if it does meet code, if one 'popped' and the other did not, one side of that circuit would still be hot, therefore unsafe if worked on or problem causing to whatever is connected.  A ganged breaker would mean that if one 'popped' it would shut the other breaker off, removing ALL power to that circuit.
> 
> Part of my former career was to do business inspections; this I would refer to a qualified electrician, a world I attempt to avoid as much as possible.  I know enough about electricity, to leave it alone hi hi.
> 
> 73,
> Rick nk7i