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	Subject - Looking for 240 Volts Rick Will a 6-20R operate properly if it is wired from two single pole breakers? If this creates a phase problem, could one of the breakers be installed upside down from the other to correct the phase problem? I have an old Square D panel so the breakers can be installed either way. Thank you for any info. David Hyatt Not sure what a 6-20R is, but both breakers would have to trip at the same time. I have made 2 single pole breakers have a common trip with a piece of wire. Like Jim said this still probably doesent meet code. JimmyDee I think the question here is will it comply to the National Electric Code and the answer is no. Jim Rick Jim, I appreciate your dedication to the NEC. However (and respectfully), my question was: Will a 250 volt receptacle work properly if it is wired from two independent single pole circuit breakers? JimmyDee I will not knowing tell someone how to violate the NEC. Sorry. I think the owner of this site, for liability reasons would agree with that. Jim Rick Jim, Again, you're assuming something that's not related to the original subject. I never stated that any information I received would be applied. I was curious about the mechanics of a double pole breaker vs. two single pole breakers as the way the current is output. JimmyDee David Hyatt has answered your question in the third post of this thread. Jim Rick Jim, Sorry for the misunderstanding. In other words, can a 240 volt circuit be made by combining two 120 volt breakers? This will not work because both hot wires would be from the positive side. Is this correct? A 240 volt double pole breaker has both positve and negative hot wires, right? Thanks. Electricman Rick the answer to your origional question is you can ILLEGALLY get 240 volts off of 2 single pole breakers. 240 volt breakers do not have a neg and a pos both PHASES are feeds and not return conductors. THE PROPER AND ONLY CODE LEGAL WAY TO INSTALL 2 POLE 240 VOLT CIRCUIT BREAKERS ARE THOSE THAT ARE UL LISTED AND HAVE A COMMON TRIP. INSTALLING OTHERWISE IS A VIOLATION OF THE NEC AND ALL COMMON SENSE REGARDING LIFE AND SAFETY.Davids solution to using 2 single poles is correct and will comply with NEC. Rick for your safety and your familys do not violate the CODE. YOU HAVE TO ASK YOURSELF WHATS MORE IMPORTANT SAVING MONEY OR YOUR LIFE.CK out Scotts diagrams on this web site I believe there is a good one about 240v and 120 volt power. Electricman OOps just looked up the code in the Nec and using a peice of wire does not meet code for common trip(SORRY David) It must be an approved handle tie that provides common trip. Sorry guys. Rick Electricman, Thanks for the answer as well as your concern. I've decided to replace my existing service with new and be done with it. Believe me, I would never take a chance when it comes to my family's or neighbor's well being. It's just when I start a project, I always seem to run myself silly with little details. It usually works out for the best, though. Thanks again, Electricman and take care.