Re: Electrical question

Someone wrote;
> 
> > You could change out the circuit breaker to two single poles and that
> > would correct that problem.

[[ No, no, no! ]]

I have heard (and seen) the term "split outlet". 

In other words there must be a 'three wire' connection of the
proper AWG with a continuous unswitched white neutral. Then;
the red wire, which is one of the 115 volt legs, is connected to,
say, the top half of of a duplex outlet.
the black wire, the other 115 volt leg, is connected to the
bottom half of the duplex outlet. The 'tab' between the two
halves of the duplex outlet on the 'hot' or 'live' line side is
broken off as it is designed to be on certain receptacles. On the
neutral side it is left unbroken (the same neutral serves both
halves of the outlet).
 
So we now have a 'split' duplex outlet with separate 115 volt top
and bottom. Double the amps because the load is "sort of
balanced" across the two legs of the 115/230 volt supply. I
understand it (or was) quite acceptable in this jurisdiction but
not often used. Also some people misunderstood and referred to
them as "230 volt outlets" which is sort of true/untrue because
there is 230 volts between the red/black wires inside the outlet.
Also the 230 volts could be a shock (literally) for someone not
familiar!  

But, but, but: 
The circuit breaker feeding the split arrangement MUST BE a
proper DOUBLE POLE to ensure complete disconnect. 

If not and 'jimmied up' two single pole breakers are used there
is a possibility that that someone will turn off one breaker, or
that one breaker will trip AND THERE WILL STILL BE 115 VOLTS ON
THE OTHER HALF of the outlet. It WOULD work; but won't be safe!

So if we 'electrical types' don't appreciate that, how would a
regular householder?

My two cents. Terry.