Slash-Ratings & Handle Ties

Two single pole circuit breakers can be tied together with a handle tie but close attention to the markings and listing of the products is important to ensure they are not applied outside of their rating. When it comes to electrical products, no matter how simple or how many times you’ve installed them, reading the labels on the products and the instructions can go a long way for electrical safety. The application of a handle tie on a breaker must be done in such a manner as to not violate the listing of the product. Observing labels and understanding what they mean is an important first step.

Thomas Domitrovich, P.E. a National Application Engineer with Eaton Corporation in Pittsburgh, PA has developed this paper: Slash Ratings & Handle Ties in an effort to provide education on the correct way to apply a breaker minding all labels and manufacturer's instructions.

The paper explains slash ratings, shared neutral applications, how to apply handle ties, and safety considerations. Please take some time to review this helpful document and feel free to distribute this.

Mike Holt’s Comment: I wonder if this means that GE 1-pole breakers are actually not permitted to be used as GE states - http://www.mikeholt.com/newsletters.php?action=display&letterID=1200