2-pole or 3-pole circuit?

[Anonymous user]

How do you tell if a circuit is 2-pole or 3-pole? Is that the number of slots it takes up on the circuit panel? Apparently an L6-30 is a 2-pole, 3 wire configuration of 30A 125-250V, and L10-30 is a 3-pole, 3 wire configuration of 30A 125-250V.

I have to make sure the 30 amp is an L6-30, and all it says on the receptacle is 30 amp 250v.

Thanks to anyone who can help.

[BillP · Accepted solution]

the number of poles in a breaker usually refers to the amount of phases its protecting against an overload of current.

an L6-30R generally is used for 208v or 240v and, yes, is a three wire connection - two phases of 120v each and a ground wire.

ive never heard of an L10-30R but maybe the attachment i will put on this post will help - well if you can see the outlet, you can see what it looks like and compare to this picture.