Why are 15amp breakers strapped together?

[gewb]

My 1985 GE main box has several pairs of 15 amp and 20 amp circuit breakers mechanicly strapped together across the handles - why would this be? For example, the microwave ciruit (20A) is strapped to the kitchen outlet breaker (20A). I understand strapping 220v breakers but separate 110v circuits?

Regards,
GEWB

 

[walrus]

My 1985 GE main box has several pairs of 15 amp and 20 amp circuit breakers mechanicly strapped together across the handles - why would this be? For example, the microwave ciruit (20A) is strapped to the kitchen outlet breaker (20A). I understand strapping 220v breakers but separate 110v circuits?

Regards,
GEWB

Probably multiwire branch circuits, they share the neutral across 2 breakers. If the loads are the same on each leg of 110v across the breaker, the neutral load is 0. Saves wire and is perfectly legal

 

[gewb]

Probably multiwire branch circuits, they share the neutral across 2 breakers. If the loads are the same on each leg of 110v across the breaker, the neutral load is 0. Saves wire and is perfectly legal

Thanks! That makes "cheap" sense (lots of little things on the cheap in this house).

Regards,
GEWB