Why would a 120v device have a two pole thermostat?

[Quickstep192]

I’m looking to replace the thermostat for a wall mounted towel warmer with a countdown timer.

The outgoing stat and the timer are rated 20a.

Although I verified that the circuit is 120v, I discovered that the stat is two pole. (See attached)

If I install a timer can I connect the neutrals and just switch the hot ?

 

[purplezr2]

Are you sure it is actually switching the neutral, and that is not just feed in to run the electronics in the t-stat?

 

[Quickstep192]

Excellent question!

When I disconnect the neutrals and no power to the stat, there’s continuity across the neutrals, so would you agree it’s not switching the neutral?

Clearly the stat needs a neutral to operate, but why would they provide a load side neutral if it’s not being switched?

 

[mm08822]

It's most likely a convenient connection point vs. you having to make a pigtail for 3 neutral wires otherwise.

 

[purplezr2]

Excellent question!

When I disconnect the neutrals and no power to the stat, there’s continuity across the neutrals, so would you agree it’s not switching the neutral?

Clearly the stat needs a neutral to operate, but why would they provide a load side neutral if it’s not being switched?

Agree not switch, used for the switches internal electronics.

Believe this is why there was a code change a few years ago requiring neutral at switching devices for smart switches etc.

 

[micromind]

Are you sure it is actually switching the neutral, and that is not just feed in to run the electronics in the t-stat?

I agree. It very likely doesn't switch both hot and neutral but the neutral is needed to operate the electronics.

 

[johnre]

Don't keep us in suspense here.

I see four philips screws at the back corners; pull it apart and snap an image for us!

 

[mm08822]

Here's what the wiring could look like if the device had only 1 neutral terminal for running the electronics.....

 

[Codyboy]

Looks like it doesn't care about polarity.

An AC circuit itself is just a loop with a load completing the loop.
The neutral is does not have to be grounded for the circuit to work.