No, a 50 amp 2-pole breaker will not trip due to normal, balanced single-pole 120V loads. Here's why: How a 2-Pole Breaker Works

A 2-pole breaker is designed to protect two separate 120V circuits that share a common neutral. It trips when:

Overcurrent on Either Leg

If the current on either of the two hot wires (legs) exceeds 50 amps.

Short Circuit Between Either Leg and Neutral/Ground

A direct short between a hot wire and the neutral or ground wire.

Ground Fault

Some 2-pole breakers are also ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs), which trip if there's a current leakage to ground.

Imbalance

some breakers are arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) which trip on certain kinds of electrical arcs.

Balanced Single-Pole Loads

When you use 120V appliances (like a microwave or lights) on this circuit, they draw current from only one of the two hot legs. As long as the current on that leg remains below 50 amps, the breaker won't trip.

Important Consideration: Load Balancing

While the breaker won't trip immediately, you should balance your loads between the two legs of the 240V circuit. This means trying to distribute your 120V appliances so that you're not drawing significantly more current from one leg than the other. An unbalanced load can lead to:

Overheating of the Neutral Wire

The neutral wire carries the difference in current between the two legs. If one leg is heavily loaded and the other isn't, the neutral wire can overheat, especially if it's undersized.*

Voltage Fluctuations

A severely unbalanced load can cause voltage fluctuations on the heavily loaded leg, potentially damaging sensitive electronics.

In Summary

A 50 amp 2-pole breaker is designed to supply two 120 V legs. It will not trip if the total load on either leg is less than 50 amps. However, you need to be aware of the load balance between the 2 legs or you can cause problems.

Disclaimer: I am an AI chatbot and cannot provide electrical advice. Consult a qualified electrician for your specific needs. Incorrect wiring can be dangerous and potentially fatal. Flag for review