Handle ties are not intented to provide a common trip. They are only intended to provide a common disconnect. The code code permits "approved" handle ties in 240.20(B), but I doubt that the AHJ has approved the wire as a handle tie. Even the handle ties from the breaker manufacturer do not turn 2 breakers into a "common trip" breaker.
Don

Here's another Photo sent in with a question along the same lines:

In this second case 240.20(B) requires the use of a common trip breaker. The use of approved handle ties is not permitted for this application. If these breakers were serving a multiwire branch circuit and not a 220 volt load the use of approved handle ties would be permitted by 240.20(B)(1).
As far as a safety hazard, I don't think so. The same condition would exist if the OCPDs were fuses in place of the single pole breakers and fuses are premitted to protect this circuit.
Don
corrected my code section reference from 240.21 to 240.20

[This message has been edited by resqcapt19 (edited 10-27-2003).]

resqcapt19:

Thanks for the explanation.

So for a 220V load, a two-pole breaker must be used--period! Correct?

Sparky,
Sorry, I misspoke in the earlier post. On a grounded single phase circuit the code does permit the use of single pole breakers with handle ties for 220 volt loads.

resqcapt19:

Thanks a lot for the info. I guess the only discrepency is that, the piece of copper wire is not an "approved" handle tie.

Sparky,
You would have to ask the AHJ about that. He can "approve" the wire if he want to.
Don