GE Main Panel Question

[akcooper9]

Currently, this is what my panel looks like. Im in the process of building a garage and need to make room for 100amp breaker to feed it.

The Range breaker and Dryer breaker are NOT used (went gas) but I would like to leave them hooked up. I would also like to do the same for the AC breaker.

My question is, is it OK to take the full size 220 breakers and swap them to the slim ones? Basically go from THQL to THQP.

Any issues or down side to doing this?

 

[Norcal]

When someone has cheaped out on a panel that is the only option besides a panel swap, as long as the positions will accept twins, which I do not think is a problem in this case, the original installer failed to use the required bushing on the PVC terminal adapter & failed to reidentify the white used as a hot, also.

 

[akcooper9]

When someone has cheaped out on a panel that is the only option besides a panel swap, as long as the positions will accept twins, which I do not think is a problem in this case, the original installer failed to use the required bushing on the PVC terminal adapter & failed to reidentify the white used as a hot, also.

Im not in the Electrical business so I guess I dont know what you mean when you say someone cheaped out on the panel.

As for the bushing and re-identifying the white wire for the AC, do you have any recommendations on how to fix this? I have a feeling the bushing should just be left alone though haha

 

[pattenp]

When Norcal says cheaped out, he's saying a too small of a panel was used, not enough spaces. The white wire to the one 2 pole breaker should be taped red on the end near the breaker connection. The bushing on the PVC will require the wires to be disconnected to add the bushing.This is not something you may not want to attempt because the meter will need to be pulled to disconnect the power.

Im not in the Electrical business so I guess I dont know what you mean when you say someone cheaped out on the panel.

As for the bushing and re-identifying the white wire for the AC, do you have any recommendations on how to fix this? I have a feeling the bushing should just be left alone though haha

 

[akcooper9]

When Norcal says cheaped out, he's saying a too small of a panel was used, not enough spaces. The white wire to the one 2 pole breaker should be taped red on the end near the breaker connection. The bushing on the PVC will require the wires to be disconnected to add the bushing.This is not something you may not want to attempt because the meter will need to be pulled to disconnect the power.

Thank you for the explanations. Ill forget the bushing. I can handle taping the white wire though.

Just to confirm, I'm on the right path to making room for adding 100amp breaker correct? Nothing wrong with going from THQL to THQP?

 

[pattenp]

That's fine if the panel has spaces that can take the slim 2 pole breakers. The panel cover should have a label that shows where the half size 2P breakers can be used.

Thank you for the explanations. Ill forget the bushing. I can handle taping the white wire though.

Just to confirm, I'm on the right path to making room for adding 100amp breaker correct? Nothing wrong with going from THQL to THQP?

 

[akcooper9]

That's fine if the panel has spaces that can take the slim 2 pole breakers. The panel cover should have a label that shows where the half size breakers can be used.

Thank you

 

[Aceman]

All you have to do is take a plastic bushing, cut through it on one side with your dykes and spread it apart so the wires will slip through. Then just pop it on to the threads and twist it till it's snug.

 

[pattenp]

Well that's a smart solution. I would have never thought of doing that because our **** inspector would probably fail it.

All you have to do is take a plastic bushing, cut through it on one side with your dykes and spread it apart so the wires will slip through. Then just pop it on to the threads and twist it till it's snug.

 

[theoldwizard1]

The white wire to the one 2 pole breaker should be taped red on the end near the breaker connection.

I saw that too and had to look twice !

 

[akcooper9]

I already grabbed a Sharpe at work and will be doing some coloring

Ill post up some new pics once I get the new breaks in and everything fixed. Love that I can come to a site and get good advice on doing things correctly

 

[theoldwizard1]

Well that's a smart solution. I would have never thought of doing that because our **** inspector would probably fail it.

Make sure the slit is toward the back and hidden behind some of the wires !

 

[Aceman]

Make sure the slit is toward the back and hidden behind some of the wires !

That's exactly how you do it! Don't ask, don't tell...

 

[akcooper9]

Thanks guys for the help. Here is a shot of the re-arranged panel.

I was able to keep the spa, range and dryer (all three of which arent being used) AND most importantly make home for the well and shop

I did end up with one empty 120v slot which I just filled with a breaker. I also added the missing bushing. Still need to mark the white wire being used as a hot.