updating electrical panel

[hammbone]

In the proccess of selling my house the inspection report states there are circuit breakers (3) with two circuits on them. I am trying to determine if I can replace three breakers with six thin breakers. I have been unsuccessful in finding a model number on the panel, inside or out. It is a 200 amp box with space for 30 of the wide breakers, all of which are full. I understand that some boxes will allow the last 5 breakers on each side to be replaced with 10 thin breakers. Any suggestions would be apprecialted. I consider myself to be somewhat handy, but no expert. I can accomplish most smaller jobs with advice from those that have more experience. I am new to the forum, but it appears to be handy and helpful.

 

[Roots]

If you don't have a model number for the panel, you may have other issues. Approximately how old would you guess it to be? What type of breakers are in it now?

 

[ddawg16]

First off, determine if the breakers are rated for two connections....some are, some are not. If they are....end of story.

 

[rockwithjason]

you can also splice the wires together and pig tail over to the breaker.

 

[hammbone]

If you don't have a model number for the panel, you may have other issues. Approximately how old would you guess it to be? What type of breakers are in it now?

They appear to be like the new ones at Lowes and in my new Square D box in a new building. This house was built in 1990 for the contractor's family, so I assume it would be good quality. What about just buying a couple of thin breakers, pull a bottom breaker and see if they will slip into place. I can always take them back if it don't work and go to plan B, whatever that is. Would a second option be to add a second box beside this that would hold enough breakers to accept the circuits that have to be moved? The inspector insists each circuit have it's only breaker.

 

[Norcal]

If it's a home inspector, tell him to pound sand. Just pigtail the wires & then land one conductor on the breaker lugs, as suggested above.

 

[MrMark]

It is one circuit. It's no different electrically than connecting another outlet on a string of outlets. Everything is in parallel with one supply voltage at the single breaker. It's not very tidy, and it's not something to be proud of design wise, but it is to code and those Square D breakers are listed for two hots.

If you must, your solution with the tandems will work.

 

[theoldwizard1]

In the proccess of selling my house the inspection report states there are circuit breakers (3) with two circuits on them.

I assume the inspection report was saying there are 2 wires under 1 screw.

you can also splice the wires together and pig tail over to the breaker.

Fast. Cheap. CODE LEGAL !

The inspector insists each circuit have it's only breaker.

******** !!

 

[theoldwizard1]

What about just buying a couple of thin breakers, pull a bottom breaker and see if they will slip into place.

Sure, but you need to buy a dozen or so of the 100s of different ones available. Heck, even Square D made 2 different styles of breaker for their QO product line (ask me how I know).

If you really want to make this inspector happy, turn off the main breaker and pull out one of the breakers and take it to the store with you. You might get lucky.

 

[hammbone]

Thanks for all the help. I blame "my" realtor for part of the problem. He presented this as a must before he make a copy of the inspection report available to me and I signed off on correcting the situation. If I had the report prior to signing, I would have refused. I may be parinoid, but feel the realtor (duel agent) is trying harder for the buyer tham me. Live and learn, if you live long enough!

 

[MrMark]

Just make sure the QO Tandems go in the correct place. You will find out when you try to put them in probably. If they don't fit stop and study the diagram on the panel board. On panel boards only certain spaces will take tandems. This is to limit the overall number of circuits.

That Home Inspector is an idiot. He obviously knows nothing about what comprises a circuit.