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mavon
Aug 4, 2010, 04:56 PM
Can someone tell me how many breakers I can fit in panel box. I heard that I can have 42. I have 2 panel box one with 40,another one 24. This with 40 I put 42, and another one I have 30.
CAn I use twin breakers.

Missouri Bound
Aug 4, 2010, 05:02 PM
It depends. Breaker panels come in various sizes and configurations. Twin breakers CAN be used in some circumstances but generally only as a last resort. If you have a specific question, it will be easier to help you.

mavon
Aug 4, 2010, 05:20 PM
Problem is that I want to separate loads. I have 2 panel box one 24 one 40. Inside 24 panel box I have 30 loads, inside a 40 panel box I have 42 loads. And I want to pass inspection. To fit all loads I used twin breakers

Missouri Bound
Aug 4, 2010, 05:27 PM
Sounds like the panel are already heavily loaded. Would a sub panel work for you?

mavon
Aug 4, 2010, 05:33 PM
Yes. Everything is working fine I have 200amps feed from services

hkstroud
Aug 4, 2010, 06:22 PM
Don't see a problem here. I have a 40 space panel with seven 240 circuits (double pole breakers) and forty eight 120 circuits (twin breakers).

KISS
Aug 4, 2010, 06:31 PM
Look on the panel an see if there is a Maximum number of Poles specification?

Stratmando
Aug 4, 2010, 06:36 PM
I believe the New Max for a Panel is 60 Circuits.
You should have a couple of spares for a New Installation, and you are limited to the amount of double breakers(not double pole), wafer, piggyback, whatever they are called.

donf
Aug 4, 2010, 06:42 PM
Mavon,

I really would like some clarifications, please.

1) What do you mean by the statement that you already have two boxes?

Do you mean that you have one main service panel box and one sub-panel box?

If you are trying to feed two separate service panels from a Main Disconnect Switch, you are already in violation of the NEC. The NEC allows for only one service entry point into a residence.

If you have a single service going to a either a main disconnect and then onto the main service panel and then onto a sub-panel you should be fine, providing none of the grounding and bonding rules have been comprised.

As mentioned earlier, you can use mini breakers if and only if the manufacturer of your panels says you can. Some panelboards do not allow mini breakers. The information will be with the instructions or on the schematic that is attached to the panelboard.

Just curious did you have a calculated load done on your residence to determine what you actually need and whether you really need so many breakers?

mavon
Aug 4, 2010, 06:55 PM
I have one feed from disconnect. And sub panel have a feed from main panel with 70 amp double pole breaker. No I didn't calculate loads. And you always adding something.

donf
Aug 4, 2010, 07:11 PM
Mavon,

Help me, I do not understand the "...and you always add something." phrase. What do you mean by that?

mavon
Aug 5, 2010, 02:48 PM
I have got panel schedule for two 42 simens panel box, because no space I put 2 cutler hammer box (40,24), but to put all my loads separately I put some twin breakers, 40 increase to 42 and 24 increase to 30 breakers.

donf
Aug 5, 2010, 03:02 PM
I understand what you did, what I am asking you is to look at the installation instructions and verify that the panel board is built to accommodate the twin breakers.

If the manufacturer does not allow the use of these twin breakers then you are in violation of the NEC. It is mandatory that you follow the manufacturer's instructions.

Of course that still leaves me wondering what you mean "..but to put all my loads separately.."

What exactly are you trying to accomplish? Can you give me some idea of "All loads"?

For example, normally I would pull 1 home run cable for the living room. On that branch circuit, I would have the ceiling light and switch loop, and 6 convenience receptacles" In my case, I used a 20 amp circuit with 12/2 cable because of the needs for my home entertainment stuff.

Is that what you did or did you put each receptacle on its own breaker?

mavon
Aug 5, 2010, 03:30 PM
Lights on separate breaker, receptacles have got separate breker too. Ich room got 8 receptacles, 1 center and around 6 recessed lights. And I have 4 grafik eye units for living room, kitchen, library, dinning room, main hallway, foyer, two shade panels, 8 AC units, 4 humidifier(220V), I have 3 bedrooms 4 bathrooms,and all appliance in kitchen. All of the rooms got separate circuit for lights and outlets plus AV staff.