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Elliottaw · May 11, 2011, 05:00 PM

I have a single 25a circuit breaker open in my electrical panel I need to run two separate circuits for my whirlpool tub 1 15a and 1 20a is it possible to split this breaker into two circuits using 14-3 wire and two blank gfci breakers at the tub

Kyle_in_rure · May 11, 2011, 05:53 PM

I think there are special types of "double breakers" (I forget what they're called) that fit two breakers in one slot, but I don't think these are very safe, and I'm not sure that you could find them split into 15-20 Amps. Depending on what you decide to do, it may be simpler just to add another breaker (if you have any knockouts left). And another thing, if you are using anything with 20 Amps, you need to use 12 gauge copper wire(10 gauge aluminum), however for 15 amps you can use 14 gauge copper. Hope this helped.

stanfortyman · May 11, 2011, 06:38 PM

Originally Posted by Kyle_in_rure

I think there are special types of "double breakers" (I forget what they're called) that fit two breakers in one slot, but I don't think these are very safe,

Why not?
If the panel will accept them legally then they are absolutely safe.

Originally Posted by Kyle_in_rure

and I'm not sure that you could find them split into 15-20 Amps.

You can.

Originally Posted by Kyle_in_rure

Depending on what you decide to do, it may be simpler just to add another breaker (if you have any knockouts left).

I believe he means he only has the one spot available.

Originally Posted by Kyle_in_rure

And another thing, if you are using anything with 20 Amps, you need to use 12 gauge copper wire(10 gauge aluminum),

There is no 10ga AL any more.

Elliottaw, just run two 12/2 cables to the tub.
Post the make and model of your panel and we can tell you if a twin/skinny/tandem/etc breaker will fit.

PLEASE post back as you go. I get the uneasy feeling you are not very experienced with this work and a tub is no place to feel your way through with only the most basic of information.

Elliottaw · May 12, 2011, 11:35 AM

I do have experience installing tubs this is the first time I have encountered this type of issue and want to ensure I am doing it safely and legally. The panel is the original one that was installed in 1971 make GE model unk the circuit breaker that is available is 40C type TQP single pole breaker 1/2 in in depth 25a. There are no more slots available to expand in this panel one skinny slot is all I have

ma0641 · May 12, 2011, 12:51 PM

Maybe I'm getting the space requirements confused but, if you only have 1/2" available, find a 1" breaker in the box that is nearby, install 2X1/2", and then another 1/2 in the remaining slot. Run the wire from the old 1" to a new 1/2" and then use the remaining 2X1/2 for your circuits. They are both 120V so they aren't tied together. Run 12/2 to each and ground fault at the spa.

donf · May 12, 2011, 02:39 PM

The alternative would be to install a secondary panelboard and move some breakers from the main panelboard into the secondary panelboard and add your required circuits to this panelboard as well.

You may be forced to do this anyway if the main panelboard will not accept the slimline breakers.