I have a Square D breaker 150 amp panel box in my home. I wanted to put in a double breaker (20 - 20) but they don't make one for my particular box (it doesn't push in far enough to put the cover on). The guy at the store suggested I file out some of the matterial on the breaker so it pushes in all the way. Is this safe?

Thank You

No you cannot file, or modify any panel or circuit breaker to force into a panel that is rejecting a breaker. That is why the guy is a store clerk.

Panels are limited to 42 poles. How many does your 150 amp panel have?

What is the model # of both the panel and the new circuit breaker you are trying to install?

Hi tkrussell, thank you for your help. The box model number is HOMC30UC I don't see a model number on the breaker. The issue number is AD - 8155 ctl.

You provided the model number for the cover, but I am familiar with Homeline, and able to determine that your 30 circuit panel can only take 30 poles or circuits.

http://www.schneider-electric.com.mx.../Cat-CC-QO.pdf

Why 150 amp? That is such an odd service size?

You should have gotten a 30-40 circuit panel, can take 30 full size breakers and allows some tandem breakers bringing the total to 40.

Any modification to add more breakers to your panel wii violate the UL listing.

Tk, hear of a code change that now allows 60 circuits?

Just found this:
60 circuits, to a max of 80?:
Schneider Electric - Square D - 200 Amp, 60 Spaces 80 Circuits Maximum QO QwikPak Panel Package with Breakers - QP60200 - Home Depot Canada

Looks like Canada allows more than 42 circuit.

Seems the max allowed of 42 poles was removed from the 2008 code.

However, the posters panel is only rated for 30 circuit, therefore limited from adding any tandem breaker, and filing something to get it to fit just is wrong.

That's just how Square D is, they are fun people.

I know it doesn't help poster, was curious anyone using/see one yet. Take Care.

This box is apparently for Canada and not the USA. SquareD has two panel boxes that accommodate more than 42 circuits; one up to 52 and the other up to 60.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Stratmando

Just found this:
60 circuits, to a max of 80?:
Schneider Electric - Square D - 200 Amp, 60 Spaces 80 Circuits Maximum QO QwikPak Panel Package with Breakers - QP60200 - Home Depot Canada

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Is the breaker a SqD HOM breaker? If not it will NOT fit.
You need a real HOM breaker.