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funfamilyfare · Mar 17, 2008, 01:00 PM

I need to make room in my shop sub panel for another circuit. There is one 20A 220v breaker that takes up two 1" locations in the box (typical fat 220V breaker). Seems to me I could replace this with a slim-line double pole 20A breaker. I think these are sometimes called peanut breakers. I found a GE breaker in this style with the legs of both circuits bound together to make a common 220V breaker in one 1" package, but GE doesn't fit in my panel. I need either Siemens or Suare-D. I did find a Siemens double pole 20A slim-line breaker at Home Depot where both of the levers have a hole drilled through them... can't I insert a plastic dowell through both to convert this to a 220V breaker? Or is there something I'm not considering here? Thanks for your advice!

donf · Mar 17, 2008, 01:13 PM

First of all you are looking for a 240 VAC DPST breaker.

I need you to define what is the Main Breaker feed to the shop panel. Then I need to know the other breakers you are using inside that panel. Pics would be nice.

What do you need this new line for (Load Amount). Have you considered upgrading the size of your subpanel? What is the Main Power Breaker's amperage at the Main panel and then How much of an amperage drop is the sub panel set for?

stanfortyman · Mar 17, 2008, 01:30 PM

What you DO need to do is find out the brand and series. Siemens and Square D are two VERY different brands, and you need to stay with the correct brand.

Then look at the panel label. Look for a listing of what breakers are allowed for use. This will tell you if twins/quads are even allowed in that panel.

funfamilyfare · Mar 17, 2008, 01:34 PM

Hi Don... thanks for your quick response!
My shop's small sub panel is a Seimens 4 breaker size, fed by a 60A 240V in my main panel in my home. The shop panel has one 120V DPDT 15A breaker powering 2 lighting circuits; one 120V DPDT 20A breaker powering 2 wall plug circuits for power tools, and one 240V DPST 20A powering my small welder. I'd like to add a 15A lighting circuit for outside lights and lights in my attic but don't have room to add 1 more breaker in the sub pannel. Just wondering if there is a slim-line version of the Seimens 240V 20A DPST breaker that can replace that current larger 240v breaker to make room. I thought about enlargin the sub-panel box, but seems to me it's wou;ld be easier if I can find this slimmer 240V breaker.

funfamilyfare · Mar 17, 2008, 01:50 PM

Thanks StanFortyMan,
My panel takes Seimens breakers and it's approved for singlkes and twins. Again, I don't want to make this too complicated. All I'm asking is if a Seimens twin 120V 20A DPDT can be modified into a DPST for 240V use by adding a plastic pin through the holes in the 2 levers. I called my local Seimens distributor and they said Seimens used to make this breaker, but it was discontinued.

stanfortyman · Mar 17, 2008, 02:30 PM

Originally Posted by funfamilyfare

All I'm asking is if a Seimens twin 120V 20A DPDT can be modified into a DPST for 240V use by adding a plastic pin thru the holes in the 2 levers.

Absoultely NOT. A twin breaker is two single pole breakers within the same housing. This type of breaker connects to only one stab in the panel. You will NOT get 240 from this breaker.

What you need is a "quad" breaker. This has a double-pole skinny breaker in the center with the outside two being either two single poles or another double-pole.

Siemens does still make quad breakers.

funfamilyfare · Mar 17, 2008, 02:38 PM

Here is what I'm wondering if I can do... place a plastic dowel through the holes in the levers to make this a single throw for 240V application. This is a Seimens 20A twin model Q2020NC.

stanfortyman · Mar 17, 2008, 03:47 PM

Was my previous post unclear?

stanfortyman · Mar 17, 2008, 03:54 PM

You need this:

funfamilyfare · Mar 17, 2008, 03:57 PM

Git it. This is exactly the information I was looking for. I'm on my way to the elec supply house now. Thanks for your quick response. Saved me lots of time!
Cheers!

funfamilyfare · Mar 19, 2008, 05:58 PM

Well that did it! I picked up the quad breaker and a new 8-breaker box, and am now enjoying the new lighting circuit I needed. After looking at this quad, it certainly was obvious why I couldn't have used. The twin for 240V application. Once again, thanks! Your experience saved me a bunch of time and frustration.
Best regards,
FFF

stanfortyman · Mar 20, 2008, 12:13 PM

See that. :)

Thanks for the feedback. It's good to hear that things worked out.