Breaker Limit?

[blazenut]

Is there a limit to how many of these double breakers (not double pole)you can have in a panel, or is it just a matter of how crowded the panel gets that matters more? In other words, is ok to just keep adding these instead of a subpanel if more breakers are needed?

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[Neal Lewis]

Read the label in the panel box. It's all spelled out there.

Some boxes are rated to accept a lot, others are rated not to accept any.

[Richard Moore]

On most newer panels (I believe) the spaces that will accept 1/2 sized breakers have special tabs. I.E. those breakers won't fit elsewhere.

But it depends on the panel. Some, such as a 20/40 will allow them in every space while a 30/40 will restrict them to only 10 spaces (typically the bottom 10), and them some panels may not allow them at all. Unfortunately, I think the "lock-out" is easily defeated and some off-brand "tandems" may not need modification at all.

As Neal said, it's spelled out on the label. Here's a typical 30/40 Siemen...

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Also keep in mind the maximum the NEC allows in any residential panel is 42 poles.

So, in answer to the original questions. Depends on the panel and where they are installed.

[esch]

My answer is useless to your question, we always called them piggy backs =P

[Jim Port]

Just an update on Richards note about the 42 circuit limit. Under the 08 this limit has been lifted. With that said the panel label is still the only way to know for sure.

I have not seen any of the larger panels in the supply houses yet.