[JonCiccarone]

Hi,

I've been planning multiple projects in my house that require new circuits to be run from the main panel. My plan was to install tandem circuit breakers since my 200 amp panel is full (40 spaces). After looking up the model number of my panel (HOM40M200C), it turns out that tandem breakers can't be used in my panel. Are there any other options to add extra circuits besides adding a sub panel? I assume adding a sub panel right next to the main breaker panel is going to be the most common answer, just wanted to check if anyone else had better ideas. I need like 3-4 additional circuits, but would love more if possible for future additions.

Thanks,
JC

 

[mm11]

You could possibly combine branch circuits- not the bathroom, laundry, SABCs (kitchens), or anything else dedicated though.

I'd probably do a sub panel since there's at least 3 or 4 circuits to be added.

 

[GottaFixIt]

You've got 40 circuits already and need more? This is either commercial, you have a very big house, or a whole lot of dedicated outlets.

If it's just a bunch of misc dedicated outlets that you don't use, seems like an easy fix (tying them together like mm11 said). Though adding a sub panel is not very expensive and does add some future proofing.

 

[JonCiccarone]

You've got 40 circuits already and need more? This is either commercial, you have a very big house, or a whole lot of dedicated outlets.

About 10 years ago we had a fairly big porch added onto our house with an added basement/workshop underneath it, and a huge wraparound deck around the porch. There is a jacuzzi, pool pump, and like 4 dedicated outlets on the deck, and more dedicated outlets in the workshop. I wish there was a sub panel installed when this whole addition was done but there never was. There's a lot of double pole breakers in the main panel for electric heat, electric range, pool, hot tub, etc. You can see why the panel filled up so quickly.

So my plan is to add this sub panel right next to the main breaker panel:
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Square-D/202529821?MERCH=RV-_-rv_mobileweb_rr-1-_-NA-_-202529821-_-N

I'm going with a 125 amp sub panel just so I never have to add another panel down the road (we are planning some more additions/remodeling in the next few years). Although I don't plan to use anywhere near that amount of amps. I'm planning on feeding the sub panel with a 100 amp circuit breaker from the main panel.

So that brings up a few more questions:
-What size/type of wire or cable should I use to feed the sub panel?
-Should I use conduit?
-can a whole house surge protector be added onto a sub panel?

Thanks again,
JC

 

[Jim Port]

Most new circuits are going to need afci protection which is going to rule out tandem breakers even if the panel would accept them.

 

[JonCiccarone]

Most new circuits are going to need afci protection which is going to rule out tandem breakers even if the panel would accept them.

I won't need a tandem breaker now that I'm installing sub panel, unless I encounter the unlikely scenario that I fill all 12 spaces in sub panel within the next few years. Hopefully by that time the NEC will realize they screwed up about making so many AFCI requirements and it won't be an issue to remove an AFCI breaker and replace it with a tandem!

 

[JonCiccarone]

One thing I should add to the question about wire size, I'd like to use wire that is rated for 125 amps for the rare scenario that I have to upgrade the 100amp circuit breaker to a 125 a few years down the road.