[Barron]

Hi all. I have a GE panel which accepts slim breakers. There is currently a double pole breaker taking up 2 full spots in the panel and I'm wondering if it can be replaced with a single high double pole breaker, see pics. I am going to be hooking up a generator inlet to it. Are there any differences between these breakers other than physical size?

 

[rjniles]

That breaker straddles 2 slots and leaves a half slot above and below that breaker. So you can not remove the existing 50 and install it in that place. Likely you can rearrange other breakers and make it work. Also the max wire size it handles is #8

 

[Barron]

Thanks for the quick reply. I should have mentioned that in my post as I'm aware it will need cross phases and be moved 1 slot down. My question was more about the differences between the 2 breakers and if the physical size made any difference. Sounds like you are saying there isn't any?

 

[Wiredindallas]

You can put the thin breaker in the centerheavythe space leaving room for 2 thin 120 volt circuits. Thin breakers have less surface space within and get a bit warmer under heavy load, but ok for your purpose. This is a personal opinion.

 

[RAL238]

Are you going to have an interlock on the breaker you connect the generator to, so the main breaker and the generator can't be turned on at the same time?

 

[Barron]

Yes, I'm going to have an interlock which will mean I lose the first space, but not much I can do about that I don't think.

 

[Wiredindallas]

You can put the thin breaker in the centerheavythe space leaving room for 2 thin 120 volt circuits. Thin breakers have less surface space within and get a bit warmer under heavy load, but ok for your purpose. This is a personal opinion

 

[Wiredindallas]

Does that panel have a main breaker or is that what the 50 amp breaker is?

 

[Oso954]

Have you found an interlock kit to fit your panel AND the THQP breaker ?
(1 inch)

A lot of the kits only work with the THQL breakers. (2 inch)

 

[Barron]

Does that panel have a main breaker or is that what the 50 amp breaker is?

Is does have a main breaker. The 50a breaker is for a generator inlet.

 

[DanS26]

Check the schematic on the cover of that panel. Some GE panels only accept 1" breakers in the top 4 slots left and right.

 

[NCmountainCabin]

Quad breaker set, 240v and 120v

or a single QUAD unit, similar to this...

 

[Barron]

Check the schematic on the cover of that panel. Some GE panels only accept 1" breakers in the top 4 slots left and right.

Thanks for the heads up. This box accepts 1/2" breakers in all slots so all good in that respect. I'm going to need to put in a subpanel unfortunately.

 

[Barron]

Re: Quad breaker set, 240v and 120v

or a single QUAD unit, similar to this...

One of the electricians I spoke to recommended this, but I've also heard that it's safer to use a 2" double pole for 50a and up due to the increased contact point size. Not sure if true or not.

 

[NCmountainCabin]

...I'm not sure what 'safer' would mean - these are designed for what they are designed to do, just like any other breaker - 'size' should have nothing to do with it. If they are UL listed, then they are UL listed, just like any other 'safe' breakers...

 

[Oso954]

or a single QUAD unit, similar to this...[/QUOTE
I don’t believe GE makes one for the Qline panels.