[WoodmanFL]

I've got a full slate of 30 full size breakers in my 42 circuit QO Square D panel. I want to convert some to tandem breakers so I can add 4 new circuits from a remodeled bathroom. Do I have the same number of amperage/breaker values on each bus?

 

[joed]

Not important in a residential setting. The value of the breaker means nothing. It is the load that is connected. So unless you have some permanent heavy loads like heaters that might be running together don't be concerned.

 

[Sfeyelectric]

You do not have to be concerned with the value of the breakers only the actually load being used.

 

[WoodmanFL]

Thanks for the info. That's what I had hoped to hear.

 

[Techy]

if you have a 42 circuit panel it is almost certainly not allowed to have tandem breakers

 

[Jim Port]

if you have a 42 circuit panel it is almost certainly not allowed to have tandem breakers

X2. You are not allowed tandems in that panel.

 

[WoodmanFL]

Why do they make tandems for it then?

 

[joed]

Why do they make tandems for it then?

Breaker panels made by the same manufacturer use common breakers. A 20/40 panel made by the same manufacturer will use the same breakers including tandems.They just happen to fit in the panel you have.

 

[Jim Port]

If you only have 30 full size breakers in a panel that will hold 40 there should be no need for tandems.

 

[WoodmanFL]

Been gone for a little while. Attached are some shots of what I've got. Any ideas on how I can add 4 new circuits? If removing a couple full size breakers and adding tandem breakers will work on this panel, let me know.

 

[HouseHelper]

You can run tandems in the bottom 5 spaces (each side) to gain 10 more circuits. You need to move the lower 240V breaker on the left side to maximize the spaces for tandems.

 

[WoodmanFL]

Do the tandems need to go only in the bottom spaces or can I combine some circuits into tandems in the top?

 

[jbfan]

Do the tandems need to go only in the bottom spaces or can I combine some circuits into tandems in the top?

Only the bottom 5 slots.

 

[WoodmanFL]

Thanks for all the help. Tandems are in and everything is working fine.