Is that a typical stab setup? I'd think A B A B A B etc. would be the way to arrange them. Then there'd be no way to incorrectly install a double-pole breaker.You haven't destroyed anything, you just got both hot wires for the dryer and water heater on the same phase. They need to be on opposite phases but still on a 2-POLE BREAKER. The phases on a 1/2 inch GE panel are as follows:
A
A
B
B
A
A
B
B
Mark
It's hard to describe without seeing it, but the GE bus stab looks like a small cross versus a horizontal line (like on other loadcenters). That means each bus stab can take 2 half inch GE breakers. Think of it as a regular tandem breaker sawed in half. The advantage is that a GE panel can have a 2-pole circuit using tandem size breakers. I still don't install GE stuff because it's not the best, but it does have this one advantage.Is that a typical stab setup? I'd think A B A B A B etc. would be the way to arrange them. Then there'd be no way to incorrectly install a double-pole breaker.
Your panel (probably, a low-end residential 8/16 or 12/24 from GE) DOES support thin breakers. Otherwise, the breaker wouldn't fit in the panel. Most likely, you positioned the breakers on the same leg. As a result you will have 120v. to ground and Zero volts across both breakers. As Busman pointed out, shifting/repositioning breakers in a panel is best left to a qualified Electrician!:yes::no:Couldn't bring up the "Drinking" icon. Anyway. Don't Drink and Drive!!![i believe that my panel doesnt support thin breaker.] I will call electrician today and post update later.
In a pinch, you could squeeze it in but, you are absolutely correct.:thumbup:Place is going through extensive remodel and changing panel I believe is right way to do
IMHO the newly installed [thin] breakers are not inserted in the right slots (to supply 240v.) but the panel is designed to accept thin breakers, due to the fact that they fit into the panel instead of the orig. "thick" breaker. In the industrial panels (by GE, etc.) it's not possible to insert "thin" breakers!:no::yes::drink[BTW. Just cause an electrician in slow times is telling you to install a new panel. That MAY not be the only option.] It all depends on what you have right now. If you have a modern loadcenter with a main CB, and you're just out of slots for breakers, you MIGHT be just as well off with a sub-panel fed from the existing loadcenter. There are too many variables for me to assess online, but I'd get a few opinions from LICENSED electrical contractors before proceeding. That's good advice no matter what the circumstances.
Mark
on't Drink and Drive!!!
