Square D panel question

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Roach

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Hi , I have a square D panel and I want to add a 20 amp circuit,I have empty slots for breakers but in those slots there are small fingerlike tabs with a little piece of red tape on them,Can I remove that tab and use that slot.
Im not sure?
 
I have seen square d panels that had tamper proof tabs installed so that you wont add load to a panel, they usually have a sticker that says not to use those spaces, could you post a picture of what you are dealing with?
 
Roach said:
Hi , I have a square D panel and I want to add a 20 amp circuit,I have empty slots for breakers but in those slots there are small fingerlike tabs with a little piece of red tape on them,Can I remove that tab and use that slot.
Im not sure?
Click to expand...

Probally not, are they all on the 'b' phase ? if so then it is a high leg 208vac to ground.
 
Is this a residential QO loadcenter? Are these small plastic blocks that are held in with a screw. If they are, they are breaker retaining clips for use if the panel is backfed with a breaker. I ran into these once where the guy installing the panel did not know what they were and just shoved the breakers in on top of them. Didn't make very good contact and dented the cover.

I agree that Sq. D (may favorite panel brand) could do a better job of identifying these red blocks. I have a couple on my truck if you need me to post a photo.

Mark
 
Unless you provide a part number for the panel, the answer is NO you cannot remove them. Even after you identify the panel, the answer is still probably no.

Many times a panel cover has more slots than the panel bus has usable room for breakers. The insulating base is used for several different size bus bars, it is probable that these devices are telling you that there is no bussing in these locations.
 
Square D

Square D

Thanks for all your thoughts , I will read the panel label more closely but I didnt notice anything that described which slots could be used.
As I read your replys it seems to me that they are in fact there to prevent use of those slots (although they are not plastic red tabs they are metal tabs that look almost like a tiny coat hook ) and they have that little tab of red tape on them. I think I will just go with a tandem breaker ,the circuits being added are only for 8 outlets and 2 flourescet 2x4 lay in light fixtures.
I wanted to put a circuit for a window ac unit 110v , and one for a 110v baseboard heater but Im not sure maybe just be happy to have the light and outlets.
It is a QO panel ,
 
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Roach said:
...I think I will just go with a tandem breaker...
Click to expand...

Again, you need to know what the label on the panel says. Relatively few Square D panels, especially those with main breakers, are rated for use with tandem breakers.
 
There is no main breaker on this panel

There is no main breaker on this panel

It has no main , and it is a homeline ,square D
Not sure what the main would have to do with it anyway but it has no main breaker.
Also I think I said earlier I will read the Label further , thanks for the help guys.
 
480sparky said:
What's having a main got to do with whether the panel will take tandems?
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It is the way Square D lists their panels. Look in the Square D Digest.
Digest 175 single phase indoor load centers:
MLO QO: 16 for use with tandems, 13 not rated for tandems.
Factory main breaker QO: 6 for use with tandems, 18 not rated for tandems

MLO Homeline: 11 for use with tandems, 10 not rated for tandems
Factory installed main breaker Homeline: 14 for use with tandems, 11 not rated for tandems
 
jim dungar said:
It is the way Square D lists their panels. Look in the Square D Digest.
Digest 175 single phase indoor load centers:
MLO QO: 16 for use with tandems, 13 not rated for tandems.
Factory main breaker QO: 6 for use with tandems, 18 not rated for tandems

MLO Homeline: 11 for use with tandems, 10 not rated for tandems
Factory installed main breaker Homeline: 14 for use with tandems, 11 not rated for tandems
Click to expand...

What do those numbers mean?
 
Roach, this thread is a great example of why a photo is sometimes needed to provide information. Don't suppose you have a photo of this installation?
 
I will get a photo

I will get a photo

At the moment I have no photo , I will try to get one tomorrow,but just to be clear -this is a square D panel not QO , it is a homeline. Again I will read the label tomorrow .
I really appreciate everyones help, but now I am a bit confused about which one will , or will not be ok to use a tandem breaker ?
I'm not sure how we got to talking about QO I never said it was a QO.Ahhh yes I did say QO (Sorry that was a mistake ) It is a homeline.
 
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480sparky said:
What do those numbers mean?
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My apologies, for the confusion.

These are the quantities of the different panel styles that Square D lists for use with or without tandem breakers. For example, 18 of 24 of their factory assembled main breaker QO panels are not listed for tandem breakers.
 
jim dungar said:
My apologies, for the confusion.

These are the quantities of the different panel styles that Square D lists for use with or without tandem breakers. For example, 18 of 24 of their factory assembled main breaker QO panels are not listed for tandem breakers.
Click to expand...

So if 18 are not listed for tandems, and 24 are, then having a main breaker doesn't mean anything.
 
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