408.35 Number of Overcurrent devices on one panelboard

Status
Not open for further replies.
davedottcom

davedottcom

Senior Member
Need to add a (2-pole) surge protector in a 40-space panel that is Full.

Installing(2) tandem breakers and the Surge protector shouldn't be a violation since there is still only 40 over current devices.

A surge protector isn't an over current device it's an over Voltage device!!!

Right!?
 
MAC702 said:
I agree with the OP. The question is who else is going to look at it and approve it? Will tandems work in the panel?
Click to expand...

If (2) Non-Circuit-Limiting Tandem breakers are installed there will still be only 40 over current devices and (1) 2-pole Surge protector.
 
MAC702 said:
I must admit I don't know how that answered or addressed my questions.
Click to expand...

Well, it's a Sq-D QO panel so yes it definitely accepts NCL-tandem breakers. The reason the panel will be completely FULL is; I'm installing the 40th circuit! :D Yes, there will be an inspection but I'm not just trying to get it to "pass inspection", I'm trying to find out if it's "NEC compliant". 2 Very different things! :D
 
davedottcom said:
The reason the panel will be completely FULL is; I'm installing the 40th circuit! :D
Click to expand...

Correction! I'm installing the 39th circuit, not the 40th. Currently there are 38 circuits/spaces used in a 40 space panel. I'm adding 1 more single pole and the surge protector requires 2 spaces although it's not an over current device.
 
infinity said:
I'm confused how many spaces does the panel have?
Click to expand...

lol... ok...

It's a 40 space / 40 circuit QO panel
It currently has 38 spaces used (Circuit breakers)
That leaves 2 spaces for the surge protector
The surge protector is not an over current device so there is still only 38 circuits but no more room for the 39th circuit.
I want to replace 1 single pole breaker with a NCL QO tandem for the 39th circuit.
Technically, I could do this again for a 40th circuit someday and there would still only be 40 over current devices and a 2-pole surge protector.
 
davedottcom said:
lol... ok...

It's a 40 space / 40 circuit QO panel
It currently has 38 spaces used (Circuit breakers)
That leaves 2 spaces for the surge protector
The surge protector is not an over current device so there is still only 38 circuits but no more room for the 39th circuit.
I want to replace 1 single pole breaker with a NCL QO tandem for the 39th circuit.
Technically, I could do this again for a 40th circuit someday and there would still only be 40 over current devices and a 2-pole surge protector.
Click to expand...

The number of OCPD's is irrelevant, the issue may be that the panel is not listed for use with tandem circuit breakers.
 
Chances are some of the circuits may only have one outlet on it. Or perhaps a light or two maybe a door bell transformer. You can pig tail those in the panel to make an extra space or two.
 
Buck Parrish said:
Chances are some of the circuits may only have one outlet on it. Or perhaps a light or two maybe a door bell transformer. You can pig tail those in the panel to make an extra space or two.
Click to expand...

Yes very true.

Ok... I'm going to say something I'm probably going to regret but... aren't Square-D breakers permitted to have 2-wires on their terminals? 1 on each side of the screw. (They sure look like they are!)
 
davedottcom said:
Ok... I'm going to say something I'm probably going to regret but... aren't Square-D breakers permitted to have 2-wires on their terminals? 1 on each side of the screw. (They sure look like they are!)
Click to expand...

Depends on if you are asking Square D, the NEC, the AHJ, a real electrician (all of whom say yes), or a Home Inspector.
 
infinity said:
The number of OCPD's is irrelevant, the issue may be that the panel is not listed for use with tandem circuit breakers.
Click to expand...
+1

davedottcom said:
Yes very true.

Ok... I'm going to say something I'm probably going to regret but... aren't Square-D breakers permitted to have 2-wires on their terminals? 1 on each side of the screw. (They sure look like they are!)
Click to expand...
typical 30 amp and less are designed to accept two conductors on their terminals.

MAC702 said:
Depends on if you are asking Square D, the NEC, the AHJ, a real electrician (all of whom say yes), or a Home Inspector.
Click to expand...
HI's can't seem to figure this one out.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top