6/12 Loadcenter

[sd4524]

I am updating the wiring in an older home (1939). The existing loadcenter has been updated probably 10 years ago. The 125 amp Loadcenter looks like an 8/16 because it has 8 knockouts for circuit breakers. I take the cover off and... it is one of those stupid 6/12's. The 2 bottom left spaces have the "fingers' chopped off of the bussbar so that no breakers can be attached! The brand is ITE.
Does anybody know if I can replace with 8/16 busbar? Code violation?
And lastly... why? Why would they make a panel like this? They make the 2 knockouts for the breakers on the cover. why not just make an 8/16?
In the other unit of the duplex somebody has rigged breakers into those two spaces. I bet the connection is loose.

 

[Nium]

The cover was probably cheaper to make one to fit either 8/16 or 6/12 boxes.

Why not just get a Squre D QO120M100C and be done with it for around $80 (at least around here that's the price) save yourself the aggravation of finding and changing out the guts. Plus if you check the supply house you could probably even get a kit that includes cover and a few breakers.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

ITE was notorious for that. You start knocking out the knockouts for a 40 circuit panel that is full only to find out that the cover had 42 knockouts. Haven't used them in years so I don't know if they still do that.

I also would just change the entire panel. Depending on age it may or may not fit. I would get a 16-24 panel and leave some space.