Cutting back on existing circuits

[Mule]

I've got two panels that are full in a commercial space due to the past occupancy and I need more circuits in another room as its becoming a small church sancuary. If I wanted to consolidate circuits to create space, can I do it in the panel? or do I have to do it in Jbox or gutter? Most of the load in these panels is purely lighting load, and what ever reason there are like 24 circuits feeding nothing but lighting and recepts in aprox. 1000/sqft. which consist of 4 class rooms, a office, small nursery, and two restrooms. There is already one sub panel, which has the same issue. Im betting if I clamped on a amp meter, the whole panel would be less than 40 amps....

HVAC load is in a adjacent 3ph panel..

 

[steelersman]

I think as long as the breakers are rated for 2 wires then you could double up on them to free up some slots.

 

[byourdesky]

Or use some "twin" breakers

 

[steelersman]

Or use some "twin" breakers

or instead of twin breakers you could use the tandem ones or the piggyback type.

 

[Mule]

OOps, forgot to mention that both panels are max'd out on tandems......

 

[steelersman]

OOps, forgot to mention that both panels are max'd out on tandems......

just add a subpanel or increase the service size then.

 

[Mule]

just add a subpanel or increase the service size then.

Yes, that woud be obvious... thanks ....but Im focusing on my question......

 

[steelersman]

Yes, that woud be obvious... thanks ....but Im focusing on my question......

well jeesh. excuse me. just giving you different paths to walk. I already told you the easiest one.

 

[billdozier]

Hey man I think you can make joints in a panel but I hink there is a 40% fill restriction hope this helps somebody else will post code

 

[Rewire]

1. Buy,rent.borrow a code book
2. Read article 312

 

[Mule]

well jeesh. excuse me. just giving you different paths to walk. I already told you the easiest one.

You took me wrong my friend, wasnt poking at you at all....Im looking for the correct way to consolidate the circuits as the thread stated...
:smile:

 

[billdozier]

specifically 312.8 for your application this is based on 2005 code

 

[wirenut2008]

I have made junctions in the panel before to consolidate the circuits when the panel was full. I would say do junctions.

 

[charlietuna]

Did anyone mention actual load conditions on either panel--or do you just add load as you please??

 

[Mule]

Did anyone mention actual load conditions on either panel--or do you just add load as you please??

Easy now, I mentioned the load in the previous post....only a hunch, but I bet Im not far off....

 

[Rewire]

their is a way to calculate the load on any panel

 

[Mule]

their is a way to calculate the load on any panel

Really? you don't say? what will they think of next?

 

[Rewire]

Really? you don't say? what will they think of next?

Yes ,Really. Yes ,I did say, maybe a state test to insure electricians are knowledegable in their craft.

 

[Mule]

Yes ,Really. Yes ,I did say, maybe a state test to insure electricians are knowledegable in their craft.

Oh my, I guess a "clamp on" wont tell you if you are borderline in the first place? :smile: Thanks for 312 reference....that was my question...,

I would like to think you would trust that I am knowledegable enough to determine if a panel is loaded or not.....and FYI Ive taken plenty of test....I just think you are "testy"

signed, stupid, ......., .........,........., now un-knowledegable.....:smile:

 

[Rewire]

Oh my, I guess a "clamp on" wont tell you if you are borderline in the first place? :smile: Thanks for 312 reference....that was my question...,

I would like to think you would trust that I am knowledegable enough to determine if a panel is loaded or not.....and FYI Ive taken plenty of test....I just think you are "testy"

signed, stupid, ......., .........,........., now un-knowledegable.....:smile:

I don't know maybe you are just trying to raise your post count but several of your posts gave me pause.