Expansion capabilities

Status
Not open for further replies.
T

tonype

Senior Member
Location
New Jersey
Is there any rule (or rule of thumb) for the amount of breaker positions needed for a new construction panel? Just saw a new home - 30 position panel, with 29 in use. Is room for 1 future expansion circuit sufficient?
 
I am sure you are familiar with 90.8.

90.8 Wiring Planning.
(A) Future Expansion and Convenience. Plans and specifications that provide ample space in raceways, spare raceways, and additional spaces allow for future increases in electric power and communication circuits. Distribution centers located in readily accessible locations provide convenience and safety of operation.
Click to expand...
 
tonype said:
Is there any rule (or rule of thumb) for the amount of breaker positions needed for a new construction panel? Just saw a new home - 30 position panel, with 29 in use. Is room for 1 future expansion circuit sufficient?
Click to expand...

In my opinion art. 90.8 is the only rule to go by for this issue however, I really don't see that as enforceable here.
 
tonype said:
Is there any rule (or rule of thumb) for the amount of breaker positions needed for a new construction panel? Just saw a new home - 30 position panel, with 29 in use. Is room for 1 future expansion circuit sufficient?
Click to expand...

Are you sure it wasn't a 30/40 that accepts tandems?
 
Don't know about code requirements - but in my experience, no. I moved into my house and the previous owners had central AC installed after construction, requiring more breakers than were available - but it was "close". So the HVAC installers just put in tandems to make space. Of course, the panel wasn't listed for use with tandems but they probably didn't get the work inspected anyway. HVAC is exempt, right - the latest HVAC guys I had in didn't pull a plumbing or electrical permit as far as I can tell, since I was there the entire time and no inspectors showed up, even though I paid for "all applicable permits". :mad: Don't even get me started!

Anyway, as far as I can tell, a little forethought for expansion up front can prevent some likely code violations down the road - if they need 29 now, put in a 40.
 
I have no issue with proper use of tandems. I always try to move the lowest-rated circuit to tandems, and I also try to relocate the lowest-rated circuits to sub-panels when necessary.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
In my opinion art. 90.8 is the only rule to go by for this issue however, I really don't see that as enforceable here.
Click to expand...
There is nothing to enforce. The wording of that article is not presented in a "thou shalt do this" sense. It is an "if-then" statement. If you leave room, then there will be room in the future. A simple statement of obvious fact. Nothing says that room shall be left.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top