How many ckt bkrs allowed in a panelboard?

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rcw91765

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I have an 18ckt GE TL18415C. It is populated with 23 circuit breakers, 8 of which are mini breakers (1, 2, and 3 pole)

I am unable to find any information in GE literature (or NEC for that matter) that addresses the number of breakers allowed.

Is anyone aware of a Number of breakers limitation? If so what?
 
Nec 2008 408.54

"A panelboard shall be provided with physical means to prevent the installation of more overcurrent devices than that number for which the panelboard was designed, rated and listed.

For purposes of this section, a 2-pole circuit breaker or fusible switch shall be considered two overcurrent devices; a 3-pole circuit breaker or fusible switch shall be considered three overcurrent devices."
 
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The NEC used to have a limit of 42 circuits for "lighting and appliance panelboards," a type that seems to include your panel. That limit was removed in the 2008 NEC. So the only remaining NEC requirement would be that the panel be used in accordance with the instructions included in the manufacturer's listing. That means it boils down to whether GE listed that particular panel for the installation of mini breakers. I don't have an inside track to their information, so I am afraid that is all I can tell you.
 
The GE 1/2" minis (at least the ones I've seen) are different from other tandems. Most are actually separate 1/2" bodies that you mix'n'match as needed.

Added: I have a couple off older GE haff-size pairs that nestle together and do contact the straight stab as one full-size breaker does. Each pair has a 'left' and a 'right' half. End added

The two halves of modern GE half-breakers do not attach to the bus as a single 1" breaker does; each half has its own contact, and the bus stabs have little cross-bars for them. That's why GE full-size breakers have + shaped slots.

So, your panel is able to accept half-size breakers on any stabs that have the cross-bars. Otherwise, they wouldn't have contact with the bus stabs, and obviously wouldn't work.
 
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I agree with Larry. Look at the buss for a "T" shaped slot. If it is there then the panel is rated for twins. You can sometimes tell by the model number of the can. I suspect an 18 cir. panel is probably an 18 or 36 (using minis) circuit panel.

Some panels the lower halves of the buss can only except mini's. Inspect the panel carefully.
 
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