Number of circuits in a panelboard

[infinity]

With a 42 circuit single phase panel does it really matter most of the time if you have the same number of spaces for each leg? We are only talking 2 more spaces on one leg. Unless you wanted to install 21 2 pole breakers - which physically will not work anyway because there is odd number of spaces on each side.

How often is the load perfectly balanced between the two legs? Especially in a dwelling.

Maybe it has to do with the listing of the product and a UL standard to have an equal division of spaces.

 

[kwired]

Maybe it has to do with the listing of the product and a UL standard to have an equal division of spaces.

I doubt it, there are 42 circuit single phase panels - I have installed some of them. I have also run into 20 space three phase panels. That does not always work out when you want to balance loads either. I remember connecting some 208 volt single phase heaters to a 20 space panel once, seemed easy 5 circuits on one side of the panel. Then you realize you have one more connection to A phase than the other phases - time to re arrange - because we did need to keep as balanced as possible on this particular feeder.

 

[iwire]

I doubt it, there are 42 circuit single phase panels - I have installed some of them. I have also run into 20 space three phase panels.

I find that unlikely.

 

[kwired]

I find that unlikely.

What? That those panels exist, or something else?

Catalog number for the panels I mentioned - both Square D QO series are:

QO142L225G, QO320L125G. There are probably others that do not have same numer of spaces on each phase. Both of those are also available in N3R version so that makes the list at least four items long.

 

[George Stolz]

Siemens run of the mill 225A panel board is 42 space.

 

[iwire]

What? That those panels exist,

That those panels exist, I was wrong.

 

[George Stolz]

That those panels exist, I was wrong.

Senility is the saving grace of the forum - you and I discussed this before and you've forgot.

ETA - seems like you mentioned you always worked with Square D, and at the time I worked mostly with Siemens.
(Found the old thread)

 

[Dennis Alwon]

I had also forgotten that the 225 amp panels have 42 circuits but generally the 200 amp panels are maxed out at 40 circuits.

 

[olc]

I have a client that is insisting on the panelboards in one cabinet. I don't really know if he means one panelboard or a custom cabinet. I told him it was 42 circuits max. and started looking at custom cabinets (Square D can make one). But working out the circuits I am at 50 so a 54 circuit panelboard (again Square D) works so far.