Tandem breakers no longer acceptable for residential-Just commercial

[AFJES]

I recently had a final inspection performed on a renovation. The electrical inspector is a third party inspector and not one of the township itself.

In the renovation we used an existing Square D HomeLine Breaker Panel Model HOM3040M200TC

We used tandem breakers because we did not want to have to install a sub panel. This is par for a renovation such as this. However, when the inspector did the final inspection he informed the general contractor that tandem breakers are no longer being accepted in the residential field anymore and only in commercial. But he said that if we can produce documentation that the panel accepts the 38 circuits we have in it he will let it go this time.

This panel is listed as being able to accept tandem breakers; it is a 30 space 40 circuit. My question is that I have not heard of this new so called rule of not allowing tandems to be used in panels that can accept them according to the manufacturer. I used the same type breakers as specified by the manufacturer; not just ones that fit in the panel.

Has anyone else run across this situation? The inspector spoke to the general contractor that I did the electrical work for and not me but the contractor says this is what the inspector said and there was no miscommunications of his words.

 

[iwire]

As far as the NEC there is no such silly rule. It could be a local thing but more likely the inspector is just misinformed.

 

[infinity]

I agree with Bob. A 30/40 panel is designed and listed for use with 10 tandem style circuit breakers so as far as the NEC is concerned it's code compliant. Either this is a local rule, the inspector is misinformed or he's making his own rules.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

It may stem from the fact that some contractors modify the twin breakers to fit where they should not be installed. In your case if the breakers are installed in the designated slots, usually the bottom part of the panel, then there is no issue. Tell him to read the panel cover info

 

[ptonsparky]

It may stem from the fact that some contractors modify the twin breakers to fit where they should not be installed. In your case if the breakers are installed in the designated slots, usually the bottom part of the panel, then there is no issue. Tell him to read the panel cover info

Those Pushmatic breakers had that little golly darned stub that always got in the way when all you needed was one more circuit.

 

[RICK NAPIER]

Make sure the breakers are circuit total limiting breakers (CTL). Otherwise they would not be allowed even if the panel can take tandem breakers unless the panel predates 1967.

 

[al hildenbrand]

when the inspector did the final inspection he informed the general contractor that tandem breakers are no longer being accepted

There is one possible thing I can think of that might be at the heart of this.

The bus diagram on the label inside the HOM line panel will probably show exactly which poles on the bus are allowed to have the tandems (and it won't be all of them). If the tandems, or some of them, were placed on other poles than the tandem-designated poles, then the inspector has a technical, but accurate point, to call out the installation.

However, the lack of acceptability of tandems in residential itself is almost certainly bad information.

 

[curt swartz]

Homeline has only existed since the late 80's. There has never been a non CTL version of the breakers. Without modifying the breaker its not going to fit in a location not designed to tandem breakers.

 

[macmikeman]

In a way, because of expanded afci rules, the use of tandem breakers in residential is pretty much no longer allowed, with the only exception I can think of being the exterior of a dwelling, or using quadraplex breakers for the 240 volt appliances.

 

[infinity]

Without modifying the breaker its not going to fit in a location not designed to tandem breakers.

I agree.

And the issue is the inspector stated that tandem breakers are no longer allowed in residential work which is not true unless it's a local rule.

 

[Sierrasparky]

In a way, because of expanded afci rules, the use of tandem breakers in residential is pretty much no longer allowed, with the only exception I can think of being the exterior of a dwelling, or using quadraplex breakers for the 240 volt appliances.

To make a blanket statement of NOT allowed is false and misleading. Existing panels can continue using tandem breakers. If you need a AFCI to protect a extension or modification you can add a outlet AFCI. Even in new construction in certain conditions a tandem may be used.

Is it practical to install a new 20/40 panel for a entire home. probably not, depending on the circuits it may be work out just fine.

I agree.

And the issue is the inspector stated that tandem breakers are no longer allowed in residential work which is not true unless it's a local rule.

Agreed