Can I add some tandem breakers?

TheAverageJoeDIYer · Feb 19, 2022

I've done a significant amount of wiring in my previous work shop; but just moved to a new location. I have the need to wire up two 220v plugs. When I opened the breaker box I was disappointed to see every slot used!

It appears that my box is a V-2813 with a max of 40 circuits.

I just want to verify that I can't install some tandem breakers into this existing box and that the 220v breakers on the top "count" as 2 of the 40 circuits each.

At minimum I'd need to install two tandem breakers so that I can get one 220v breaker for my appliances. (They will not need to be run at the same time)

Any suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

[ElectriciansForums.net] Can I add some tandem breakers?

Megawatt · Feb 22, 2022

TheAverageJoeDIYer said:
I've done a significant amount of wiring in my previous work shop; but just moved to a new location. I have the need to wire up two 220v plugs. When I opened the breaker box I was disappointed to see every slot used!

It appears that my box is a V-2813 with a max of 40 circuits.

I just want to verify that I can't install some tandem breakers into this existing box and that the 220v breakers on the top "count" as 2 of the 40 circuits each.

At minimum I'd need to install two tandem breakers so that I can get one 220v breaker for my appliances. (They will not need to be run at the same time)

Any suggestions are welcome! Thank you!

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Not absolutely sure but I think that they sell slim line breakers for Square-D panels but if they don’t read the big sticker on the inside of your panel cover and it tells you what kind of different breakers you can use. It can be done

TheAverageJoeDIYer · Feb 22, 2022

Thanks

I ended up wiring in a sub panel

Megawatt · Feb 23, 2022

TheAverageJoeDIYer said:
Thanks

I ended up wiring in a sub panel

You done good and I don’t know why I didn’t recommend that option. Good luck

TheAverageJoeDIYer · Feb 23, 2022

Megawatt said:
You done good and I don’t know why I didn’t recommend that option. Good luck

This is how it turned out... According to my research, I'm slightly out of code with the ~4'' space between the plastic junction box and the bottom of the main panel (in the wall cavity). Those wires should be in conduit for the whole run. It doesn't seem dangerous though.

I think I may be able to replace all that with a piece of flex PVC if needed

Megawatt · Feb 23, 2022

TheAverageJoeDIYer said:
This is how it turned out... According to my research, I'm slightly out of code with the ~4'' space between the plastic junction box and the bottom of the main panel (in the wall cavity). Those wires should be in conduit for the whole run. It doesn't seem dangerous though.

I think I may be able to replace all that with a piece of flex PVC if needed

Remember that you have to keep your neutrals and grounds wires separate. Also could you please take off all the metal off that piece of MC cable in your sub panel.

TheAverageJoeDIYer · Feb 23, 2022

Megawatt said:
Remember that you have to keep your neutrals and grounds wires separate. Also could you please take off all the metal off that piece of MC cable in your sub panel.

For sure! I have the neutrals and grounds separate.

What do you mean on the metal on the MC cable?

Megawatt · Feb 23, 2022

TheAverageJoeDIYer said:
For sure! I have the neutrals and grounds separate.

What do you mean on the metal on the MC cable?

It looks like you have a price of MC cable pulled in you panel and all I was saying was trim the metal of down to where it enters the panel. I’m sure you will when you get it terminated