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View Full Version : Doubling up breakers in subpanel


Rick Bunzel
08-19-2014, 06:40 PM
A little Homeline subpanel that the contractor doubled up every breaker, expanding it from 6 breakers to 12 breakers. I looked at the print inside the box but it didn't specify the maximum number of circuits. The main panel wasn't labeled but the gauge of the wire coming into this panel gave me the impression that it was serviced by a 40 amp 240V breaker. I wasn't worried about that, just the number of circuits crammed into this box.

OK or NOT OK?????

Thanks

//Rick30844
Jerry Peck
08-19-2014, 07:06 PM
I don't have the specs on it, but the model number, HOM6-12L100 indicates that is is a 6/12 with 100 amp max rated mains.
Rick Bunzel
08-19-2014, 07:28 PM
Seriously??? They do allow 12 circuits with up to a 100 amps in this little box??? Wow!

thanks!!!


//Rick
Jim Port
08-20-2014, 01:22 PM
Six to twelve circuits are allowed. The feeder can be up to 100 amps. No issues as shown.
jack davenport
08-20-2014, 06:04 PM
Six to twelve circuits are allowed. The feeder can be up to 100 amps. No issues as shown.

No Panel Schedule
Jerry Peck
08-20-2014, 06:39 PM
No Panel Schedule

There is, just not clear on what is what.
Mark Reinmiller
08-20-2014, 06:40 PM
No Panel Schedule

Usually the 6/12 (or 2024, 3040, etc.) is a good indicator of the number of slots and the maximum number of poles. If the model number just has a 20, 30, 40, etc. then it usually does not accept twin, or tandem breakers (assuming it is a CTL panel, which covers everything since about 1968).
Jim Port
08-20-2014, 07:33 PM
Jack, looks like blue pen was used on the circuit directory.
jack davenport
08-21-2014, 06:44 PM
ok I bow to those who did see the panel schedule .
Jim Hintz
08-25-2014, 09:47 AM
Here's one. Main breaker removed in service panel and installed in meter set under power meter. This 200 amp disconnect also shuts down the 100 amp remote panel in the shop. Now, the main panel can no longer be shut down with 6 swipes of the hand because the main breaker is now outdoors. I didn't even bother to open the meter set to see how the mains were connected...
Mark Reinmiller
08-25-2014, 10:53 AM
Here's one. Main breaker removed in service panel and installed in meter set under power meter. This 200 amp disconnect also shuts down the 100 amp remote panel in the shop. Now, the main panel can no longer be shut down with 6 swipes of the hand because the main breaker is now outdoors. I didn't even bother to open the meter set to see how the mains were connected...

Modifying the main panel is probably wrong, unless there was an approved option to use this as a feeder panel without a main. I'm not sure how they fed the 100 amp panel. If it is feed from the 200 amp panel that can be fine. If fed from the 200 amp main, then the feeders are not properly protected. The issue of not being able to shut off the panel with 6 main disconnects or less is not wrong if they have a 200 amp breaker outside. This also assumes that they rewired the 200 amp panel to separate neutrals and grounds, etc.