Replies

1. 
   wilkesland | May 09, 2007 04:51am | #1

   I'm not familiar with this panel or Square D breakers, but if you can purchase half height Square D breakers, I think I would go that route rather than messing with the panel bus bars.

   Barry

2. 
   JohnWW | May 09, 2007 05:41am | #2

   You can't change out the bars, the panel is certified for a certain configuration, it can't be changed. 

   Some of covers for Square D panels will have knockouts that can't be used because the bars aren't as long as the knockouts, apparently they use one cover for panels of different capacities. 

   The labeling on the inside of the door should tell you the maximum number of breakers that the panel can handle.  You can usually find a few circuits using up breakers in the panel that can be eliminated or combined to free up some slots.  If the panel will accept them, the labelling will tell you, you can use half size breakers to gain additional space.

   John White, Shop Manager, Fine Woodworking Magazine

3. 
   nikkiwood | May 09, 2007 08:09am | #3

   Those four "spare" knockouts are at the top of the panel, right?

   If so, John is right. It is easy enough to get half size breakers for the existing circuits, thus freeing up enough space for your dedicated circuit for the TS.

   However, you seem hesitant, so I do think you would be best off to get an electrician. You can minimize that person's time by running the wire (for the TS)from your subpanel to the junction box that you will use for the TS outlet -- and then let the electrician do the hook-ups.

   ********************************************************
   "It is what we learn after we think we know it all, that counts."

   John Wooden 1910-

1. 
   user-57596 | May 09, 2007 07:34pm | #4

   Nikkiwood, spare knockouts are at bottom of panel.

   Thanks

   dave

4. 
   Nimrod | May 09, 2007 08:42pm | #5

   I have a Square D Q012-24L125 subpanel in the garage.  4 of the 16 slots are still available, however there is no more metal bars showing to snap a 2 pole breaker on to. 

   A QO-12 box is only supposed to have 12 spaces. It sounds like somebody installed a cover off something else.

   Stop by your local electrical supply house and ask the guy to show you the correct cover for what you've got. Then, either buy that and some ½-size breakers, or a whole new box from him.

1. 
   user-57596 | May 09, 2007 09:19pm | #6

   thanks everyone.  I now understand the situation.

   dave

2. 
   JohnWW | May 09, 2007 09:44pm | #7

   Square D does sell boxes with more knock outs than there are breaker spaces, the same cover serves several different box models, so there is nothing wrong with the box he has.  There is no need to replace the cover with a new one.

   I just went to an on-line Square D catalog and the cover number for the QO12 panel indicates that is configured for 16 breaker slots.

   John W.

1. 
   Drew1house | Oct 17, 2007 01:09am | #8

   I have the same panel and the same cover in my shop... knocked all of them out not paying attention... you can refill it with some blank fillers.Drew

1. 
   WillGeorge | Oct 17, 2007 06:49pm | #9

   They are available.. Others out therehttp://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4ADBF_enUS236US236&sa=X&oi=spell&resnum=0&ct=result&cd=1&q=Square+D+(QF)+fillers&spell=1http://www.epstore.com/pdfs/77017705.pdf

   Edited 10/17/2007 11:50 am by WillGeorge