New Panel & Full - ECN Electrical Forums

New Panel and New Home (Condo). The Panel is 20 positions and no remaining openings.
Is there a requirement about only 80% fill or have some openings for additional circuits??
Could not find it in the NEC.

I know it is not a good installation, but is there a code violation?

Thanks in advance

Joe

No. But maybe it is a 20/30 or a 20/40? Putting in some twins would free up some space.

Many AHJ's around here have a "20% Vacancy" requirement, but it is all "inspector discretion" or spelled out in the local addendums.

Thanks for the reply.

yes, this was already done, and there is probably room for additional twin breakers.
But I thought there should be openings in a new install.

Joe

"Many AHJ's around here have a "20% Vacancy" requirement, but it is all "inspector discretion" or spelled out in the local addendums."

This was the case in Chicago, but not in Arizona

Just make sure the panel is rated for twin breakers before putting them in there. Not all panels are rated for twin breakers. The panel legend will indicate if it is permissable or not.

Good luck.

There may be some local guidelines about future expandibility but that is not in the scope of the code. 90.1(B) says "Compliance therewith and proper maintenance will result in an installation that is essentially free from hazard but not necessarily efficient, convenient, or adequate for good service or future expansion of electrical use."

DougW,

That's a new and absurd one I haven't heard before. What towns?

Dave

IIRC a few - Gurnee and Zion come to mind (poss. also Northbrook and Des Plaines).

As an example - Highland Park:

Quote

Article 90 - Introduction (1) Section 90-8 (c) shall be added to read as follows: 172-1
90-8. (c) - Wiring Planning. In new construction, for future expansion, a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the available spaces in a panel shall be provided as spares or blank.

IIRC a few - (poss. also Northbrook and Des Plaines).

As an example - Highland Park:

Quote

Article 90 - Introduction (1) Section 90-8 (c) shall be added to read as follows: 172-1
90-8. (c) - Wiring Planning. In new construction, for future expansion, a minimum of ten percent (10%) of the available spaces in a panel shall be provided as spares or blank.

Gurnee:

Quote

Section 230.23(a): At this end of this subsection, the following shall be added: "All residential service revisions shall be a minimum 100 amp with twenty (20) circuit openings and have a main circuit breaker. The service entrance conductors must be a minimum of three (3) #3 copper wire and be installed in a minimum of not less than one and one-quarter inch (1-1/4") conduit. The panel must have 10% of spare space at final inspection.

They have a 15% minimum for commercial, retail, and industrial panels.

[This message has been edited by DougW (edited 02-01-2007).]