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About Benny
Expertise
I can answer questions concerning the home wiring system. Other than the power requirements for them, I have no experience in appliance or HVAC repairs. Over the years, I have acquired some working knowledge of this equipment and therefore will do my best in answering any question you might have.
Experience
I am a retired licensed Electrical Contractor and have held an Electrician license for 34 years. I have been a Master Electrician for the last 25 years in various cities throughout Texas. I currently hold a State of Texas Master Electrician license and employed as a Master Electrical Specialist by a home improvement firm.
Education/Credentials
I take annual Continuing Education courses relevant to the electrical industry, Texas Laws and Inspection Program and the National Electrical Code.
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You are here: Experts > Home/Garden > Home Improvement/Repair > Electrical Wiring in the Home > new 15 amp circuit
Expert: Benny - 10/28/2009
Question
Benny -
I'm baaaaack!!
I'm the guy who asked about extending a 20 amp circuit with 14 gauge wire. New plan. I'm thinking about adding a 15 amp circuit (ok with local building codes). But I'm not sure I can with my existing circuit panel. It has a space, but the horizontal bus bars (don't know if that is the right terminology), don't have the little vertical prongs to accept new breakers (see figure). I removed the other breakers just to take a look, and the other horizontal bus bars were a little longer, and had 2 little vertical prongs to accept a breaker on both left and right side.
So, the question becomes: first, is it possible to replace those horizontal bus bars with others that will accept 2 breakers (it looks easy enough to do), and second is it safe, or is the panel set up this way for a reason?
The panel is a GE PowerMark Plus Load Center. I was going to include some more pictures, but it seems that only one is allowed.
Thanks!
Answer
Hey John,
No, you should not try to replace the buss bars. The panel was UL tested and listed just as designed. You cannot modify it.
The vertical prongs you mention allow the GE "thin" breakers to be installed there. These are type "THQP" breakers.
GE panels, depending on which model, allow both "thin" (THQP) AND "thick" (THQL) breakers. The THQL breakers will go anywhere but the THQP will only go where the little vertical prongs are. Get a THQL single pole breaker and see if it will fit in your panel space.
I hope this has helped. If you need additional information please send me a follow-up question.
Thanks and have a great day,
Benny
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