Thanks! I'm editing the footage from my generator installation now. Those videos will be out in the next couple of weeks as I finish them if you would like to see the complete project.
This post illustrates the method used by Sq D to meet code requirements for limiting the number of circuits in one panel. The other manufacturers were also required to achieve the same goals. Most changed the shape of the "flags" on their buss and shortening the slot on their breakers so that tandems would only fit in certain slots of some panels and none in others. Somewhere around 2012-14 the Circuit Limit was dropped and now the manufactures will usually allow a tanden in every slot. BTW, there is a MSRP difference between the QO CTL and the spring clip Tandens. The spring clip usually costs 2x that of the hook.
Fun fact. Today I had this issue from my wholesale houses. Both versions have the same sticker on them identifying them both as QOT. The ones without a hook had an additional sticker on the side stating they were not intended for current limiting panels. .....but, still same part number! Wasted time and money today, and had to teach my suppliers the difference.
QO does not mean Quick Attachment. Qwik-Open A QO Breaker is a “Qwik-Open” breaker from Square D. They are the fastest opening breakers in the industry and will open within one complete 60 Hz power cycle (1/60th of a second). In addition, they have a visual trip indicator, making it easy to tell when it is tripped.
this would have been a great video for me to see about a month ago when I ordered tandems online... especially today when I tried to install said QO T in a an older load center... sigh... and finding these older tandems in my area is not an easy task
Trying to wire basement currently. Have a QO6-12L100F box. Bare box installed some time ago by electrician friend. Breakers not installed. Just getting to. Have 2 240VAC/15amp devices to power and desire several 120vac/15 amp circuits. Wondering how to do 240 in this box for my compressor and welder. Thanks Keith
A great video! My main panel is full (eight slots with four 2-pole breaker 240 volts for two AC, one pool pump and and a well pump). I would like to add an interlock kit for generator. How can I expand the existing panel? do I need another subpanel, so I can move one of 240 breaker to sub-panel to make a room for the generator breaker in the main panel. Is there any other option? I am not sure the main penal can take the thin breaker with 2 pole.
You needed a 15, but, you bought the 20 because it was cheaper? Do you have wire that will support a 20? You can't put a 20 amp breaker on wire sized for 15.
Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this. My home was built around 1997 or so, and the electric panel box is a Square D that is not the HO model that is sold at Home Depot. I really do not know how Square D sells their 200 amp main service boxes and models, but the one I got takes the circuit breakers that do not have the hook slots in them. My question centers around running out of circuit breaker space. I have none left and was wondering if a "piggy back" circuit breaker is the best way to double up on getting more space? Are the tandem circuit breakers you are referring to the same thing? What kind of breaker is number 11 slot? I see you have alot of those types in your service box. If I do want to move some circuits or piggy back two together, are there any certain ones that would best be to use? I would assume maybe if my microwave is on a single circuit alone, than that may be a good one to use along with a circuit for outlets in some bedrooms or like? In a different subject. Would the only reason to use a 15 amp breaker be for a circuit dedicated to lights when using 14-2 wire? It used to be that I would have the electrician use all 12-2 wire for everything to wire, but lately due to high costs, 14-2 is now used for lighting, which is what it should be, but it just was easier then to not mix it up. Is it correct to say that a 15 amp breaker should not be used for outlets? Again, the reason I ask and it confuses me, is that I see outlet plugs that say 15 amp on them. Why would they make a 15 amp outlet plug if they should be 20 amp? I saw this on some ground fault plugs I bought recently on sale, and did not notice they said 15 amp. I am no electrician but do my own sometimes. If you can explain those few questions, I would appreciate it as I do have more but this is getting long enough.
Here in Canada we are generally only allowed to use 20 amp circuits for kitchen countertop outlets or high amp appliances. I do believe that bedroom circuits in the US might be limited to 15 amps for safety reasons though.
You mean it has two thinner switches built into one breaker (occupying a single slot, right?). That’s surely not a plug-on neutral. I used a couple of these as a cheat when running out of slots in a traditional panel. A single slot gets wired for two independent 15 amp live circuits.
@@bluephoenix383 In theory, they are doing it to discourage people from overusing them because you can overload the panel with them if you overdo it. So I've been told anyway. The way it works in this country is that the corporations are more interested in looking out for your well being. It is never about just making money. Ha ha ha!
I’m doing this exact same install right now for a generator and your video nailed it! Thank you.
Thanks! I'm editing the footage from my generator installation now. Those videos will be out in the next couple of weeks as I finish them if you would like to see the complete project.
Thank you! That damn hook was so mysterious and now it makes perfect sense.
This post illustrates the method used by Sq D to meet code requirements for limiting the number of circuits in one panel. The other manufacturers were also required to achieve the same goals. Most changed the shape of the "flags" on their buss and shortening the slot on their breakers so that tandems would only fit in certain slots of some panels and none in others. Somewhere around 2012-14 the Circuit Limit was dropped and now the manufactures will usually allow a tanden in every slot. BTW, there is a MSRP difference between the QO CTL and the spring clip Tandens. The spring clip usually costs 2x that of the hook.
Fun fact. Today I had this issue from my wholesale houses. Both versions have the same sticker on them identifying them both as QOT. The ones without a hook had an additional sticker on the side stating they were not intended for current limiting panels. .....but, still same part number! Wasted time and money today, and had to teach my suppliers the difference.
You were right on the spot on the information, thank your for your video.
QO does not mean Quick Attachment.
Qwik-Open
A QO Breaker is a “Qwik-Open” breaker from Square D. They are the fastest opening breakers in the industry and will open within one complete 60 Hz power cycle (1/60th of a second). In addition, they have a visual trip indicator, making it easy to tell when it is tripped.
very interesting! thanks for clearing that all up for me
Going through this same issue. Thanks for the info!
Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
this would have been a great video for me to see about a month ago when I ordered tandems online... especially today when I tried to install said QO T in a an older load center... sigh... and finding these older tandems in my area is not an easy task
Trying to wire basement currently. Have a QO6-12L100F box. Bare box installed some time ago by electrician friend. Breakers not installed. Just getting to. Have 2 240VAC/15amp devices to power and desire several 120vac/15 amp circuits. Wondering how to do 240 in this box for my compressor and welder. Thanks Keith
Awesome, this was a big help
A great video! My main panel is full (eight slots with four 2-pole breaker 240 volts for two AC, one pool pump and and a well pump). I would like to add an interlock kit for generator. How can I expand the existing panel? do I need another subpanel, so I can move one of 240 breaker to sub-panel to make a room for the generator breaker in the main panel. Is there any other option? I am not sure the main penal can take the thin breaker with 2 pole.
You needed a 15, but, you bought the 20 because it was cheaper? Do you have wire that will support a 20? You can't put a 20 amp breaker on wire sized for 15.
Hopefully, he removed two 20A breakers and replaced them with the Tandem 20.
Are breaker ties available for the tandem style breakers?
If you can’t fit the QOT in an older panel, just cut the tip of the metal tooth like 1/4” and it’ll fit. Just did it yesteraay
😱
This is a great video!!!!
Great explanation, thanks
Great video. Thanks for sharing your knowledge of this. My home was built around 1997 or so, and the electric panel box is a Square D that is not the HO model that is sold at Home Depot. I really do not know how Square D sells their 200 amp main service boxes and models, but the one I got takes the circuit breakers that do not have the hook slots in them.
My question centers around running out of circuit breaker space. I have none left and was wondering if a "piggy back" circuit breaker is the best way to double up on getting more space? Are the tandem circuit breakers you are referring to the same thing? What kind of breaker is number 11 slot? I see you have alot of those types in your service box.
If I do want to move some circuits or piggy back two together, are there any certain ones that would best be to use? I would assume maybe if my microwave is on a single circuit alone, than that may be a good one to use along with a circuit for outlets in some bedrooms or like?
In a different subject. Would the only reason to use a 15 amp breaker be for a circuit dedicated to lights when using 14-2 wire? It used to be that I would have the electrician use all 12-2 wire for everything to wire, but lately due to high costs, 14-2 is now used for lighting, which is what it should be, but it just was easier then to not mix it up. Is it correct to say that a 15 amp breaker should not be used for outlets? Again, the reason I ask and it confuses me, is that I see outlet plugs that say 15 amp on them. Why would they make a 15 amp outlet plug if they should be 20 amp? I saw this on some ground fault plugs I bought recently on sale, and did not notice they said 15 amp. I am no electrician but do my own sometimes. If you can explain those few questions, I would appreciate it as I do have more but this is getting long enough.
Here in Canada we are generally only allowed to use 20 amp circuits for kitchen countertop outlets or high amp appliances. I do believe that bedroom circuits in the US might be limited to 15 amps for safety reasons though.
I really wish I knew this before I got all the QOT ones 🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️🤦🏻♂️
Thank you
Really helpful!
Nice video, thx
Hey I have a square d single slot two 15 amp breaker. Two circuits in one slot. They are side by side. Do you know what tape of breaker this is?
You mean it has two full width switches as opposed to the two thinner ones next to each other?
You mean it has two thinner switches built into one breaker (occupying a single slot, right?). That’s surely not a plug-on neutral. I used a couple of these as a cheat when running out of slots in a traditional panel. A single slot gets wired for two independent 15 amp live circuits.
@@geilcourtdf Yes, that's exactly what they are for. When you run out of space.
I thought you can’t add to any slots only the once is allowed
Easy to get around about the number of breakers limit by using junction boxes.
OK, so, why TF are they charging $80 for the ones without the hook versus $25 for the other ones. Total bullshit and a ripoff.
My question exactly! I suspect that the internals are the same.
Because most people have the older boxes that don't use the hook they gotta make that money yep yep
@@bluephoenix383 In theory, they are doing it to discourage people from overusing them because you can overload the panel with them if you overdo it. So I've been told anyway. The way it works in this country is that the corporations are more interested in looking out for your well being. It is never about just making money. Ha ha ha!
Lopez Paul Taylor Thomas Robinson Jason