Ran out of space in main circuit breaker panel, what to do?

[lonelyfool123]

I was self employed in Az doing electrical for 15 yrs and I would replace the AC breaker with a tanbom breaker of the proper rating ,I'm not familiar with the electrical codes in CA but you will need a gfci type breaker.

 

[lonelyfool123]

CA might require a licensed electrician do the wiring with an inspection afterward

 

[(((Garyd)))]

I'll "second"or "third" the opinion that you NEED to have a qualified electrician give you an estimate on what is required for your hot tub installation. They will know the cost of increasing your service (dealing with the power company), and/or getting your existing wiring up to local code. Then you "could" do your own work as long as you get it inspected after.

I've never been a big fan of hot tubs... Yes they are nice to lay back in and relax, but the electrical bill and maintenance would cause me more consternation than what I would get out of it. They are best though if someone else pays the bills and does the maintenance.

I see them as a breeding ground for germs

 

[N6BY]

I was self employed in Az doing electrical for 15 yrs and I would replace the AC breaker with a tanbom breaker of the proper rating ,I'm not familiar with the electrical codes in CA but you will need a gfci type breaker.

That would work, but unfortunately they dont make tandem 60 amp breakers for my box. (The A/C takes 60 amps). Probably due to overheating concerns.

 

[N6BY]

I was self employed in Az doing electrical for 15 yrs and I would replace the AC breaker with a tanbom breaker of the proper rating ,I'm not familiar with the electrical codes in CA but you will need a gfci type breaker.

What I might be able to do is replace the solar panel breaker with a 20/50 amp tandem breaker. The current breaker for the solar panel is 25 amps, but they don't make 25/50 amp tandem breakers. However, on the inverter it lists 17 amps as the maximum output so a 20 amp should be fine.

As for the SPA GFCI requirement -- that will be at the sub-panel near the spa. According to code, the main panel breaker must be standard (not GFCI) because you can't have two GFCI's in the same circuit.

 

[N6BY]

This morning I had the owner of an HVAC company come and take a look at my options for adding the hot tub breaker. I know him from my bowling league and his company does lots of electrical work.

He said I should get a 30/50 amp tandem breaker because the solar wire is 10 gauge and is rated for 30 amps.

I ordered the breaker. Should get it next week.