HOM Tandems

mdshunk

I don't install Homeline panels, and probably never will. I have a fundamental objection to any breaker/buss system patterned after the old 1" Westinghouse package.

That said, I'm sure that there's lot of you guys who do install them. What's the scoop on where you can use HOM tandems. I sometimes have to put one in during a service call, and it's a little hit and miss whether they'll work or not. It seems that there's no non-CTL Homeline tandem. They appear to be CTL type only. I can't tell what panels Homeline panels will take tandems, visually or by looking at panel data stickers. Obviously, the 40-42 space panels aren't going to take tandems, but I'm talking about the smaller one's. Is there something that will tip me off right away related to the buss stabs or the panel data that will let me know if a tandem will plug onto that panel (other than trying one)? In the meantime, I've been using a classified tandem from another manufacturer that will plug onto the Homeline panel in places where an HOM tandem will not.

Help me out...

krthomp33

I dont have an answer for your question, but after just installing a Homeline panel for a customer last week...first and LAST time I ever use a SQ D panel in residential....it was a total POS!!!

Live and learn

I do know that some of the homeline panels I have worked in, you have to watch the stab-ins, they have a little bit more to them and most other types of breakers that I have found will not work in them.....

mdshunk

I like have some issues with QO panels, but I still use them on request. I really hate the Homeline panels. My preferred panel is CH, but that's another issue altogether. I've found that the only classified breakers that work in HOM panels are T&B's. Others just don't plug on the whole way, due to some engineering on the part of Square D to keep people buying only HOM breakers, I guess. I just wish I could figure out a simple way (visually) to tell if a given slot will take a tandem. I just don't have enough exposure to HOM equipment to have much to compare. In my area, it's mostly QO and CH being used by the real contractors, and Murry by the hacks for new work. Naturally, you see a bit of everything in existing work. I put NQOD panels in my house, but bolt-on's are just my personal preference when "rock solid" is the requirement.

jbfan

Most of the HOM that take the tandoms are marked as 20/30 30/40 or along that line. The tandoms will only fit the bottom 5 slots on most that I have seen. It has to have the dual marking to allow the tandom to fit.

Unless you want to modify them!!!!!!!!!!!

The stab part of the buss that holds the breaker is shorter for the tandoms to fit.

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We are the people (our parents warned us about) (Jimmy Buffett)

mdshunk

Not really. Modifying stuff is among the things that I won't do (other than field cutting knockout holes and the like). Hacking up a buss stab doesn't sound appealing at all, and was certainly never intended to be done. I don't need much of a reason to advise the customer to change the panel or add a sub, if you know what I mean. I know that among the panels currently on the market, HOM hasn't been around all that many years. I just don't have that much exposure to them. I've been tempted so many times, particularly when a 200 amp panel and cover is 75 bucks (my price) at the supply house right now. You get what you pay for.

Speedy Petey

See, now I don't feel that way. I happen to like HOM panels. They are AS GOOD a quality as QO panels, only with an aluminum buss and a BETTER ground/neutral bar layout.
I persoanlly think C-H CH and SqD QO are overpriced.

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mdshunk

I know you do from previous posts. I will permit you to have that one flaw in your character.

Any other insights into the tandam matter?

Speedy Petey

No. JB pretty much said it all. Typical of other panels, you'll know if they are allowed to fit.

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RobertWilber

bolt-ons ...
aah..
another old-fa*t industrial electrician
I KNEW there was a reason I liked MD

How was your trip?

... and to everyone... thanks for sharing
I really appreciate and enjoy this forum
[yeah, even the touchy kids!]

sparkysteve

Homline tandems only go in spaces that have a slot in the center of the breaker portion of the buss. I installed a 30 - 40 the other day with the bottom 5 spaces on each side tandem capable.

I'll take any Square D panel or commercial service over CH any day. Just personal preference I guess. I have a QO in my own house.

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Steve

Master Electrician/Self-Proclaimed Handy-Man