How Tandem Breakers Work and When to Use Them
If you’re not an electrician, understanding the different types of circuit breakers in an electrical panel can be confusing. One type of circuit breaker that you may have heard of is a tandem breaker. In this blog post, we’ll explain what tandem breakers are, how they work, and when to use them.
Understanding Electrical Panels
To understand tandem breakers, it’s important to know what an electrical panel is and how it works. An electrical panel, also known as a breaker box or fuse box, is the hub of your home’s electrical system. It’s where all the wiring in your home comes together and is connected to the outside power grid.
Inside the electrical panel are circuit breakers, which are designed to protect your home from electrical surges and overloads. Standard circuit breakers are designed to take up one slot in the electrical panel. Tandem breakers, on the other hand, are designed to take up two slots in the panel.
How Tandem Breakers Work
Tandem breakers are unique because they allow you to install two circuit breakers in the space of one standard breaker. This means that you can have more circuits in your electrical panel without having to add a sub-panel or replace the entire panel.
The difference between a tandem breaker and a double-pole breaker is that a double-pole breaker connects to both bus bars in the electrical panel, while a tandem breaker only connects to one. This means that tandem breakers are designed for circuits that require less power than a double-pole breaker.
When to Use Tandem Breakers
Tandem breakers are most appropriate to use when you have limited space in your electrical panel. For example, if you have an older electrical panel with limited slots, you may need to use tandem breakers to add additional circuits.
Tandem breakers are also useful when you have circuits that require less power than a double-pole breaker can provide. For example, if you have a room with multiple outlets, you can use a tandem breaker to provide power to each outlet without taking up two slots in the panel.
Double Pole Breakers
A double pole breaker is a type of circuit breaker that takes up two slots in an electrical panel and is designed to protect a single circuit. Double pole breakers are useful for circuits that require high amperage, such as those for appliances like air conditioners, electric heaters, or dryers.
The benefits of using a double pole breaker include higher capacity and the ability to handle high amperage circuits. However, they take up more space in the electrical panel, which can limit the number of circuits you can install.
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Comparing Tandem Breakers to Double Pole Breakers
When deciding whether to use a tandem breaker or a double pole breaker, it’s important to consider the capacity of each type of breaker and the specific needs of your electrical system. Tandem breakers have lower capacity than double pole breakers, but they are useful when you have limited space in your electrical panel.
Double pole breakers are necessary for circuits that require high amperage, and they take up more space in the electrical panel. You should only use a double pole breaker if the circuit requires high amperage, as using a double pole breaker for a low amperage circuit can be dangerous and lead to a fire hazard.
Installing Tandem Breakers
Tandem breakers can be used in a variety of electrical panels, but not all electrical panels are compatible with tandem breakers. In general, newer electrical panels are more likely to be compatible with tandem breakers than older panels.
The following are some common electrical panel brands that may have tandem breaker options available:
- Square D
- Cutler-Hammer
- Siemens
- General Electric (GE)
- ITE
On average, a tandem breaker can cost anywhere from $5 to $30, depending on the brand and the specific model. Some tandem breakers may be sold in packs of two or more, which can affect the overall cost. Installation is not included in the average cost if you needed to hire a professional.
Before installing a tandem breaker, it’s important to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure that the breaker is compatible with your electrical panel. Installing a tandem breaker is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully to ensure that it’s done safely.
When installing a tandem breaker, be sure to turn off the power to the electrical panel and wear protective gear, such as gloves and safety glasses. Once the breaker is installed, turn the power back on and test the circuit to ensure that it’s working properly.
Troubleshooting Tandem Breakers
Like any circuit breaker, tandem breakers can experience issues such as tripping or overheating. If you’re experiencing issues with your tandem breaker, there are a few things you can try before calling in a professional electrician.
First, check the circuit to make sure that there aren’t too many devices or appliances connected to it. If the circuit is overloaded, you may need to remove some devices or appliances or add a new circuit.
If the circuit is not overloaded, you may need to replace the tandem breaker. Be sure to consult the manufacturer’s instructions and follow safety guidelines when replacing a circuit breaker.
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Summary
Tandem breakers can be a useful addition to your electrical panel if you have limited space or circuits that require less power than a double-pole breaker can provide. Understanding how tandem breakers work and when to use them can help you maximize your electrical panel’s capacity and avoid having to install a new panel or sub-panel.
When installing or troubleshooting a tandem breaker, it’s important to follow safety guidelines and manufacturer’s instructions to ensure that the work is done safely and effectively. If you’re not comfortable working with electricity or you’re not sure what to do, it’s always best to call in a professional electrician.
I hope this has been helpful. Remember to hire a professional if you are not qualified to complete the work as a D-I-Y project. If you have additional questions and want to get in contact with GGR Home Inspections please send us a note, text, or call.
