Out of Breaker Space in Brick?
Is your electrical panel full? A full electrical panel means one of two things: you’re either out of physical breaker slots or you’ve reached electrical capacity. These two different issues require two different fixes, with four possible outcomes:
- Empty slot
- Tandem breakers
- Subpanel
- Service upgrade
We’ll dive into all of these ahead, giving you a brief yet thorough understanding of what is wrong with your electrical panel. The cheapest correct answer is often not an upgrade. But soon, you’ll have the information to confidently assess what is going on with your electrical panel.
Key Takeaways: A full electrical panel results from having no spare breaker slots or your panel is at maximum capacity. Cam Electrical shares how to tell which you’re dealing with and the options for getting fixed quickly and safely.
Is Your Panel Physically Full, or Electrically Overloaded?
Physically full means every slot is occupied; overloaded means electrical demand exceeds what the service can carry. A panel can be one without being the other.
How to Tell if Your Panel is Physically Full or Overloaded
So, how can you tell if your panel is physically or electrically overloaded? You can glean insights by opening your panel’s door (not the cover, just the door) and:
- Counting open slots (if there are any)
- Checking the main breaker for its amperage (60, 100, 200, etc.)
Keep in mind that empty panel slots don’t mean you have spare capacity. Likewise, no empty slots doesn’t mean you’re out of power.
An electrician will perform a load calculation for the final verdict.
Can You Add Tandem Breakers?
Yes, but only if your panel is specifically rated for them. The label inside the door states the circuit maximum and which slots accept tandems. We don’t recommend adding tandem breakers in this case since it would be a code violation. As we’ve covered before, it can be a problem if your home’s electrical is not up to code.
Tandem breakers are also known as twin, CTL breakers, duplex, and “cheater” breakers that fit two 120V circuits into one slot. When your panel is rated for them, they’re UL-listed and legitimate. Some panels only allow tandems in specific slots, and the panel’s label clearly states the circuit limit and which slot position to put them.
We’ve explained before that double-tapping is a violation, and it’s worth noting that tandem breakers add circuits, not capacity.
When a Subpanel Is the Right Fix
A subpanel is an appropriate fix when you need more slots but your main service still hasn’t reached capacity. This is because a subpanel provides spare slots, but it does not provide additional electrical power.
Adding a subpanel works when:
- Your panel is out of slots with 150A/200A service.
- You’re trying to run several circuits far from the main panel.
- You’re finishing a contained space, like a basement, addition, garage, etc.
Subpanel installation requires permits, a feeder, and a breaker at the main panel, but it is more economical than a full panel upgrade.
When You *Actually* Need a Panel Upgrade
You need a full panel upgrade if your existing panel is at maximum capacity, regardless of slot count, or when the panel is unsafe.
200A is the current standard for Ocean County homes. Your panel may have become maxed out since you moved into your home if you’ve added features like central air or a car charger.
Your panel may also be a safety risk, necessitating a panel upgrade, especially if:
- You have a FPE Stab-Lok or Zinsco panel
- Your panel has a damaged bus or fuse box
We have seen plenty of capes and ranches built in Brick and Toms River in the ‘60s and ‘70s that are still running original 100-amp service into rooms finished decades later. Our home electrical safety checklist can help you identify possible electrical issues before they become a problem.
After obtaining permits from the local building department and coordinating utility service with JCP&L, a panel upgrade is an easy solution.
Cam Electrical has 15 years of experience assessing and upgrading electrical panels in homes like yours. We provide free, same-day estimates.
Your Situation | What You Need |
|---|---|
Empty slots, service has headroom | Add the circuit |
No empty slots, panel rated for tandems, headroom | Tandem breakers |
No empty slots, several new circuits in one area | Subpanel |
Service amperage maxed by actual load | Panel Upgrade |
FPE, Zinsco, fuse box, damaged bus | Upgrade regardless of slots |
If you want to know if your electrical panel is full, give us a call, and we will come and take a look. After 15+ years and 120+ reviews, we can handle any electrical panel job that comes our way.
Full Electrical Panel: FAQ
Can I install tandems myself?
We do not recommend installing anything relating to your electrical panel yourself. Call your local, trusted, licensed electricians to avoid code violations, shoddy work, and unnecessary damage.
Do I need a permit for a subpanel in NJ?
Yes, you will need an electrical permit to install a subpanel in New Jersey. Only licensed electrical contractors, like Cam Electrical, can pull permits for subpanels and panels.
How do I know my service size?
The easiest way is to open your panel’s door and read the manufacturer’s capacity label.
