10-24-2007, 01:07 PM
WARNING !!
A "full Panel" is often a sign that you're pushing to the 'ampacity' capacity of your house. The problem here is that circuit breaker panels, main power feeds, and so forth are all sized based on a lower level of power utilization , based on, say, a 1970's household. Look around and see the number of electrical appliances that you've got running, and THEN decide whether or not you can use one of those dual breakers.
Fortunately with CFl lightbulbs and such, power usage is dropping, so you are probably going to be okay. Just because your outlets aren't full of 'CHristmas Vacation" style daisy chained extension cords doesn't mean the same basic effect is taking place within your main circuit panel.
A "full Panel" is often a sign that you're pushing to the 'ampacity' capacity of your house. The problem here is that circuit breaker panels, main power feeds, and so forth are all sized based on a lower level of power utilization , based on, say, a 1970's household. Look around and see the number of electrical appliances that you've got running, and THEN decide whether or not you can use one of those dual breakers.
Fortunately with CFl lightbulbs and such, power usage is dropping, so you are probably going to be okay. Just because your outlets aren't full of 'CHristmas Vacation" style daisy chained extension cords doesn't mean the same basic effect is taking place within your main circuit panel.