Electric circuit breakers ? ...thick or thin size

[G McCall]

What is the reason for a thick ("1") or thin (1/2") size elec. panel circuit breaker ? GE brand I think.

Are there load differences ?

I want to run a electric line from my panel box to a 70amp rated outlet box with 1 -30Amp RV outlet and 2 - 20Amp receptacles. Should I use a thick or thin breaker ?

 

[billbill1]

The amp rating on the breakers will determine the amperage that will trip the breaker. The thickness of the breaker is determined by the knockout size of the breaker panel. (those little squares where the breaker will go.) Also determined by how the breaker attaches to the buss bar inside of the panel. Your panel has numbers that will tell you which size (breakers) you need. Hope I explained it so it helps you.

 

[JimW1950]

I assume that both the 30 AMP & the 20 AMP circuits are to be 110, rather than 220. However, if you were installing 220 then remember that two of the thin breakers in a slot for a traditional (thick) breaker will attach to the same buss bar and not deliver 220. 220 requires each pole to be attached to a different buss bar. Sometimes folks try to use two thin single pole breakers in one thick breaker slot and are confounded when they do not obtain 220. Best bet is to always use double pole breakers for 220 to avoid this problem. Hope I did not confuse you.

 

[G McCall]

billbill1.......

the few breaker boxes I have seen will accept both the thin and think size breaker. I have removed a thin and replaced it with a thick thinking the thick was more "heavy duty" or would carry a full amp load longer. Probably a misunderstanding on my part. I can knock out an extra block for the thick to go into place.

But I am asking if the thick breaker is any more durable than the thin breaker ?

 

[mad_planter]

I believe the only difference is that the thin ones are designed to allow you to "split" a breaker from one to two circuits if your box is full and you need more space.

 

[G McCall]

I assume that both the 30 AMP & the 20 AMP circuits are to be 110, rather than 220. However, if you were installing 220 then remember that two of the thin breakers in a slot for a traditional (thick) breaker will attach to the same buss bar and not deliver 220. 220 requires each pole to be attached to a different buss bar. Sometimes folks try to use two thin single pole breakers in one thick breaker slot and are confounded when they do not obtain 220. Best bet is to always use double pole breakers for 220 to avoid this problem. Hope I did not confuse you.

Jim
I understand what you are saying and yes........all outlets are for 110.

The fact is though, that a single pole thin or thick 30amp will fit in one spot, so I am wondering if thick is better.

 

[billbill1]

In that case, no- the thicker ones are not more durable.

 

[DTCOOPER]

The onnly reason GE made the THQP style breakers was to allow them to make a smaller loadcenter, and still get a certain number of circuits in the panel..
All spaces on a buss will not accept the thins.. You can't take a 42 circuit panel and miraculously get 84 circuits out of it by using all thins..
As far as durability, I have sold thousands of thins along with thicks in my 20 years in the business, and have not seen any higher rate of failure from thins than thicks..
Hope that helps you out..

And FYI - someone mentioned using a 2 pole breaker for a 220v load.. That is the ONLY safe way to get a 240v circuit.. Tying 2 single poles together will not get you an integral trip circuit breaker.. Meaning if one pole overloads, then it won't necessarily trip the other side along with it.. And that could lead to a dangerous situation..

 

[woodlandfarms]

I have heard a number of electricians suggest that the thinner breakers are more susceptable to generate heat, thus creating a fire or tripping hazard.

I personally don't buy this theory as these things are UL rated (And I trust UL for the most part). When adding circuits to the house I just pull the "thick" breaker and add a 2 switch thin.

Someone should address, though, the capabilities of the breaker box. I have never understood a 100 AMP, 200 AMP breaker box and the looks I get at the store when I say I don't know...

Oh, and Gmcall. I did this same thing. For my box it had to be a thick breaker to accept both 110 poles to create the desired 220.

 

[studor]

In this time of reducing manufacturing costs to a minimum, the difference between a 100 amp panel and 200 amp panel is usually price and the main breaker. I also believe the difference in performance between thick and thin breakers is perception (and sometimes price, the thinner ones being more expensive occasionally)-- If the breakers were overheating and failing regularly I would be looking for another complete panel -- JMHO
regards