Discussions

Hi.. I have a question.. Is there any rule (CODE) about empty slot of Electric panel?.. My house have a older electric panel.. so There are only 1 left empty slot..  
 
By the way, I want to put a breaker to the empty slot, connect wire and receptacle.. Can I do that? (Can I use full slot without any empty slot?)  
 
If you know about this, Let me know

If you do not know the answer to this question, I really question if your should be doing your own wiring in your panel.

Please call an electrician.

There is no code saying you have to leave empty slots in your panel (I think that is your question?)  
That being said, please be careful, and call an electrician if you aren’t sure.

Yes.. That is what i want to know exactly.  
 
Question) Is there any code saying I have to leave empty slots in my electrical panel ?  
 
Answer) No  
 
I will be very careful and I will call an electrician If I need. Thanks Guys about your concerns..  
 
Edited by Brian7, 2019-10-23 19:15:40

Shut the main panel down when you are putting in the new breaker/wires. Use proper size wire and breaker. Be careful. Might want a permit and inspection from Hydro to check your work.

There is in fact a code rule about open spaces on breakers, but pertains to new construction only. So you are good to go. Depending on your panel, you can also get what’s called a Tandem breaker. Has 2 single breakers instead of 1. Just in case you need to add any in the future.

Interesting comments here. How about this one. "It's a law that you get a wiring permit." These comments are suggesting that it's ok to break the law. Hmmm.

Electrical code is not "law". There is no electrical police who will be laying charges.  
 
However, the authorities who inspect and enforce code adherence could intervene in serious ways to correct dangerous situations. The prime purpose of the Canadian Electrical Code is to prevent fires. This is in the preamble since 1921, roughly, when the first code was written.  
 
Nobody wants to burn their property down, and non adherence to code could void property insurance, those are possibly more serious penalties than any law.  
 
As said, if having to ask simple questions on a public forum, the signs are strong that this is a job not to touch. Free spaces in a panel are a good thing, extra capacity should always be available. Free spaces should have the plastic snap in covers installed.