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Completed Project: Tandem Circuit Breaker Installation in Swansboro, NC
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch completed a panel optimization project in Swansboro, NC on May 20, 2025 for Anderson & Slack (Partnership). Lead technician Francisco Martinez installed three 20-amp tandem breakers to safely create space in the existing load center for upcoming crawl space circuits. This service is part of our Panels & Service Upgrades and Circuit Breaker Repair & Replacement offerings.
What We Did
The goal was to open additional breaker positions without replacing the entire panel. Our electrician installed 3× 20-amp tandem breakers serving small-appliance branch circuits, following the panel manufacturer’s listing and labeling for tandem placement. This made room for dedicated crawl space circuits while maintaining safe, code-conscious operation.
- Installed three listed 20A tandem breakers in approved positions
- Optimized panel layout to create additional spaces for crawl space circuits
- Confirmed proper breaker fit and secure terminations
- Verified correct operation after installation
The result is a neat, organized panel with freed capacity ready for the crawl space circuits—without the expense and downtime of a full panel change-out.
Why Choose Tandem Breakers?
Tandem (also called “twin” or “double-stuff”) breakers allow two independent 120V circuits to occupy a single breaker space—only where the panel is designed and labeled to accept them. When used correctly, tandem breakers are an effective way to:
- Create room for new circuits in a full panel
- Avoid unnecessary panel replacement
- Maintain safe, organized distribution for small-appliance loads
It’s essential that tandems are installed exclusively in slots the manufacturer designates for them. Our team checks panel labeling, bus stab design, and conductor sizes to ensure everything aligns with code and product listings.
Safety and Code Considerations
Our process emphasizes manufacturer compliance and National Electrical Code best practices. Before installing tandems, we evaluate:
- Whether the panel is listed for tandem breakers in specific locations
- Conductor sizing and terminations for each affected circuit
- Arc-fault and ground-fault protection requirements for the circuits involved
- Clear labeling of the circuit directory for future service
While tandems increase the number of breakers, they do not increase the panel’s overall ampacity. If a panel is not listed for tandems or is regularly overloaded, a subpanel or full upgrade may be the safer path. Touchstone Electric provides both Panels & Service Upgrades and Circuit Breaker Repair & Replacement to match the right solution to your home.
Local Service From Our Raleigh Branch
Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh team proudly serves homeowners in Swansboro, NC with prompt scheduling, clear communication, and code-compliant workmanship. Whether you need space for crawl space equipment, small-appliance branch circuits, or lighting additions, we can assess your panel and provide the most practical, safe option—tandems where allowed, a subpanel, or a complete upgrade if needed.
Customer Feedback
Anderson & Slack (Partnership) praised our team’s work on this project. You can read their feedback on Google here: View the Google review.
Considering Tandem Breakers or a Panel Upgrade in Swansboro?
If your panel is full, tripping, or you’re planning additions like crawl space circuits, our licensed electricians can help you choose the right path. We’ll verify if your panel supports tandem breakers, explain your options, and perform the work with safety and longevity in mind.
Reach out to Touchstone Electric’s Raleigh branch to schedule a visit in Swansboro, NC. We’re ready to help you free up panel space, add circuits, and keep your electrical system safe and reliable.