Circuit total limitation

Circuit Total Limitation Requirement
– The 1965 edition of the NEC introduced the circuit total limitation for panelboards (Article 384-15).
– In 2008, the location of this requirement moved to Article 408.54, titled Maximum Number of Overcurrent Devices.
– Reputable manufacturers have not produced Non-CTL panels since 1965.
– Non-CTL panels may become more common due to the 2008 repeal.
– Citation needed for the claim about reputable manufacturers.

Non-CTL Panels and Breakers
– Circuitboards and panelboards built before 1965 lacked circuit total limiting devices.
– Non-CTL circuit breakers are still sold for replacement use only.
– The use of non-CTL breakers can lead to dangerous overloads.
– The 2008 code removed the previous 42 circuit limitation on panelboards.
– Panelboards can now be ordered with up to 84 circuit places and corresponding ampacity ratings.

Gallery (Images of Circuit Breakers)
– Cutler-Hammer ONE pole CTL circuit breaker
– Cutler-Hammer ONE pole CTL Circuit Breaker close-up
– Cutler-Hammer CHEATER or Non-CTL Circuit Breaker
– Cutler-Hammer CHEATER or Non-CTL Circuit Breaker
– Cutler-Hammer TWO pole CTL Circuit Breaker
– Cutler-Hammer TWO pole CTL Circuit Breaker

Related Information
– National Electrical Code

References and External Links
– Terrell Croft, Wilford I. Summers, Frederic Hartwell. American Electricians Handbook, McGraw Hill Professional, p.4.52, ISBN 9780071642583.
– UL’s Guide Information for Electrical Equipment: The White Book 2008, p.90, Archived from the original (PDF) on 2008-09-13.
– A bullet in the 2008 NEC between Articles 408.30 and 408.36 refers to the changes in Article 408.35.
– Eaton’s 2019 catalog specifies that their non-CTL breakers are suitable for use in plug-on neutral style loadcenters.
– URL: https://www.eaton.com/ecm/groups/public/@pub/@electrical/documents/content/vol01_tab01.pdf
– Removal of 42 Circuit Limitation for Lighting and Appliance Panelboards. Source:  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circuit_total_limitation