basic electrical panel question
 

I have a quick easy question for you, when looking at load centers they state they are 12 circuit 6 space.

Does this mean that I can put six breakers in now but can be expanded to a total of 12?

Thanks

It means you can 6 regular size breakers or 6 tandem or mini breakers that are actually two breakers in one or any combination of them.

Thanks, I was also told from a few people to stay away from the tandem breakers, do you feel the same way?

If the panel is rated to accept them and you use the proper ones for the panel I don't see any issues. I would use them.

While you're at it, you may want to check if you have split bus panel
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.tpub.com/content/construction/14027/img/14027_107_2.jpg&imgrefurl=http://www.electriciantalk.com/f9/split-buss-panels-1481/&h=241&w=330&sz=12&tbnid=nmZhCiW62sMBFM:&tbnh=91&t bnw=124&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dsplit%2Bbus%2Bpanel%26tbm%3Disch%26tb o%3Du&zoom=1&q=split+bus+panel&usg=__AvJujEXnukqcW _YcqMd8Zg5wWT4=&docid=haIdlSilSkL70M&sa=X&ei=PULTU P-dCqTO0QG3mIG4BA&ved=0CD0Q9QEwAw&dur=123

My breakers are not coordinated and this kind of panel wiring had me going in circles while half the house was without power.

Thanks for the tip, im in the process of buying a 24-12 100 amp Square D panel, I'll make sure I check if it is split bus

Split bus is old technology. You will not likely find a new one that is a split bus.

Going in circles. Wuzzat; that might explain a lot.

Yes, my panel is from '71. I should hang around elec. supply houses more often.

another basic question, do breakers have to be split across the panel, ie... in order 1, 2, 3, etc.. or can I just go doen one side and use spots 2, 4, 6, 8? Thanks