Simply, how many single breaker slots are there on the average 200 amp panel?

As near as I can tell, the home I am getting is going to be 1 breaker short of the number I need, as it only has (best I recall) 24 spots (which seemed very low for 200 amp), with only 1 free. The whirlpool tub I want to install needs two seperate breakers, a 15 for the pump and a 20 for the heater.

My current homes 100 amp panel has 16, logic says a 200 amp should have 32. Short of combining circuits to free up 1 slot, or changing out the load panel with one that has more slots, what are my options?

 

Panel size varies.


Your options to increase the number of breakers are as follows:

A new panel. A very expensive option.

A sub panel. This is always a possibility, but is an expensive option.

Tandem breakers. Only works if the panel supports them.

Combine seldom used circuits.

Disconnect unused circuits.

 

If your panel schedule, the list of which breakers serve what, has a & b or an R at each number it is designed to use tandem breakers. As long as there is no withstand warning posted in the panel it is perfectly safe and acceptable to use them.
--
Tom

 

Most all 200 amp panels can and will accept 40 or 42 circuits. Meaning 40 single pole circuits. Older panels can be different though.
Look for anything in the model number that says 2440 or 24/40. Most new panels are numbered with the spaces and circuits in the part number. For instance a 200 amp main breaker, 30 space, 40 circuit panel would be: ".....MB2003040....".
If this is the case, aside from looking at the breaker schedule for the divided spaces, you can put in skinny or twin breakers.