There is no formula used to fill a distribution panel. The panel is loaded according to the circuits that are to be connected to it. After you have determining what breakers are needed always buy a distribution panel that has more slots than you need. The extra cost of buying a panel with more slots in it will pay for itself in the future if additional circuits need to be added.
No, they will not work. Use only Murray breakers for safety.
First you need to determine if addition of the new breakers will exceed the 200A service under normal operating conditions. If so you will need to go to power company and increase service and put in a larger main panel. If you have the capacity for the extra current you can add a sub-panel and add the breakers there as well as the breakers you will remove from main panel to accommodate the sub-panel breaker. Another way depends on what breakers are in current panel. There are some breakers that can be duplexed in the same space as a single breaker.
The key to breaker compatibility is if it fits correctly into the buss bars in the electric panel.
Siemens bought Gould so a Siemens panel should work.
Only a Square D designed breaker can be installed in a Square D manufactured panel.
The panel schedule.
No, they will not work. Use only Murray breakers for safety.
As long as the breakers are made to fit the box, there shouldn't be a problem. you can only use breakers listed for the panel, there should be a label on the panel door. It will list all of the breakers approved for use in that panel. If you don't see the breaker by manufacturer name listed, then it should not be used. Lots of brands will interchange, but they have to be listed to be approved.
The provisioning of the breakers in a panel has a physical limitation regarding how many breakers will fit and a load calculation based on what devices the panel has to support. Your question really applies to both types of breakers. There are rules of thumb for sizing and populating the panel. This information is in the National Electric Code. If you have an existing panel and a new application requiring additional breakers for 220 Volt applications, the current draw in panel can be measured by an electrician and you will know what additional load you can support. If breakers fit physically in the panel, but connected devices exceed the total current capacity you will trip the main panel breaker. At this point you would need to get an electrician involved.
To my knowledge Zinsco/Sylvania breakers are the only breakers that will fit in a Zinsco panel. My recommendation as a journeyman electrician is to have your panel changed out. Those panels are old and outdated, not to mention replacement breakers are expensive. Most newer panels, and breakers are the cost of about 2 replacements.
First you need to determine if addition of the new breakers will exceed the 200A service under normal operating conditions. If so you will need to go to power company and increase service and put in a larger main panel. If you have the capacity for the extra current you can add a sub-panel and add the breakers there as well as the breakers you will remove from main panel to accommodate the sub-panel breaker. Another way depends on what breakers are in current panel. There are some breakers that can be duplexed in the same space as a single breaker.
Breakers do not need routine maintenance. If the distribution panel is in an environment that allows dust or dirt to build up on the breaker faces, wipe the breakers with a dry cloth. If the distribution panel has a door on the panel face keep it closed.
Yes, but only use them if absolutely necessary and I would never install more than one set of min-breakers in a service panel. Otherwise you can overload the panel.
Your circuit box should have a label on the door listing compatable breakers. For instance, my American Switch 200 amp panel lists what American Switch breakers are usable on that particular panel, and then it goes on to list other manufacturers whose breakers will work in the panel. Mine can use Frank Adam Type A, FA-D, QP & QPH, Bryant Type BR-D and BD breakers as well as Westinghouse Type QP and Q. I am not sure that I would go with the adage that if it fits use it. Check your Panel Box for the tag listing compatible breakers.
The breaker panel.
The breaker panel.
Breakers are build to snap onto a buss bar in a breaker panel. If they look the same on the back end then they will likely work. If not do not try to force a fit. To add a little more to this: 1st of all it depends on what kind of Square D you are talking about. Square D Homline breakers will fit in a GE panel but GE breakers will not fit into a Homeline panel in my experience. Square D QO is not compatible with either.