Length doesn't matter. haha

If you think about it, a fuse is very short yet it will burn in half when it's rated current is exceeded. Never, ever use a conductor under the size required for the protector.

I too ran out of positions in my panel. I just got several of those double breakers to consolidate my home loads onto fewer positions. So each single pole breaker has two output circuits. This opened up enough stab positions for me to install my 20A, 2-pole breakers. You have to buy two of those dual breakers to make room for one 2-pole breaker.

If you try to use 10-gauge wires they probably will not fit into your receptacles.

I'd suggest you either consolidate using dual breakers as described above or install a sub panel. I added a 125 amp sub panel once I grew past the original panel.

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(Moderator's note: This post was edited by frodocooper to trim the quote from mineintx.)