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Topic: Load & Panel

User: Alwayslearningelec, Location: NJ

Asked on: Saturday, May 29, 2021 at 7:22 pm EDT
Answered on: Thursday, June 20, 2024 at 11:13 am EDT

Question: If I had two 1P 60A breakers(120v) feeding a load what size panel/main breaker would one need. How do you go about sizing that?

Panel/Main Breaker Sizing

To determine the required size of the panel and main breaker, follow these steps

1. Calculate the Total Circuit Load:
Multiply the circuit voltage (120V) by the amperage per breaker (60A): Total Circuit Load = 120V x 60A x 2 = 14.4 kVA2. Determine the Demand Factor

For residential loads, a demand factor of 0.8 is typically used. This factor accounts for the fact that not all electrical devices operate simultaneously at full load. Demand Factor = 0.8

3. Calculate the Panel/Main Breaker Size

Multiply the Total Circuit Load by the Demand Factor: Panel/Main Breaker Size = 14.4 kVA x 0.8 = 11.52 kVA

4. Select the Nearest Standard Breaker Size

* The nearest standard breaker size above 11.52 kVA is

125A
.

Therefore, you would need a 125A panel and main breaker to safely supply the load fed by two 1P 60A breakers. Flag for review

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