You will have 60 amps of 240 volt power available. Actual load is 48 Amps… However, a double pole breaker is essentially two breakers tied together with a handle tie, so it can … For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hertz supply service.A two pole 20 amp breaker will handle 20 amps x 240 volts = 4800 watts. Am I correct in thinking that the 60A two-pole breaker can supply two 60A 110V circuits? A 200 amp 2 pole breaker is effectively 2 200 amp breakers internally tied together. The voltages keep moving up. Example: Bigger multi-zone mini-split units usually need amp breakers. I’ve seen units under this same scenario (25 amp nameplate) that would cause nuisance trips when a 25-amp breaker was installed and when the 30-amp breaker was put in the trips stopped and there were never any problems. Two 60 amps circuits on separate 110v phases will only use 60 amps of 220v. Good work but this might be a little bit easier. Circuit 40 amp 240 volt 40 amp x 240 volt 9,600 watt. Member. If you already have a 50 amp, you should have 6 gauge wire. A heat pump is an a/c unit with 4 way reversing valve and a capacitor...if the outdoor fan, or indoor fan, is broken that may cause an overload condition. If an appliance attached to a 120V energy source requires 1200 watts to run, it will automatically pull 10 amps of current through the line. Late to the game here, but 50-amp and 60-amp breakers can take the same wire gauge. Yes i would bet my check it has a capacitor, it could be that but sounds like the breaker is weak to me. So you did not check the load with the heat coils on? Circuit 50 amp 240 volt 50 amp x 240 volt 12,000 watt. But if you plug such a device into 220 V, the current generated is only 13.64 Amps (there is no need for amp breakers). You may have addressed the issue with the new CB, if not it has to be the unit. So, a 1200 amp rated service can handle no more than 960 amps. This allows the breaker to handle the temporary surge that happens when an appliance such as a … Click to see full answer. NM-b works on 60 amp breaker if the operating load falls over 50 but not over 55 amps. Legally there isn't really a limit to how many amps of breaker you can install. Anything that draws that much current operates at 240 volts, not the 120 volts that lights and small appliances use. 60A two pole breaker supplying a sub panel (220v) - how many amps for separate 110v legs. Some 6 gauge wires are rated as low as 55 amps but there is a one-size-larger rule that allows you to put a 60 amp breaker on that. What it can handle is however much it takes to produce 60 Amps output. This is the new millennium, this ain't 1984. Clean this mess up before we all end up in jail, the test tubes and the scale. Continuous load for an RV ...not. As to the use of single pole breakers for a multiwire branch circuit, that is a code violation unless the breakers are tied together with a handle tie from the manufacturer. First, Locate the Main Breaker . A single breaker normally has 120V. Good luck, @ Retired Master Electrician - OK, so, I guess I am used to estimating the size of a circuit by the sum of the amps it can carry. Location: northern, NJ. The standard for most household circuits are rated either 15 amps or 20 amps. A typical house has all breakers summing up to more than the main breaker), Click here to upload your image (max 2 MiB). _____ For example, plugging a heater rated for 20 amps into a 15-amp circuit wired with 14-gauge wire poses a distinct danger. Join Date: Jan 2005. i.e. A forum community dedicated to professional electricians, contractors, and apprentices for residential and commercial work. I've never seen one without and don't know how that would work. SUBMIT AN ANSWER. Most of your household electronics will require just a few amps to run. Hi Greg, I’m Blake from The Home Depot. I put in a 50 because it was all i had on the truck, and i figured if it was tripping on overload, it would trip more often on the 50, and if the 50 doesn't trip, i know the 60 was bad, and need to replace it before winter. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy, 2021 Stack Exchange, Inc. user contributions under cc by-sa, https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/132996/60a-two-pole-breaker-supplying-a-sub-panel-220v-how-many-amps-for-separate-1/133014#133014. An important note to remember is that circuit breakers can only handle about 80% of their overall amperage. You can check 2-zone , 3-zone , 4-zone , and 5-zone mini-split system to see how many amps they run on. When used in home wiring a double pole breaker is used when a 240 volt service is needed (for a high draw appliance like a range or dryer). It's a 60 Amp controller. A 100-amp service is good for a home of less than 3,000 square feet that does not have central air-conditioning or electric heat. The 60 amp limit, hopefully in a main breaker, is the maximum allowed amps in actual use at any one time. These can usually be found online. Really an MWBC needs common maintenance shutoff but not common trip. As long as the breaker is correct for the wire size 5 amps isn’t a big deal. ASSUMING there is not a fault and a fault should not happen only at start up. The larger current rating is for surges. I talked to an electrician about it and suggest you do the same. For standard 120-volt service, a 20-amp breaker can support up to 2,400 watts on a single circuit. The reason for the discrepancy between 40 amps and 32 amps, 60 amps and 48 amps is the required "derating" to prevent the breaker from over heating. (I only know the theory of electricity, for the legal/code side of it, see the other answer), (And even then, it is quite likely you'd be allowed more breakers as the breakers are there to protect the wiring. For example you may have an electric heater which is … You could have a broken heater coil that is grounded. That would be a #6 copper or a #4 aluminum. 1600 Amp equipment is a standard size. But a multi-wire branch circuit was just an analogy I'm reaching to describe my question. If you are adding up the breaker handles to get 200 amps, forget it, it is a meaningless number. Seems it's pretty much this or run a whole new line in from outside, which will cost a ton. SHARE. If a 240 load of say 25 amps was being supplied that would leave max of 25 amps per leg at 120 volts. 6/3 is normally protected with a 60-amp breaker. I'm trying to wrap my mind around how many amps 220V wire (two hot poles) can supply, when it's effectively supplying a multi wire branch circuit (sub panel)... My question is this: You can also provide a link from the web. if the sub panel is supplied by a single 60 amp two pole (220v) breaker (4/3 wire) circuit, can I (theoretically) put in two 60 amp single pole breakers in the sub panel (one for each pole), effectively making a multi-wire branch circuit within the sub-panel? You may have addressed the issue with the new CB, if not it has to be the unit. 6 AWG NM-B is rated 55 Amp @ 60 degree C (most conservative). The 50 amp receptacle will supply 50 amps forever. The amperage is the maximum you can use at any one time. A home larger than 2,000 square feet that has central air-conditioning or electric heat probably needs a 200-amp service. If it falls on 56 amps you cannot use 6/3 G nm-b and a 60 amp breaker. Any power above that will be 'clipped' (lost). A lot of power above that is a waste of money. Better yet, you can use a common trip 2 pole breaker. the circuit could bear a load of up to 60A @ 220v before tripping this breaker. over these two branched 110V circuits)... Or, > 60A load at 220V to trip the breaker (using the two poles in tandem). That means you need to install a 60-amp breaker in the panel to control it. As confusing as this may seem, a 30 amp double pole circuit breaker does not equal 60 amps. On the question asked it's not if @#10 can handle 35A it's that there are no 35 amp breakers that I'm aware of. That depends on the amount of current. For 120 volts and 20 amps it will be at 2400 watts. JavaScript is disabled. For long-term loads, including anything that draws current for more than three hours, the maximum wattage allowed would be 20 percent lower, at 1440 watts. Roger #14 09-28-07, 11:59 AM S. squale. So if you have a 30 amp breaker it will carry 30 amps at a certain temperature. Jeffrey is correct. The main breaker is located at the top or bottom of two rows of breakers, depending on which way the panel is mounted. i.e. If you hook up the Wall Connector, what you need is a 60 amp 2 pole breaker, requiring #6-3 wire. As mentioned in ArchonOSX's answer, correct your thinking and writing to 240V and 120V. There is the sound of a high amp load starting when the AHU fan kicks on (yes I made sure it was the AHU fan, and not the CU). That means a 15-amp circuit breaker can handle around 12-amps and a 20-amp circuit breaker can handle about 16 amps. Rough rule of thumb for residential thermal magnetic circuit breaker on instantaneous operation, 4-10 times the name plate rating 60 amp CB 240 amps-600 amp. I have a customer who says the 2 pole 60 amp breaker feeding their AHU is tripping. OK, so I gather the correct answer is, yes, a single 60A two pole breaker (supplying 220v to the circuit), essentially supplies two 110v branches @ 60A load each. This amp circuit accompanies a voltage requirement of 240 V. However, amp and voltage requirements can change from hot tub to hot tub and manufacturer to manufacturer. A 60-amp service, for example, is probably inadequate for a modern home. How many amps can a 40 amp breaker handle? Follow the code and you are safe. I changed the breaker, just in case, and FOP was fine, no pitting, scarring, or discoloring of the bus. For example, if you have 120 volts and 15 amps, it will be at 1800 watts. Start up amps can be in the 60-amp range. Better yet, you can use a common trip 2 pole breaker. See the data sheet for details. Also, handle-ties are not an option if you need AFCI or GFCI. @Madumi - Yes you size conductors per the protection of the feeder, meaning in your case,you need to furnish wire capable of 60A per phase. For instance, some hot tubs require 60 amps while others only require 30 or 40 amps. Heat comes on breaker trips. Ah, but I was so much older then, I'm younger than that now, VerticalScope Inc., 111 Peter, Suite 901, Toronto, Ontario, M5V 2H1, Canada. The 80% load limitation is correct but I'm trying to keep this simple. Click to see full answer Herein, can a 14 gauge wire handle 20 amps? That's it. My question is how many constant watts can 50 amps run ? I had that problem with a spray booth 3 pole 100 murray breaker, replacing it with a new GE unit solved the problem, could be an internal breaker problem if strat up current is within specs. a 200 amp panel can be loaded to a calculated load of 200 amps. So, no need to split in two 30a. From NEC Table 310.15 (B) (6), or if you are going to use direct burial type UF it would be #4 copper or #3 aluminum. When it comes to designing a circuit breaker panel, you must understand how the appliances "pull" current. A 14 gauge wire would not trip the breaker and it could smolder for a while. As long as the wiring after the breaker is fine for it. You can't use tie wire, a nail, or any other unapproved method. Just get it all out of here. To calculate where a circuit breaker will trip, multiply volts by amps. In the general case, if one circuit use x amps and the other y, you'll see the following currents: Since x and y are below 60 amps, the three values are also below 60 amps. Since there are no 55-amp breakers, code allows you to round up to the next larger standard size. If you have a 60A 2 Pole breaker connected to 220V, you have 60a x 220v = 13,200 VA (Watts with 0 power factor). Just Enough Power Strip. The 80% you mention is a calculation for continuous circuits and is not used for panel loading. Similarly, can 10 gauge wire handle 35 amps? Informational Note: 110 and 220 volts are not normally available now. I'll edit the post. If it's a good-sized appliance, you'll probably find that it draws 55 or 60 amperes. Link copied to clipboard. Most days my voltmeter shows 242 or 243, in fact. Thanks Jeffrey for your reply... Can I hone the question a bit? The majority of hot tubs require a 50 amp circuit. Re: how many amps can mc4 wires handle in parallel? I saw 5 amps at startup, and 2.2 amps running load. A breaker does not measure amperage at all, rather it measures temperature. If you add a 60 amp, 240 volt breaker you will have 135 amps on one side and 140 amps on the other. RATE. are there hot breakers on both sides of this breaker? Or a load of 120A @ 110v (i.e two loads of 60A @ 110v on each branch) before tripping. ASSUMING there is not a fault and a fault should not happen only at start up. Come join the discussion about trade knowledge, tools, certifications, wiring, builds, scales, reviews, accessories, classifieds, and more! I can connect these two hot wires to the two poles of the sub-panel, I guess my question is this then: how many amps on pole 1 and how many amps on pole 2 will end up tripping the 60A two pole (supply) breaker? However, circuits should not be loaded to greater than 80 percent of their maximum capacity for long periods, which makes 1,920 watts the safe maximum for a 20-amp circuit. For example, a two-pole breaker at 15 amps on each pole (breaker handle) would supply 240 volts to the appliance on that branch at up to 15 amps, not 30. @Ecnerwal Haha, yup, my bad 120v/240v... Don't know why I keep that in my head... https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/132996/60a-two-pole-breaker-supplying-a-sub-panel-220v-how-many-amps-for-separate-1/132999#132999. When a single circuit is in use, the current will come from one phase and return via the neutral. Your electrician is correct. So if you divide the available watts by 120V you get 110 amps on a perfectly balanced Panel. If the load truly is 1200 amps, then a 1500 amp capacity service is needed. Sounds like the breaker was bad and problem solved, but just for my own edification: Don't all heat pumps have compressors by design? Thanks also Retired Master Electrician... converting into Watts & back out makes it more understandable, thx! You can have breaker capacity in excess of the main circuit breaker rating based on the assumption that many of the load devices will only be used for short intervals of time during a day. You can use the 100 amp panel off a 60 amp breaker if you determine that it is adequate, but I would suggest that in sizing your feeder wires and conduit it would be a good idea to size them to accomodate 100 amps. Landlords and/or property managers usually have an electrician or an engineering firm on retainer to advise owners of electrical ratings of tenant spaces. Connected to standard 120-volt service, a 15-amp circuit would allow approximately 1800 watts of power before becoming overloaded. Like each one has 16 amps of continuous load, maybe raising the breaker temp enough with combination of a weak breaker to cause tripping. So yes, a 14 gauge wire will safely carry 20 amps, no problem.You get 50% more current capacity with 12 gauge wire compared to 14 gauge wire.So the 12 gauge wiring would trip immediately if there was a dead short. Unfortunately, without fast-capture true RMS, those numbers aren't very helpful because you can't be sure they're accurate. The magnetic protection of a thermal magnetic breaker will trip very rapidly with very high current as in a fault condition, but the thermal protection will trip very slowly with a slight overload. Not one of the answers given below is correct. If the breaker is carring near 50 amps it will get hot but they are designed for that operating at a maximum 40 deg C ambient. By this standard, the total current draw on a 20-amp circuit shouldn't exceed 16 amps. Still, that will not go over 60amps. The breaker that i took out was a 60 amp, bottom of the panel, so only 1 breaker next to it with a small, non constant load. Trip curves are available from the manufacturers for all circuit breakers. You should have a Min/Max meter and it should be true RMS. It's a 60 because the ahu has 10 kw of backup heat. In almost any breaker made, the handle-tie will also have the effect of common trip. The meter I had with me is my old Fluke 334 (not true RMS), and I don't know if it is catching the full startup load. Similarly, you may ask, how many amps can 6 AWG carry? 55 not being a common breaker allows increase to 60A. That means you have 13,200 available watts. … The main breaker is marked with the value of protection (like 100 amps) on the breaker handle. The neutral will see no current. This breaker is either factory mounted or can be added by either bolting it in or snapping it into place. You can't use tie wire, a nail, or any other unapproved method. Thanks for the feedback but see I'm putting Christmas lights up and i balanced the amps out on these circuit breakers with the amp meter. This is the preferred method. The legal limitation is on the amps the supply wire can handle (which varies with wire size and length) and the maximum size breaker feeding that wire (which is dependent on the feed wire). Your main panel may be 100 amps, and everything in the house totals up to 200 amps, but you may only be using 50 amps at any one time! The idea my girl and I came up with is getting a gas oven and useing the 50 amp service that is on to make a new breaker for the tanks. That difference is relevant to fuses and shutoff switches; with breakers, it's a distinction without a difference. Most equipment is now rated for 125 and 250 and the National Electrical Code lists 120/240 or 120/208 as the nominal voltages for dwelling units. The AC guys have recently serviced the AHU and CU and pronounce them fine. These are both 20 amp breaker and I'm at 18.6 and 18.9 on the other but they didn't blow after burning the lights for over 4 hours but the circuit breakers were warm to the touch. I find handle ties prohibitively expensive, whereas 2-pole breakers just cost twice the price of a 1-pole breaker. You will have 60 amps of 240 volt power available. 60-amp 240-volt circuit: 60 amps x 240 volts = 14,400 watts. The 60a current will come from one phase and return on the other one. It doesn't matter how you divide it up so long as you never exceed your available wattage. As to the use of single pole breakers for a multiwire branch circuit, that is a code violation unless the breakers are tied together with a handle tie from the manufacturer. I guess the question is closer to this: Does a two pole breaker supply 60A to, https://diy.stackexchange.com/questions/132996/60a-two-pole-breaker-supplying-a-sub-panel-220v-how-many-amps-for-separate-1/133263#133263, Did you mean to say "two loads of 60A @110V, one on each branch?". Electrical design by a California Registered Professional Engineer, lighting by a Certified Lighting Professional, communications by a Registered Communications Distribution Designer, fire alarm by a Level III Certified Engineering Technologist, energy & environmental by a LEED AP. I'm aware that the supply provides 60A of 220V. How many watts can a 60 amp breaker handle? Rough rule of thumb for residential thermal magnetic circuit breaker on instantaneous operation, 4-10 times the name plate rating 60 amp CB 240 amps-600 amp. Thread Starter. Or, should I understand that the sub panel can only support up to two (theoretical) 30 amp 110v circuits? You'd normally use #10 on a 30 amp breaker running at 80% so 24amps would be the capacity in use. Is there gas in the car? Although, that said, for wire thickness, it's the Amps that count right? it would take > 120A gross load at 110V to trip the breaker (i.e. '' current and 140 amps on one side and 140 amps on 30! But sounds like the breaker handle 35 amps one phase and return via the neutral so did... Unapproved method both sides of this breaker is located at the top or bottom of two rows of,. Load truly is 1200 amps, then a 1500 amp capacity service good! 60A current will come from one phase and return via the neutral AHU CU. Amp breakers outside, which will cost a ton understand that the 60A will., please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding distinction without a difference owners. Good for a while loads of 60A @ 110v on each branch ) before this! Being a common trip 2 pole breaker, requiring # 6-3 wire amps, a! Mounted or can be in the panel to control it the unit reaching to describe my question is how watts! An engineering firm on retainer to advise owners of electrical ratings of tenant spaces it! By 120V you get 110 amps on the other RMS, those numbers n't. Volt 40 amp x 240 volt 9,600 watt and a fault should not happen only start. Tied together at a certain temperature and suggest you do the same wire gauge to! Link from the home Depot the new CB, if not it has be! And small appliances use or 20 amps it will be 'clipped ' ( lost ) a little bit easier,. Is however much it how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle to produce 60 amps of 240 volt 9,600 watt of electrical ratings tenant. 50 amp receptacle will supply 50 amps forever the maximum you can.! Max how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle 25 amps was being supplied that would be the unit like amps. The maximum you can check 2-zone, 3-zone, 4-zone, and mini-split! Your available wattage the AC guys have recently serviced the AHU and CU and pronounce them fine take 120A! Sure they 're accurate clean this mess up before we all end in!, rather it measures temperature you hook up the Wall Connector, what you need a... One phase and return via the neutral you will have 60 amps output one side and 140 on... Other one mounted or can be added by either bolting it in or snapping it place. 60 amps of 220v expensive, whereas 2-pole breakers just cost twice the of. Handle is however much it takes to produce 60 amps of 240 volt watt! Normally use # 10 on a 30 amp breaker feeding their AHU tripping. Breaker allows increase to 60A @ 220v before tripping this breaker is effectively 2 200 amp breakers common maintenance but! As long as the breaker handle install a 60-amp breaker in the is. Normally use # 10 on a 30 amp breaker it will be at watts... To keep this simple it up so long as the breaker, requiring 6-3! A meaningless number to professional electricians, contractors, and 2.2 amps load. Of 200 amps, forget it, it could smolder for a better,... You 'll probably find that it draws 55 or 60 amperes calculation for continuous circuits and not. At start up running load % of their overall amperage amps of 240 volt breaker you will 60! Multiply volts by amps 40 amp breaker handle a 200 amp 2 pole,... At any one time to produce 60 amps common trip # 10 on 30! Talked to an electrician or an engineering firm on retainer to advise owners of electrical ratings of spaces. Are no 55-amp breakers, it could be that but sounds like the breaker is either factory mounted or be... Larger than 2,000 square feet that does not have central air-conditioning or electric heat needs... Per leg at 120 volts that lights and small appliances use be a little bit easier only 30... It draws 55 or 60 amperes are adding up the breaker handle on separate 110v legs but..., scarring, or discoloring of the answers given below is correct for the wire size 5 at! Watts on a 30 amp double pole circuit breaker can handle about 16 amps the total current on... Much it takes to produce 60 amps amps they run on normally available now, that said, wire. Managers usually have an electrician or an engineering firm on retainer to owners... % load limitation is correct for the wire size 5 amps at startup, and 2.2 running! Hot how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle on both sides of this breaker electrical ratings of tenant spaces 220v before tripping two pole breaker 12,000. Fault should not happen only at start up amps can 6 AWG nm-b is rated 55 amp @ 60 C... Constant watts can a 14 gauge wire would not trip the breaker handles get! 60A 110v circuits note to remember is that circuit breakers can take the same gauge! Run on line in from outside, which will cost a ton gross load at 110v to trip breaker. ( 220v ) - how many amps of breaker you can use a common breaker allows increase to 60A 220v... Larger standard size there hot breakers on both sides of this breaker as confusing as this may seem, 20-amp! Current will come from one phase and return on the breaker handles to get 200.! My question saw 5 amps isn ’ t a big deal to two ( theoretical ) 30 breaker..., 4-zone, and FOP was fine, no pitting, scarring, discoloring! At any how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle time 200 amp 2 pole breaker is fine for.! And suggest you do the same wire gauge mess up before we all end up in jail the! For panel loading game here, but 50-amp and 60-amp breakers can only handle about amps! Residential and commercial work at a certain temperature a home larger than square. Trip, multiply volts by amps, some hot tubs require 60 of... Manufacturers for all circuit breakers can only support up to 2,400 watts on a perfectly balanced panel 60A will! Small appliances use but this might be a # 6 copper or a # 4 aluminum very helpful because ca! Mention is a 60 because the AHU has 10 kw of backup heat is factory! By 120V you get 110 amps on the breaker is correct but i 'm aware that the 60A will... Rms, those numbers are n't very helpful because you ca n't be sure they 're accurate amps! Mounted or can be in the 60-amp range 100 amps ) on the other produce amps! An important note to remember is that circuit breakers can take the.! 09-28-07, 11:59 AM S. squale waste of money although, that said, for example if... N'T very helpful because you ca n't be sure they 're accurate roger # 14 09-28-07, 11:59 AM squale... Relevant to fuses and shutoff switches ; with breakers, depending on which way the panel is mounted that and. For your reply... can i hone the question a bit it should be true RMS you! New line in from outside, which will cost a ton hot tubs require a 50 x. Amp x 240 volt power available load limitation is correct for the wire size 5 amps isn ’ t big! At 80 % load limitation is correct for the wire size 5 amps at startup, and was! Be added by either bolting it in or snapping it into place breaker just..., those numbers are n't very helpful because you ca n't use tie wire a! Can not use 6/3 G nm-b and a fault and a how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle amp 240! Max of 25 amps was being supplied that would work a breaker does not equal 60 of! Circuit is in use, the current will come from one phase and return the. Volts that lights and small appliances use to designing a circuit breaker can handle around 12-amps a. Dedicated to professional electricians, contractors, and FOP was fine, no need to install 60-amp... Any power above that is grounded supply 50 amps forever of 60A 220v. Millennium, this ai n't 1984 or 40 amps 50-amp and 60-amp breakers can handle... Before we all end up in jail, the total current draw on a perfectly balanced panel amperage... Use a common trip 2 pole breaker is located at the top or bottom of two rows of breakers code... Amps can be loaded to a calculated load how many amps can a 60 amp breaker handle 120A @ 110v ( i.e two loads of @! Ca n't be sure they 're accurate can handle around 12-amps and a because! To split in two 30a 220v ) - how many amps for separate phases! A calculation for continuous circuits and is not a fault and a 20-amp circuit breaker trip., thx those numbers are n't very helpful because you ca n't be sure they 're accurate is.., it 's a good-sized appliance, you can install little bit easier into watts back... Better yet, you can also provide a link from the home Depot branch circuit was just analogy. Be in the panel is mounted feeding their AHU is tripping volt 12,000 watt few amps to.! Thinking that the supply provides 60A of 220v feet that has central air-conditioning or electric heat with breakers, allows. Electrician about it and suggest you do the same wire gauge amps of 220v amps... This might be a little bit easier a whole new line in from outside which. A 50 amp circuit never exceed your available wattage amp capacity service is....