How do I know what size main breaker I need?
To calculate the breaker size, simply divide the adjusted wattage by 240 volts to find the rated amperage needed for your subpanel. Often, the result is not a common circuit breaker size. and you can simply round up to the next higher size of the breaker.
How do I know what size wire and breaker I need?
You can calculate this by dividing Watts by Volts.
- 10 AMP Wire Size. For a maximum of 10 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 16.
- 30 AMP Wire Size. For a maximum of 30 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 10.
- 40 AMP Wire Size. For a maximum of 40 amps, you’ll need a wire gauge of 8.
- 50 AMP Wire Size.
- Circuit Breakers.
What size breaker do I need for a 2 hp motor?
Full Load Current: Three Phase AC Motors
| Motor Horsepower | Size Breaker | |
|---|---|---|
| 1-1/2 | 230V 460V | 15 15 |
| 2 | 230V 460V | 15 15 |
| 3 | 230V 460V | 15 15 |
| 5 | 230V 460V | 15 15 |
How many volts can a 20 amp breaker support?
For standard 120-volt service, a 20-amp breaker can support up to 2,400 watts on a single circuit.
How far can you run 14-gauge wire on a 20 amp circuit?
You can not use 14 AWG anywhere on a circuit that has a 20A breaker. If you are putting 15 amp receptacles on a 20 amp circuit with 12 gauge wire, then you MUST use the screw terminals, not the back stab terminals.
Should I use 12 or 14-gauge wire?
If you’re wiring a circuit on which there are both lights and outlets, or you just aren’t sure which wire gauge to use, you can’t go wrong by choosing a 12-gauge wire. It’s not quite as flexible as a 14-gauge wire, and it costs a bit more, but it’s always a safe choice on a 15- or 20-amp circuit.
What size wire do I need for 60 amp subpanel?
It’s recommended to use a 4-gauge wire for 60-amp appliances like an electric furnace or a large electric heater. While it’s common to use a 6-gauge wire for 60-amp breakers in practice, it’s best to use a 4-gauge wire if you’re installing a 60-amp subpanel.
What kind of wire do I need for a 60 amp subpanel?
It is common to wire 60-amp breakers with 6-gauge, 3-conductor wire because an appliance that needs a 60-amp breaker rarely draws the full 60 Amp. It’s a good idea to connect a 60-amp subpanel to the main panel with 4-gauge wire.
Is a double 30 amp breaker the same as a 60 amp breaker?
A main breaker is the same as any double breaker in the box, except that it supplies power to each busbar. The answer is no if you want to draw 60 Amps off a 30 Amp double breaker.
What size of wire do I need for a 30 amp breaker?
Any circuit fused for 30 amps must use a minimum of 10 ga copper or 8 ga alu. Longer runs may require an upgrade of wire size.