Electrically Challenged

Cazoom · #1 11-09-2006, 11:33 PM

okay the new box looks okay.. can't tell the total load (stated as 125 but usually 100 or 200??)
to get more to the bedroom in new place you are going to have to run new wires..plugs .and a new breaker.. it ain't gonna be cheap...AND
you are gonna have to check your condo rules to see if you are allowed to do so....first....it sucks owning the living space but not able to do as you choose to it!!!check first..!!
and in your place you are in now!!!! The box states on the sticker 70 amps...correct!
if that is right and you calculate 90 amps in fuses.. you are at risk of an overload and fire...it should be 70 amps of fuses max...
doesnt matter if there are empty spots.. the total amp must not be overfused and it is!!! do that to your car and you burn wires!!!
i'd have it checked...

Johnny Reefer · #2 11-10-2006, 04:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cazoom

......
and in your place you are in now!!!! The box states on the sticker 70 amps...correct!
if that is right and you calculate 90 amps in fuses.. you are at risk of an overload and fire...it should be 70 amps of fuses max...
doesnt matter if there are empty spots.. the total amp must not be overfused and it is!!! do that to your car and you burn wires!!!
i'd have it checked...

I just saw this post now. Well, I guess the tenant before me....8 1/2 years ago....put those fuses in cause I know I didn't. So they should be 12 Amp fuses I'm surmising then? I guess I've been lucky all these years.

Thanx for that and cheers,

Coderad · #3 11-10-2006, 04:59 AM

The new panel has room for 2 more circuits as mark said. Depending on how close the panel is to where you wish to add the extra circuit will determine the amount of damage to do so.
As for the old panel it is "safe" just not up to code. Circuit can only be loaded to %80 of wire ampacity, 14 gauge=15 amp max load 12 amps.
So it is a little over 70amps but at worst if overloaded, it would trip the main fuse feeding your panel, inconvienent not fire hazzard.

mark · #4 11-10-2006, 05:03 AM

I've got a 125A panel with spots for 48 breakers.

There is a minumin number of circuits required based on the size of service then usually additional based on what the loads are (as some things require dedicated ccts). It's not expected nor is it likely that each breaker will be running 100% and if that ever was to happen then you are protected by the main service breaker.

Coderad · #5 11-10-2006, 05:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mark

I've got a 125A panel with spots for 48 breakers.

There is a minumin number of circuits required based on the size of service then usually additional based on what the loads are (as some things require dedicated ccts). It's not expected nor is it likely that each breaker will be running 100% and if that ever was to happen then you are protected by the main service breaker.

Yes that is correct, what I was trying to say but alot simpler.

Johnny Reefer · #6 11-10-2006, 05:28 AM

Thanx guys. This is good to know stuff.

Cheers,