What is the limit in a 200 amp circuit breaker box?
Question:I have 4 blank spaces left, is it just how many spaces you have left or is it the total amps of all the breakers??
Answers:
You can use all the spaces in the breaker box. You will not be using 200 amps to start with as its against the cade to pull that much. The most you are allowed to pull is 80% of 200 amps and that would be 160 amps. You will never pull that many amps at one time. Go ahead and use them, just be safe when you install them, and use the proper sized wires and brerakers ie; 10 gauge on 30 amp breakers 12 gauge on 20 amp breaker and 14 gauge on 15 amp breakers.
You are limited by the open spaces left the theory of the amp limit on a box is that not all of the breakers will be used at one time. The main will limit the current flow into the box.
200 amps is 200 amps, brother.
Add up what you have so far and if it does not total 200 yet, you can ultilize those empties. If you are already at your limit, don't even knock out the sheet metal for those spaces. Leave them blank.
Oh and - no harm in leaving some elbow room - lord knows you'll run service down to a shed or something some time... Nice to still have a few amps to play with in the future :)
Oh and (again) - make certain you are loading the bus with the heaviest breakers from the top down!
Total amperage is the limit.
As you are unsure may I suggest you contact an Electrician. He/she will quote you for the job and carry the task out in a safe manner. 200amps is a lot of juice for an amateur to be playing with. take care.
All the 230volt single phase circuits should be balanced, and you are not likely to draw from all at the same instant, and they are using less amperage for the same wattage. The single pole circuits are generally not on at the same time, andindoor lighting, tv and such are not heavy current using. We used to go a long way, when most had 100 amp service.
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