Load panel capacity 200 amp

doug196 · #1 Mar 4, 2007, 07:16 AM

I have a challenger load panel SB20 (20-40) CT. Which is a 200 amp panel.

The number of switches currently in the panel are 19 total. Total amp of all switches is 360. Some of those circuits are dedicated to a sole source. GFCI to Whirlpool tub for example.

This panel has 20 1" spots available but 1/2" breakers can be used according to panel.

The problem is although 200 amp service and code says no more than 42 switches which we are well within, the panels states that the sum of circuit breaker ratings not to exceed 125 amps per branch bus stab.

Why would a 200 amp box limit to a total of 250 amps total amps when not all the electricity is being used at the same time? Was it just to cya if someone went overboard? Also would I being against code to exceed what the manufacturer has written on the panel sticker?

This will be an extremely expensive upgrade to just switch out panels as I see.

nmwirez · Mar 4, 2007, 07:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doug196

I have a challenger load panel SB20 (20-40) CT. Which is a 200 amp panel.

The number of switches currently in the panel are 19 total. Total amp of all switches is 360. Some of those circuits are dedicated to a sole source. GFCI to Whirlpool tub for example.

This panel has 20 1" spots available but 1/2" breakers can be used according to panel.

The problem is although 200 amp service and code says no more than 42 switches which we are well within, the panels states that the sum of circuit breaker ratings not to exceed 125 amps per branch bus stab.

Why would a 200 amp box limit to a total of 250 amps total amps when not all the electricity is being used at the same time? Was it just to cya if someone went overboard? Also would I being against code to exceed what the manufacturer has written on the panel sticker?

This will be an extremely expensive upgrade to just switch out panels as I see.

NEC 220 load calculations allow demand factoring for branch circuit loads for determining the 200/225 amp panel rating qualifications for residential service sizing. Adding up all the breaker ampacities in the panelboard is not an actual condition of the panel capacity demand loading. Some circuits are continuous, some are not, so looking into code requirements (I.e. Table 220.54 and 220.55 factor charts for a start) will help you on this matter that really takes a bit of explaining. nm



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