View Full Version : Max continious wattage on a 15A breaker and 20A breaker
Eng299
Aug 7, 2009, 07:08 PM
What is the max continious wattage on a 15amp and 20amp breaker?
KISS
Aug 7, 2009, 07:52 PM
Can't solve the problem with the information given. Power = Voltage * Current; What's missing?
KISS
Aug 7, 2009, 07:55 PM
OK. I'll be nice. 80% of the breaker rating gives you the max current. You know the rest.
Any load on for more than 3 hours at a time is called a continuous load and the circuit needs to be derated or multiplied by 1.25 which is 1/0.8
tkrussell
Aug 8, 2009, 03:12 AM
This may be a first,
OK. I'll be nice.
Finally making progress!
Only kidding Kiss.
stanfortyman
Aug 8, 2009, 05:41 AM
OK. I'll be nice. 80% of the breaker rating gives you the max current. You know the rest.
Actually 100% of the breaker rating gives you the max current. There is no blanket "80% rule" for breakers. This only applies to certain loads.
Any load on for more than 3 hours at a time is called a continuous load and the circuit needs to be derated or multiplied by 1.25 which is 1/0.8
Actually any load expected to be on for 3 hours or more is considered a continuous load. Very little in a home would be considered a continuous, although there are things such as electric heat and water heaters that are specifically by code considered continuous loads.