I'm having my old house rewired. I am having them add 200 amp service from the old 100 amp. Does that mean that I can draw up to 200 amps total at one time? :confused: Also, on a 220v 40 amp breaker, is it 40 amps total or 40 amps per line? :eek:

1. Does that mean that I can draw up to 200 amps total at one time? :confused:
2. Also, on a 220v 40 amp breaker, is it 40 amps total or 40 amps per line? :eek:


1. Yes, a 200amp panel can draw up to 200 amps total at one time. However, that may be misleading since it implies 200amps at 220V or 400amps for a balance 110V (200amps at +110V and 200amps at -110V). Since 110V is never balance exactly, I would say 80% of 200A or 160amps at 220V or 320amps at 110V or a mixture there of would be more accurate.

2. A 220V 40amp breaker is able to draw 40amps per line (which is the same thing as 40amps total since it is a loop) during shorter intervals (20 minute intervals) or 32amps continuously.

MrBillB,

First off, I would HIGHLY Recommend that you never run your panel or any circuit at it's full potential.
From the questions you are asking, it seems to me you are designing your circuits to run at max. potential. If you are doing this, I would highly advice that you don't.
There are codes that require certain appliances/utilities/lights etc etc,. to be used with a certain sized breakers and most importantly a certain sized gauge wire depending on the breaker.
Oh and I agree with bhayne.

Maybe I'm assuming too much and I apologize for that, but I would rather you err in the side of safety.