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    cmcclenny's Avatar
    cmcclenny Posts: 2, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Apr 2, 2007, 02:29 PM
    Main Circuit Panel to Branch Panel?
    Hello experts,
    OK... My Main Load center in my home has a branch circuit connected to a 60 amp breaker.
    The branch feed wire is a 4awg copper wire. The branch panel is downstairs and it has a 100amp main cutoff breaker installed in it. It feeds the whole downstairs including...

    (1) 40amp - Hot Water Heater
    (1) 20amp - Washer
    (1) 30amp - Dryer
    (2) 20amp - 10 plugs(goes from breaker to 2 junction boxes in ceiling then split to each plug)
    (1) 20amp - 4- 4ft fluorescent light boxes
    (1) 30amp - Branch circuit to pool house via an underground pvc pipe.


    My question is really 3 fold...

    1) Should I run a new 2awg wire from main panel to branch circuit panel in order to get 100amps downstairs and install a 100amp branch circuit breaker in main panel to feed it?

    2) Should the main breaker in the main panel have the same size breaker as the main breaker in the branch circuit?

    3) Am I overloaded downstairs?
    :confused:
    tkrussell's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
    Uber Member
    		  
    #2

    Apr 2, 2007, 03:29 PM
    Even thou #4 is allowed for 100 amp residential, would be good to get more copper, or even #2 aluminum will be a adequate for a full 100 amp capacity.

    You have three large appliances that will likely run together, so load will be about 65 amps running hard and steady. So I think your pushing it, and can be a good thing to get some cushion.

    If your CB at the end of the feeder is 60 amp is fine, one more layer of protection.
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