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-   -   Max continious wattage on a 15A breaker and 20A breaker (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=384571)

  • Aug 7, 2009, 07:08 PM
    Eng299
    Max continious wattage on a 15A breaker and 20A breaker
    What is the max continious wattage on a 15amp and 20amp breaker?
  • Aug 7, 2009, 07:52 PM
    KISS

    Can't solve the problem with the information given. Power = Voltage * Current; What's missing?
  • Aug 7, 2009, 07:55 PM
    KISS

    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
  • Aug 8, 2009, 03:12 AM
    tkrussell
    This may be a first,

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid View Post
    OK. I'll be nice.

    Finally making progress!

    Only kidding Kiss.
  • Aug 8, 2009, 05:41 AM
    stanfortyman
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid View Post
    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.

    Quote:

    Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid View Post
    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.

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