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    Eng299's Avatar
    Eng299 Posts: 12, Reputation: 1
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    #1

    Aug 7, 2009, 07:08 PM
    Max continious wattage on a 15A breaker and 20A breaker
    What is the max continious wattage on a 15amp and 20amp breaker?
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #2

    Aug 7, 2009, 07:52 PM

    Can't solve the problem with the information given. Power = Voltage * Current; What's missing?
    KISS's Avatar
    KISS Posts: 12,510, Reputation: 839
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    #3

    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's Avatar
    tkrussell Posts: 9,659, Reputation: 725
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    #4

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

    Quote Originally Posted by KeepItSimpleStupid View Post
    OK. I'll be nice.
    Finally making progress!

    Only kidding Kiss.
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
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    #5

    Aug 8, 2009, 05:41 AM
    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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