Can a 125Amp Circuit Breaker be used for 250Amps?
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If a 2pole circuit breaker is rated for 125 amps can it be used for 250 amps? The Amperage Rating of a 2Pole 125Amp Circuit Breaker. |
2Pole 125 Amp Circuit Breaker
Electrical Question: If a 2pole circuit breaker is rated for 125 amps can it be used for a total of 250 amps?
- I am trying to add to my circuit breaker and am a little lost. I have 2- 1/0 gauge “hot” wires (aluminum) going to my main breaker and from my understanding 1/0 gauge can handle 125 amps.
- The main breaker shows 125 amps on one side. So my question is can I run up to 250 amps (minus 20%) continuous current without modification or am I limited to 125 amps?
- I won’t actually be anywhere near 250 amps but I’m curious if I have more than 125 amps of continuous current available. I don’t know much about this and will not be attempting the work myself but I am curious if it’s possible.
- Also, when reading amperage ratings at the breaker box are they based on 120v or 240v?
This electrical wiring question came from Carl, in Castle Rock, Colorado.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Carl.
The Amperage Rating of a 125 Amp Circuit Breaker
Application: Installing a Circuit Breaker in a Main Electric Service Panel.
Skill Level: Advanced – Should be Installed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor. This is Not Recommended for Homeowners or DIY individuals.
Tools Required: Electricians pouch of hand tools and the various power tools necessary for the specific method of electrical service installation.
Estimated Time: Depends on the type of panel, the location, and available access to the project area.
Precaution: Shock Hazard and Arc Flash Hazard! This is an extensive project which should be done by a licensed electrical contractor. The main source of electric utility power should be turned off before working in an electric panel.
Notice: Installing an Electrical Service Panel should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
The Amperage Rating of a 2Pole 125Amp Circuit Breaker
NOTE: The two power conductors of a 2pole 240Volt electrical service are out of phase from each other when the power is produced at the generating station or the power source unit.
- The amperage rating of a 2Pole 125 Amp Circuit Breaker is based on each pole or wire conductor.
- The amperage rating for Pole One, often refereed to as Line 1 is 125amps.
- The amperage rating for Pole Two, often refereed to as Line 2 is 125amps.
- The combined amperage rating of the 2pole circuit breaker is still 125amps.
Note: Electrical circuits are carefully calculated and designed for the specific application or equipment which will be connected to the circuit.
The Amperage Rating of an Electrical Panel
- Each panel is designed for a maximum amperage rating based on voltage.
- A 120/240 volt panel has the capability of providing 1pole 120 volt circuits, or 2pole 240volt circuits.
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