How to Size an Electrical Panel
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How to Select the Right Size Electrical Panel: Electric Circuit Requirements and Electrical Circuit Amperage, Common 120volt and 240volt wiring circuits and the circuit breakers with the different types and amperage sizes used for home wiring. © By: Dave Rongey |
Understanding Electrical Circuit Requirements
[ad#block]Electrical Question: I had the panel on the outside of the house changed from fuses to breakers.
- I wanted to replace the panel inside the house to go from fuses to breakers. It has eight 30A fuses.
- Would a 125Amp eight slot panel be enough and would I be able to use 15A breakers to take the place of the fuses?
This electrical wiring question came from: Mike, a Homeowner from San Antonio, Texas.
See more about Home Wiring for Texas
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Mike.
How to Select the Right Size Electrical Panel
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced., Not Recommended for Homeowners.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, electric drill, auger bits and extension cord.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and install panels and electrical circuit wiring.
Precaution: Working in panels is Dangerous! This is an extensive project that should be performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Notice: Installing a panel or circuit wiring should be done with a permit and be inspected.
Electric Circuit Requirements and Electrical Circuit Amperage
- The size of an electrical panel should be determined by the actual requirements of the electrical circuit loads that will be connected to the panel.
- This is determined by making a list of the circuits and the devices that will be placed on these circuits.
- Some circuits will be for general use, such as room receptacles which may be 15 or 20 amp circuits.
- However other areas such as kitchen and bathroom circuits will need to be treated differently due to their specific code requirements.
More about Panels and Electrical Circuits
Electric panel
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
Common 120volt and 240volt wiring circuits and the circuit breakers with the different types and amperage sizes used for home wiring.
Circuit Breakers and Fuses
Electric Circuit Breakers
Circuit breakers for home electrical wiring as a circuit protection device.
Circuit Wiring
Home Electrical Circuit Wiring
Most common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
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Hi Owusu,
The size of a main electrical disconnect switch is rated for the both the Voltage and the Amperage, and the amperage size is determined by the electrical load that is known or has been calculated.
Side Note: Interesting timing of your question from Ghana as I have friends who will be in areas of Ghana, and we may be planning future electrical solar projects there in Ghana which I hope to be a part of.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
What will be the correct size of a main switch for the load of 800Amps?