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. |
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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The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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What will be the correct size of a main switch for the load of 800Amps?
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