I've what I think are 2 very basic questions.
- My main electric service panel reads "100Amp" service. But when I add up the break current of all the existing circuit breakers, it sums to about 280. I suspect that's because no one will be using the max of each breaker at the same time. But how does one determine this max number of breakers you can have in a panel ?
If possible, reference to a code chapter or section would also be appreciated.
- Some breakers in the panel are 15Amp while others are 20. Whereas I can understand one may want to protect a specific piece of equipment (i.e. furnace, water pump, etc.) with a specific amperage, there doesn't seem to be any reason to me to protecting the kitchen vs. the bedroom with a different cutoff amperage. Unless for some reason, the wire size servicing one area was smaller. Any opinions?
Thanks.