Trying to figure out the Amp ratings for my circuits

I checked my panel box and only saw something that said "Interruption Rating: 10,000A" which I hope means the panel box can take 100 amps. Now how do I figure out what each circuit can take? I've heard both 15A and 20A are popular, which is a pretty big difference.

Delta223 said:

I checked my panel box and only saw something that said "Interruption Rating: 10,000A" which I hope means the panel box can take 100 amps. Now how do I figure out what each circuit can take? I've heard both 15A and 20A are popular, which is a pretty big difference.

Click to expand...

Ok If your panel box has an interruption rating of 10,000 amps, what that means is the panel itself will fail if it is hit with amps that go past 10,000 amps

Now I don't think you would have to worry about that unless maybe if it got hit with lighting.

Now for circuit breakers I would say 15amps are the most popular, but it is always suggested that 20amp be used, but before you make a decision, make sure your wiring can handle the amps also.

So to break it down for you.

Your panel box would still function if it were to encounter a load of up to 10,000 amps. (probably never happen)

Also your circuit breakers have a interrupt rating also. Meaning they will still function as long as they are not hit with a load that does not exceed that rating.

The good thing about circuit breakers is you can reset them, if they are tripped.

And finally whatever circuit breaker you get, make sure the wires can handle way more than amps than what the circuit breaker is set to trip at.

Hope this helps explain things

each breaker will have a number on the switch, that is the max amps it can handle.the main will have 2 switchs joined together and say 100,150 or 200. that is the max load the entire panel can handle.each single switch will be labeled 15 or 20( rarely will you find a 5 or 10) that is the max amps that particular switch can handle.