Code Q&A

Q. Does the Code limit the total ampere rating of all circuit breakers in a panel? For example, could the total ampere rating of all circuit breakers in a 100A panel exceed 100A? A. This isn’t a Code issue. The sum of the ampere rating of the circuit ...

Mike Holt

April 22, 2005

Q. Does the Code limit the total ampere rating of all circuit breakers in a panel? For example, could the total ampere rating of all circuit breakers in a 100A panel exceed 100A?

A. This isn’t a Code issue. The sum of the ampere rating of the circuit breakers in a panelboard is irrelevant. As a matter of fact, it’s very common for the total ampere rating of the branch breakers in a panelboard to far exceed the rating of the panelboard.

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About the Author

Mike Holt

Mike Holt is the owner of Mike Holt Enterprises (www.MikeHolt.com), one of the largest electrical publishers in the United States. He earned a master's degree in the Business Administration Program (MBA) from the University of Miami. He earned his reputation as a National Electrical Code (NEC) expert by working his way up through the electrical trade. Formally a construction editor for two different trade publications, Mike started his career as an apprentice electrician and eventually became a master electrician, an electrical inspector, a contractor, and an educator. Mike has taught more than 1,000 classes on 30 different electrical-related subjects — ranging from alarm installations to exam preparation and voltage drop calculations. He continues to produce seminars, videos, books, and online training for the trade as well as contribute monthly Code content to EC&M magazine.