breaker size, wire guage, circuit spec
#1
12-26-04, 07:58 PM
breaker size, wire guage, circuit spec
Hi,
I am wondering if theer is a FAQ aroudn to explain how to pick a breaker size and wire gauge, as well as design a circuit for 2 220V heaters for my basement.
One is 2kW and the other is 1.5kW. Can I put them on the same wire and breaker (the easiest for me)?
What is the guideline or equation for figuring the number of amps that a breaker should be rated for. The ding-ding working at Home Depot must've had a rough Christmas because he didn't seem to know!
Any help appreciated, but explanation preferred. Thanks....
B
I am wondering if theer is a FAQ aroudn to explain how to pick a breaker size and wire gauge, as well as design a circuit for 2 220V heaters for my basement.
One is 2kW and the other is 1.5kW. Can I put them on the same wire and breaker (the easiest for me)?
What is the guideline or equation for figuring the number of amps that a breaker should be rated for. The ding-ding working at Home Depot must've had a rough Christmas because he didn't seem to know!
Any help appreciated, but explanation preferred. Thanks....
B
#3
12-26-04, 09:45 PM
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BST - Welcome to the DIY Forums.
I am a Chemical Engineer, not an Electrical Engineer, but here is my take:
If my memory serves me correctly, Volts X Amps = Watts
So, Amps = Watts/Volts or for your case, 2000 Watts/220 Volts = 9.09 Amps
and, 1500 Watts/220 Volts = 6.82 Amps
So, it would appear a 20 Amp Breaker should do it. And that should mean 12 gauge copper wire.
I am not an expert in this field, just offering my take on this.
If my memory serves me correctly, Volts X Amps = Watts
So, Amps = Watts/Volts or for your case, 2000 Watts/220 Volts = 9.09 Amps
and, 1500 Watts/220 Volts = 6.82 Amps
So, it would appear a 20 Amp Breaker should do it. And that should mean 12 gauge copper wire.
I am not an expert in this field, just offering my take on this.
#4
12-26-04, 10:07 PM
Member
The manufacturer of the heating equipment should provide installation instructions, and you should (must) follow their advice.
If the manufacturer provides no guidance, arkayassoc's analysis is correct.
If the manufacturer provides no guidance, arkayassoc's analysis is correct.
#5
12-27-04, 06:51 AM
Originally Posted by arkayassoc
I am a Chemical Engineer, not an Electrical Engineer, but here is my take:
If my memory serves me correctly, Volts X Amps = Watts
So, Amps = Watts/Volts or for your case, 2000 Watts/220 Volts = 9.09 Amps
and, 1500 Watts/220 Volts = 6.82 Amps
So, it would appear a 20 Amp Breaker should do it. And that should mean 12 gauge copper wire.
If my memory serves me correctly, Volts X Amps = Watts
So, Amps = Watts/Volts or for your case, 2000 Watts/220 Volts = 9.09 Amps
and, 1500 Watts/220 Volts = 6.82 Amps
So, it would appear a 20 Amp Breaker should do it. And that should mean 12 gauge copper wire.
#6
12-27-04, 09:43 AM
The logic behind Thinman's reply: NEC doesn't want you to connect more than 80% of the rating of a circuit's wire or breaker. Multiplying connected amps x 1.25 keeps you at 80%.
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