What’s the Maximum Load in a 100 Amp Box?

In terms of breakers, a 100 Amp panel can hold no more than 42 at the legal maximum. That will provide enough energy for several 240 volt appliances and central HVAC.

Circuit breakers can leave you confused when installing them in an amp service panel. This is the main reason why you may be confused as to whether to introduce a mini breaker or not. While there are many approaches to this question, there are a few factors that you must know about circuit breakers.

For instance, if you are using a panel with a 100 amp rating, the number of breakers used plays a key role in controlling the home system.

The panel will tell you the maximum number of breakers you can install for efficiency. With that said, you can adjust the number of breakers used on the panel depending on how the energy is used at every given time. The distribution distances may also have an effect on the overall number of breakers.

How Circuit Breakers Work

Circuit breakers mainly act as a switch that cuts power off from the main electrical supply. Thanks to their ability to prevent overloads, circuit breakers are an effective mechanism that helps increase power safety. They help prevent fire outbreaks in case the system is overloaded.

A typical 20 amp panel, for instance, should have around 20 circuits. In other words, it can handle up to 20 full-sized breakers. Some panels can handle 16 full-sized breakers and four twin breakers.

The central control of the individual circuits is usually connected at the top or the bottom of the breaker box. The switch has the purpose of disconnecting electricity from the powerlines outside your house.

Sub-Breakers

There are situations where you may have to use a sub-circuit breaker. Although not mandatory, in some circumstances, it is necessary to use a sub-breaker. Sub-breakers are used to extend circuits in more expansive areas that are away from the primary source of power.

This extra mini circuit breaker provides additional protection. This might be necessary, especially when you are using heavy equipment that may require a high power supply outside your central circuit box area.

Should You Introduce a Mini Breaker?

Now to answer the question of whether you should introduce a mini-circuit breaker on your 100-amp, let's look at the factors that matter.

The first and most important factor you want to consider is your power needs. Most homes below 2500 sq ft with normal electrical appliances such as TV and washing appliances do not need a mini breaker.

On the other hand, if you will be using devices with a bigger pull, such as heating systems and air conditioners, you may want to consider introducing a sub breaker to the system.

It is important to also understand the meaning of the amperage of your primary circuit box. If the amperage is 100-amps, it does not mean you cannot have appliances that go over 100-amps.

What it means is that you can't use the appliances at the same time. Although your panel may be 100 amps, everything in the house may total up to 200 amps. This does not mean that you will be using 100amps at every moment.

If you have an electric kettle which is 20 amps, and a vacuum cleaner which is 20 amps, you will not be using both devices at the same time. This may mean that you have only one of these items running at every particular time. The same applies to most of the appliances you will be using inside your house.

Conclusion

The only metric you should look at in case you are using an amperage box that seems to be lower than your appliances is the circuit breaker. At the end of the day, a circuit breaker is meant to break power flow when there is excessive power flow.

In other words, unless the circuit breaker trips when you are using your appliances, you are good to go. If the breaker trips when you are using appliances, you should consider introducing a mini breaker for specific appliances. Look at appliances that consume the most power and introduce a different mini breaker.