Q&A for How to Determine Amperage of Circuit Breaker

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Question

Where do I find a circuit breaker?

Jesse Kuhlman
Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.

Jesse Kuhlman

Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

Expert Answer

Look in your basement, garage, or utility if you have one. If you don't see the circuit breaker there, check the outside walls of your home.

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Question

How do I tell what size breaker I need when determining amperage?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

First, find the total amps that you need and then get a breaker that's the next size larger than your calculation.

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Question

How do I determine what size wires I need for a circuit breaker?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

Consult the tables in the most current NEC Sec 310 to find what size wires you need.

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Question

How do I know what size circuit breaker I need for my machine?

Ralph Childers
Electrical Professional
Ralph Childers is a master electrician based in the Portland, Oregon area with over 30 years of conducting and teaching electrical work. Ralph received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and holds an Oregon Journeyman Electrical License as well as electrician licenses in Louisiana and Texas.

Ralph Childers

Electrical Professional

Expert Answer

First, you need to find the amps for the machine and then use the NEC to size your breaker.

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Question

What is the difference between regular circuit breakers and double pole breakers?

Jesse Kuhlman
Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric
Jesse Kuhlman is a Master Electrician and the Owner of Kuhlman Electric based in Massachusetts. Jesse specializes in all aspects of home and residential wiring, troubleshooting, generator installation, and WiFi thermostats. Jesse is also the author of four eBooks on home wiring including "Residential Electrical Troubleshooting" which covers basic electrical troubleshooting in residential homes.

Jesse Kuhlman

Master Electrician, Kuhlman Electric

Expert Answer

There are two hot wires—a red and a black wire—that feed your circuit panel. Most circuit breakers are powered by either the red wire or the black wire. If you have a double pole breaker, the red and black wires are tied together with a handle tie, essentially delivering double the voltage.

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