Calculate breaker amps for a home

Calculating breaker amps for a home involves considering several factors, including the total power consumption of the home, the number of circuits, and the type of electrical devices being used. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you calculate the breaker amps for your home:

  1. Determine the total power consumption of your home:
    • Check your past electricity bills to determine your average daily or monthly power consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
    • You can also use a Kill A Watt meter to measure the power consumption of individual appliances and devices.
  2. Calculate the total power consumption in amps:
    • Convert the total power consumption in kWh to amps by dividing it by the number of hours in a day (24) and the voltage of your electrical system (120 or 240 volts).
    • For example, if your average daily power consumption is 30 kWh, and your voltage is 120 volts, the total power consumption in amps would be:
      • 30 kWh / 24 hours = 1.25 kW
      • 1.25 kW / 120 volts = 10.42 amps
  3. Determine the number of circuits:
    • A typical home has 10-20 circuits, depending on the size and layout of the home.
    • You can use a circuit calculator or consult with a licensed electrician to determine the number of circuits needed for your home.
  4. Calculate the breaker amps for each circuit:
    • Divide the total power consumption in amps by the number of circuits to determine the breaker amps for each circuit.
    • For example, if you have 15 circuits and a total power consumption of 10.42 amps, the breaker amps for each circuit would be:
      • 10.42 amps / 15 circuits = 0.69 amps per circuit
  5. Consider the type of electrical devices being used:
    • Some devices, such as refrigerators and air conditioners, require more power than others, such as lamps and televisions.
    • You may need to adjust the breaker amps for each circuit based on the type of devices being used.
  6. Consult with a licensed electrician:
    • If you're unsure about any part of the calculation or need help determining the breaker amps for your home, consult with a licensed electrician.

Here's an example calculation:

In this example, the breaker amps for each circuit would be 0.69 amps. However, this is just an estimate, and you may need to adjust the breaker amps based on the specific needs of your home.

Remember to always follow local building codes and regulations when calculating breaker amps for your home. It's also a good idea to consult with a licensed electrician to ensure that your electrical system is safe and meets your needs.