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Do you need arc fault breakers if you put in a new panel in a old house?
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
If your jurisdiction is using a version of the NEC that requires arc fault breakers, then yes. Call your local building and planning department to see what revision of the code they are using.
The exception to this is that you cannot use arc fault breakers if the circuits in question are wired as multiwire circuits (two or more individual circuits sharing a common neutral) because the arc fault breaker won't work in that arrangement. You're not required to replace the entire electrical system just to change a load center, so in this circumstance you wouldn't need them.
If you're using the 2005 NEC, you only need arc fault breakers in the bedrooms. If you're using the 2008 NEC, you'll need them just about everywhere that isn't covered by ground fault breakers.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Yes, it is recommended to install arc fault circuit interrupters (AFCIs) when upgrading the electrical panel in an old house. AFCIs help protect against electrical fires by detecting arcs in the circuit that could indicate faulty wiring or damaged appliances. It is a safety measure that can help prevent hazards in older homes where wiring may be outdated.
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How many 20 amp double pole breakers can go into a 100 amp panel?
The provisioning of the breakers in a panel has a physical limitation regarding how many breakers will fit and a load calculation based on what devices the panel has to support. Your question really applies to both types of breakers. There are rules of thumb for sizing and populating the panel. This information is in the National Electric Code. If you have an existing panel and a new application requiring additional breakers for 220 Volt applications, the current draw in panel can be measured by an electrician and you will know what additional load you can support. If breakers fit physically in the panel, but connected devices exceed the total current capacity you will trip the main panel breaker. At this point you would need to get an electrician involved.
How do you change one breaker on a 3 wire that feeds two regular circuit breakers to a single arc fault circuit breaker - or do you have to change both breakers to arc fault so each has a neutral?
In order to properly convert a circuit to an arc fault circuit breaker, both the hot and neutral wires must be connected to the arc fault breaker. This means that you would need to change both breakers to arc fault breakers, as each would require its own connection to the neutral wire to function effectively and meet safety standards.
What size breaker do I need on the main panel to run a 2-60 amp breakers and 2-40 amp breakers on a sub panel?
You need to calculate how much the total current is likely to be at any moment. It's probable that the total load will be less than the sum of the individual breakers, 200 amps, but how much less depends on local conditions.
How do you add more breakers to a main supply panel?
To add more breakers to a main supply panel, you will need to install a subpanel. This involves running a larger wire from the main panel to the subpanel, installing the subpanel, and connecting the new circuit breakers in the subpanel. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for this task to ensure it is done safely and up to code.
Is there any alternative for fuse in house wiring system?
Yes, circuit breakers are a popular alternative to fuses in house wiring systems. Circuit breakers are reusable and can be reset after they trip, unlike fuses which need to be replaced. circuit breakers can help protect against overload and short circuits in the electrical system.
What should you do if your 200A breaker panel is full and you need to add three forty amp two pole singal throw breakers?
First you need to determine if addition of the new breakers will exceed the 200A service under normal operating conditions. If so you will need to go to power company and increase service and put in a larger main panel. If you have the capacity for the extra current you can add a sub-panel and add the breakers there as well as the breakers you will remove from main panel to accommodate the sub-panel breaker. Another way depends on what breakers are in current panel. There are some breakers that can be duplexed in the same space as a single breaker.
Why does the main circuit breaker trip but not the smaller branch circuit breakers?
If the main breaker has ground fault detection, and the fault is a ground fault, then only the main may trip. Also if the fault is a direct short, the fault current may be several thousand amps, much greater than the trip point of both breakers. Breakers have an I^2T curve (current squared-time), which is an indication of how fast the breaker will trip at a given overload. When both breakers are overloaded, the breaker with the faster I^2T rating at that current level will trip first. This would be an indication that the breakers are improperly specified or adjusted.
Should circuit breakers receive routine maintenance?
Breakers do not need routine maintenance. If the distribution panel is in an environment that allows dust or dirt to build up on the breaker faces, wipe the breakers with a dry cloth. If the distribution panel has a door on the panel face keep it closed.
What is the formula the breakers in panel?
There is no formula used to fill a distribution panel. The panel is loaded according to the circuits that are to be connected to it. After you have determining what breakers are needed always buy a distribution panel that has more slots than you need. The extra cost of buying a panel with more slots in it will pay for itself in the future if additional circuits need to be added.
Have existing a 125 amp main need more breakers spaces?
You can swap a single breaker for two mini breakers or you can add a sub-panel. If you only need a couple of extra circuits then just add mini-breakers.
How many 20 amp double pole breakers can go into a 100 amp panel?
The provisioning of the breakers in a panel has a physical limitation regarding how many breakers will fit and a load calculation based on what devices the panel has to support. Your question really applies to both types of breakers. There are rules of thumb for sizing and populating the panel. This information is in the National Electric Code. If you have an existing panel and a new application requiring additional breakers for 220 Volt applications, the current draw in panel can be measured by an electrician and you will know what additional load you can support. If breakers fit physically in the panel, but connected devices exceed the total current capacity you will trip the main panel breaker. At this point you would need to get an electrician involved.
How do you change one breaker on a 3 wire that feeds two regular circuit breakers to a single arc fault circuit breaker - or do you have to change both breakers to arc fault so each has a neutral?
In order to properly convert a circuit to an arc fault circuit breaker, both the hot and neutral wires must be connected to the arc fault breaker. This means that you would need to change both breakers to arc fault breakers, as each would require its own connection to the neutral wire to function effectively and meet safety standards.
What size breaker do I need on the main panel to run a 2-60 amp breakers and 2-40 amp breakers on a sub panel?
You need to calculate how much the total current is likely to be at any moment. It's probable that the total load will be less than the sum of the individual breakers, 200 amps, but how much less depends on local conditions.
Do you need a main disconnect on the feeder wires running to a detached garage running from the box in the house?
Yes you do. The detached garage will either be fed with a single circuit or a sub panel. The wire feeding the garage will need to be protected and that is the purpose of the breaker (disconnect). The breaker size will be determined by the size of the wire that is used on this circuit.
How do you add more breakers to a main supply panel?
To add more breakers to a main supply panel, you will need to install a subpanel. This involves running a larger wire from the main panel to the subpanel, installing the subpanel, and connecting the new circuit breakers in the subpanel. It is recommended to consult a licensed electrician for this task to ensure it is done safely and up to code.
What type of wire do you need to run a 60 amp sub panel with 3 20 amp single breakers in the panel?
I would use 4 AWG copper to be safe.
Is there any alternative for fuse in house wiring system?
Yes, circuit breakers are a popular alternative to fuses in house wiring systems. Circuit breakers are reusable and can be reset after they trip, unlike fuses which need to be replaced. circuit breakers can help protect against overload and short circuits in the electrical system.
