In a 20A double pole circuit breaker, although the breaker says 20A, the breaker is actually two 20A single pole breakers, joined together by one actuator.
A double pole circuit breaker has two 120v branch circuits, hence where the 240v comes from. The two are independent 120v circuits to ground. Each branch remains electrically independent of each other, but with one common ground. Each of the two branches, on these two single pole ‘joined’ breakers, will handle 20A, for a total of 40A.
For the more Technical:
Ohms law causes the joined breakers to behave as if it were a 40A circuit, as far as the electrical panel is concerned, because there’ll be 40A going into the breaker, but splitting into two separate 20A circuits, or branches, of electrical current: 20A+20A=40A.
Conclusion:
In the past, this was easy to see because, each side was labeled with the number 20; however, more and more manufacturers are electing to control both breakers in a 20A double pole circuit breaker, with one single handle.
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A 20 amp breaker can handle up to 2400 watts per hour (20 amps x 120 volts = 2400 watts).
30X240=7200
A 60 amp 2-pole breaker can handle up to 14,400 watts (60 amps x 240 volts). This is because a 2-pole breaker provides 240 volts, which is the typical voltage for larger appliances and machinery.
The load exceeds the limit of the breaker or fuse. For example a 20 amp breaker on a 120 volt circuit will handle 2400 watts. Exceed that wattage and the breaker will trip or the fuse will blow.
To answer this question a voltage must be given. Watts = Amps x Volts. <<>> Answer At 115 volts ac, 30 amps equals 3,450 watts.
A 20 amp breaker can handle up to 2400 watts per hour (20 amps x 120 volts = 2400 watts).
30X240=7200
A 60 amp 2-pole breaker can handle up to 14,400 watts (60 amps x 240 volts). This is because a 2-pole breaker provides 240 volts, which is the typical voltage for larger appliances and machinery.
The maximum wattage that a 30 amp breaker can handle is 30 x 230 = 6900 watts. Other variables come into play and this number will decrease depending on the load, duty time, and difference in voltage fluctuation.
The load exceeds the limit of the breaker or fuse. For example a 20 amp breaker on a 120 volt circuit will handle 2400 watts. Exceed that wattage and the breaker will trip or the fuse will blow.
To answer this question a voltage must be given. Watts = Amps x Volts. <<>> Answer At 115 volts ac, 30 amps equals 3,450 watts.
A 20 amp circuit breaker at 208 volts can handle up to 4160 watts (20 amps x 208 volts = 4160 watts). This is calculated by multiplying the amperage by the voltage to determine the maximum wattage capacity of the circuit.
At 120 volts a 15 amp breaker can be loaded to 1800 watts before it will trip. If it is a continuous load then the electrical code states that it is only allowed to be loaded to 80%. This will be 1800 x .8 = 1440 watts. If the voltage is not 120 volts use the following equation Watts = Amps x Volts. Amps being the breaker size that is to be used.
The equation that you are looking for is I = W/E. Amps = Watts / Volts.
1440
On a 20 amp breaker, you can safely operate devices that consume up to 2400 watts (20 amps x 120 volts = 2400 watts). Exceeding this limit can trip the breaker to prevent overheating and fire hazards.
Generally, a 15 amp breaker can safely handle around 1440 watts of power. The number of lights that can run off this breaker depends on the wattage of each light. As a guideline, if each light consumes around 60-75 watts, you can safely run about 16-24 lights on a 15 amp breaker.