wrote in message
ups.com...
I've what I think are 2 very basic questions.

1. My main electric service panel reads "100Amp" service. But when I
add up the break current of all the existing circuit breakers, it sums
to about 280. I suspect that's because no one will be using the max
of each breaker at the same time. But how does one determine this max
number of breakers you can have in a panel ?


You realize that is 100a @ 240v. Your 280 is probably only 140. But yes,
if you use your dryer at the same time as your oven, range, and water heater
you will probably have a problem.

If possible, reference to a code chapter or section would also be
appreciated.

2. Some breakers in the panel are 15Amp while others are 20. Whereas
I can understand one may want to protect a specific piece of equipment
(i.e. furnace, water pump, etc.) with a specific amperage, there
doesn't seem to be any reason to me to protecting the kitchen vs. the
bedroom with a different cutoff amperage. Unless for some reason, the
wire size servicing one area was smaller. Any opinions?

Breaker size is tied to wire size. Kitchens generally use more current than
bedrooms, so bedrooms use #14 and kitchens #2 typically. If your bedroom
has the same cable as your kitchen, they will both have 20a breakers.