Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

RedDwarf wrote:
Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

The box rating/breakers are total. All circuits in the box aren't at
(anywhere near) full capacity simultaneously so the total ratings of the
individual circuits can (and normally do) exceed the overall box rating.
_IF_ (the proverbial "big if") you had a total load that did exceed
the 150A, it would trip the main while each individual circuit could
still be under it's rated load and not trip. That's by design.

So, it's probably ok still in compliance unless you've added large
continuous loads like AC or resistance heaters. An additional lighting
or outlet circuit is not an issue if the work was done properly.

--

On Nov 8, 7:36�am, RedDwarf wrote:
Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

no biggie as lons as you dont max out the number of breaker slots. who
made the panel?

"RedDwarf" wrote in message
...
Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

Assuming that the "150 amperes" was referring to a single, main circuit
breaker, it's perfectly safe. If it's referring to the panel rating, and
there are multiple main disconnects in the box, you may have an issue

On Nov 8, 9:08*am, " wrote:
On Nov 8, 7:36 am, RedDwarf wrote:

Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

no biggie as lons as you dont max out the number of breaker slots. who
made the panel?

it's cuttler hammer. I appreciate all the information everyone. It
sounds like i'm in good working order. most of the stuff won't be
operating at full load generally. Thanks again!

RedDwarf posted for all of us...

Hi folks,

I bought a home a year ago that was built in 66. I've since added 2
new circuits to the breaker box. I've noticed that at the top of the
box it says "amperes 150". The box's circuits total almost 210amps. is
the label of 150 amperes the max it's allowed? Am I over? Do I need a
new box? It was over 150 before I added the 2 20 amp circuits. I am
probably answering my own question...

do i run a fire risk leaving it like this, if it is over?

Geex did a heck of lot of research on the question that has been answered two
jillion times didn't you...
--
Tekkie Don't bother to thank me, I do this as a public service.