Each circuit breaker has a specific rated amperage, or amount of

current. When that amperage is exceeded, the circuit breaker shuts

down the flow of current to prevent damage to the wiring. Learn how
to calculate the actual amperage of the current and compare it to the
rated amperage, so you can avoid unnecessary power interruptions.

Method 1
Finding the Amperage Rating of a Circuit Breaker
1.

1
 Examine the electric panel. Each circuit breaker should have its
amperage marked on the handle. This is the maximum amperage that
circuit can take before the circuit breaker trips.
o In the United States, standard household circuits are rated
for 15 amps, or 20 amps for newer homes and high-load circuits.

2
Multiply the amperage by 0.8. For everyday use, it's a good idea to
expose the breaker to a maximum of 80% of the rated amperage. It's
fine to exceed this for short periods of time, but continuous current
above this amount could trip the breaker.
 o Your electrical panel might have a note about the breakers
operating at 100% of the rated value. If it does, you may skip this step.

3
Understand double-pole breakers. Some high-voltage devices may be
wired to a double-pole circuit breaker two standard circuit breakers
sharing a handle. Do not add together the amperage of the two
breakers. This circuit will still be tripped by the amperage displayed on
one circuit breaker handle.
 4
Compare this to the current on the circuit. Now you know how much
amperage your circuit breaker can handle. To find out whether your
circuit exceeds this amperage, continue on to the next method.

Method 2
Finding the Amperage Draw in a Circuit
1.

1
Find the wattage of a device. Pick any device attached to the circuit
you're investigating. Find the wattage (W) listed on the data plate
usually on the back or underside of the device. This is the maximum
power rating of the device, which can be used to calculate amperage.
o Some devices will list the amperage directly, often labeled
FLA. If it does, skip down to the next section to interpret that rating.


2
Check the voltage on the circuit. For household circuits, you can
usually assume your house follows the voltage standards of your
country. (For example, 120V in the US, or around 230V for most of the
EU.[1]) If you think you are working with an exception, [the voltage]
using a multimeter.


3
Divide the wattage by the voltage. The answer will be the amperage
the device draws on your circuit. For example, a 150 watt device on a
120 volt circuit will draw 150 120 = 1.25 amps.


4
Repeat for each device on the circuit. Perform the same calculation
for each other device on the circuit, or at least the ones with the
highest wattage. Write down each answer next to the name of the
device.


5
Add the amperages of devices that are always running. Take the
continuously running devices, or the devices that run for more than a
couple hours at a time. Add their amperages together. If the result is
more than 80% of your circuit breaker's rated amperage, plug one of
the devices into an outlet on a different circuit.


6
Add additional amperages. On top of the continuous amperage, add the
amperage of other devices that might be on at the same time. If any
combination gets above 100% of the circuit breaker's rating, it will trip
the circuit. You can solve this by moving a device to a different circuit,
or by remembering not to use high-power devices at the same time.
o Electrical circuits never operate perfectly. Some of the
energy is lost to heat, and devices may draw more current to make up
for this. Waste is low in most household circuits (below 10%), but it is
 still possible to trip the breaker if the amperage on paper is slightly
below the breaker rating.

7
Measure amperage directly with a clamp multimeter (optional). A
clamp multimeter (or clamp ammeter) has a pair of "jaws" at the top
that close shut to encircle a wire. When set to measure amps, the
device will display the number of amps running through that wire.[2] To
test a circuit, expose the wire leading to the load side of a circuit
breaker. With the clamp multimeter set up as described, have a friend
 turn on other devices in the house. If the device is on the same circuit,
you will see the amperage display increase.
o Do not attempt this unless you have electrician's gloves and
a basic understanding of electrical safety. These wires are live and
can be very dangerous.

Method 3
Reading a Device's Amperage Rating
1.

1
 Look for the data plate. All appliances should have a data plate with
electrical information. Look on the back or underside of the device, or
check the product manual. The information on this plate will help you
determine how many amperes the device draws, and therefore the
rating you will need for the circuit breaker.
o This section covers devices that list the amperage directly
on the data plate, which should include all appliances with a motor. If
your device only lists wattage (W), calculate the amperage from that
value.
o This is not an appropriate method to determine safety
features to protect the motor itself.[3] The circuit breaker protects the
wiring of the electrical supply.
o High-power devices such as air conditioning units and
ovens are best installed by a trained electrician.


2
Check the device's voltage rating. The amperage drawn depends on
the voltage of your electrical circuit. The intended voltage (V) of the
device should be listed so you can confirm that it matches your
electrical system. If the device can run at two different voltages, it will
usually list two values like this: 110V/240V. In this example, if you were
running the device on a 110 volt supply, you would only refer to the
first number listed on each line.
 o Most electrical codes allow a 5% tolerance for the voltage
(or slightly more).[4][5]Do not run a device on a voltage supply outside
this range.
o Household outlets in the US and some other countries are
on a 120V standard. Most of the world uses 220240V.[6]

3
Look for the FLA. This is the number of amps the motor will draw at
the rated horsepower. In the United States, if this device will be left on
for more than three hours, the circuit breaker should be rated at 125%
 of this value. (Multiply the FLA by 1.25.) This allows for additional load
due to other factors, mainly heat.[7]
o This value may also be listed as full load amperage, running
amps, rated amp, or just amps.[8]
o Some circuit breakers are rated to 100% of the listed
amperage, meaning you can skip the 125% calculation. This
information will be clearly listed on the circuit breaker electrical panel
if you have this type of breaker.[9]

4
 Check the LRA. The LRA, or locked rotor amps, is the amount of
current drawn when the motor is not turning. This is required to start
the motor, and can be much higher than the FLA.[10] Modern circuit
breakers are designed to allow this brief surge of current. If your
circuit breaker is rated high enough for the FLA but still trips when the
device is plugged in, it could be a faulty breaker, or just an old model.
Move the device with high LRA to another circuit or have an electrician
inspect your wiring.
o Do not confuse this with the RLA, a value listed on air
conditioner units.

 5
Take other devices into account. If multiple devices are running on the
same circuit, add them together as follows:
o If your circuit breaker is rated at 100%, just add all of the
amperages together.
o If your circuit breaker is rated at 80% or you do not know its
rating, add the amperages of all devices running for more than three
hours at a time and multiply by 1.25. Add to the result the amperage of
all devices running for shorter periods of time.
o In either case, if the answer exceeds the circuit breaker
amperage, move a device to another circuit.


6
Use the MCA and MOP ratings for an air conditioning unit. These values
are rarely listed except in North American air conditioning units. The
Minimum Circuit Amperage tells you the minimum wire size necessary
for safety. The Maximum Overdraft Protection is the highest circuit
breaker amperage allowable. When in doubt, use the MOP value when
choosing a circuit breaker to avoid unnecessary breaker tripping. [11]
o These values are often surprising if you do not have HVAC
experience, and are further complicated by new technologies that
 allow for lower amperage than MOP implies. Consider hiring a
professional if you are not experienced in the area.

Community Q&A
What causes a circuit breaker to trip?
wikiHow Contributor

There are multiple reasons, including too much of a load on the circuit
and an electrical fault. When a breaker trips, it is typically preventing
fire and/or electrocution.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 7

Which breaker is best for a 13 amp motor?

wikiHow Contributor

If no other appliance is on the same circuit, then a 15 or 20 amp cb will

do.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 5

How can I calculate the size of a circuit breaker of a geyser

element that has 8.8 ohms resistance and supply voltage of 230v?
Adrian Ampong

The formula for current is voltage divided by resistance. 230 / 8.8 =

26.14, so use a 30A circuit breaker.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 2

If two appliances rated at 15 amps each, are on the same circuit,

does the circuit require a 30 amp fuse?
wikiHow Contributor

If both appliances will be working simultaneously, then you'll need a 40

amp cb. Otherwise, a 30 amp cb will do.
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 3

I am connecting a transfer switch for my standby generator. The

well pump is connected to 15 amp double breaker on the main panel
for 240v supply, my transfer switch has a 20 amp double breaker. Can I
connect the well pump to the 20 amp breakers?
 wikiHow Contributor

I would think you should change out the 20 amp double pole breakers
in your transfer switch and replace them with 15 amp 2-pole breakers.
This is the calculated load size that your well pump was designed for
to operate on. Increasing the breaker size to larger amperage can
cause other damages to the circuitry. The supply cable that feeds your
well pump could overheat, and the oversized breaker will not trip.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 1

If my garage only has the 120v outlets, will I only be able to use
compressors rated at 110-120v?
wikiHow Contributor

Yes. But if you need higher voltage supply, then you can use the step-
up transformer.
Not Helpful 4 Helpful 3

What size breaker do I need for a new dedicated circuit for a

central vacuum that uses 12.5 amps?
wikiHow Contributor

A single pole 15 amp breaker and a #14 AWG / 2 conductor for the
power supply to this single receptacle. Note no other loads should be
attached to this circuit. This supply is stand alone.
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1

How can I determine the size of wires and circuit breaker for a
heat press?
wikiHow Contributor

Check the heat press for current rating, multiply it by 1.25, then select
the standard circuit breaker next to it.
Not Helpful 1 Helpful 1

What is the disadvantage of using a circuit breaker of higher size

than the required size?
wikiHow Contributor

It could be dangerous because the power feed to the unit may

overheat, but the breaker won't trip. It could pose a fire hazard.
Not Helpful 0 Helpful 0
 Unanswered Questions

What is the difference between a switch breaker and a circuit

breaker?
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I have a water heater that was changed from 120 V to 230 V. Will
this run on a 110?
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How do I determine amperage of a circuit breaker?

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requires 500mA?
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Warnings
The circuit breaker amperage is also limited by the gauge and
material of the attached wire. To prevent a hazardous setup, follow
electrical safety codes (such as the NEC in the US).[12]The NEC
(National Electrical Code) is published by the NFPA (National Fire
Prevention Association) and that's not a coincidence!
Be sure you use a circuit breaker that is the same brand as the
panel box you are installing, or it will not be under warranty.

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