How many amps does a basic household circuit have?

Question

+ the total # of watts and volts would be nice if you got 'em!

Answer 1

the average house used to have a 60 amp service, but nowdays most are biult with a 100 amp service

volts times amps equals watts
so with a 100 amp service, you could run 12000 watts

most curcuits are 15 or 20 amps
you can by the size wire, if it has #14 its good for 15 amps---if it has #12 it's good for 20 amps

Answer 2

You need to understand the 80% rule of electrical. You should never expect a breaker to do more than 80% of the max rating for that breaker. That means, on a 15 amp breaker you should keep the load under 12 amps. So, for you to draw 20 amps continuously you will need a 30 amp breaker AND thicker wiring. That's right, the lines pulled in there for your 15 amp power plugs and lights will NOT handle 20 amps. They will melt and likely start a fire. If risking a fire is no big deal to you, or you think it can't happen to you because your horoscope said you'd have good luck, then go nuts. Otherwise, you should really call an Electrician. I mean, if you do your own plumbing and you screw something up the worst thing that can happen is a flood. With electrical the worst thing that can happen is a fiery death. Seems like a no contest decision to me.

Answer 3

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A 20 amp circuit breaker will handle 15 amps with no problem, continuously. But 20 amps continuous will trip it after only a few minutes. If your electric welder draws 20 amps continuous, you need to have a 25 or 30 amp circuit, and that means heavier wires and a heavier duty circuit breaker. You need an electrician.

Answer 4

16A / 1800W / 120V typical.

Normal household panel has 2 legs. A single pole (1 leg to ground) gives 120V power - your typical receptacle connection.

This single pole can theoretically hold up to 1800 watts of power at a time. A typical receptacle is designed around 180W, and usually only 6-8 are on one circuit, allowing a little extra for large receptacle loads. This is why hair dryers are mostly rated at 1500 or less, and when that hair dryer is running at the same time as something else it can pop the circuit.

The number of amps is derived from V*A=W. Most household circuits have 20 amp circuits, but have a buffer of 80%, meaning that they are really only operating at up to 16 amp.

Electric dryers have a special plug because they are using 208 or 240V power.

Answer 5

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RE:
How many amps does a basic household circuit have?
+ the total # of watts and volts would be nice if you got 'em!

Answer 6

The usual basic circuit in household wiring is 20 amps at 120 volts. This equates to 2400 watts of power. This of course excludes the circuit for an electric stove, clothes dryer, and central heating system which are higher amperages and voltages. When using the standard circuit, be sure to plug in only what the circuit will stand. For instance, a toaster rated at 8 amps and a hair dryer rated at 12.5 amps would be pushing it if plugged in and used at the same time.

Answer 7

In North America, usually 15 or 20. Electric water heaters get 20 amps; electric clothes dryers 30, and kitchen ranges 50. Available watts will be current times 120 volts.

Answer 8

Typically 20 amp
That 110 volts or 2200 watts.

Some older houses have 15 amp breakers and your AC unit or stove might have a 50 amp breaker

Answer 9

As a rule, 20, but 30 amp circuits aren't at all uncommon either.

Answer 10

Basic House Wiring