Choosing the Right Service Amperage for Electrical Circuits

What is the appropriate service amperage that should be reported when dealing with a #3 copper wire, a 100 amp breaker, and a panel rated for 125 amps?

A) 100 amps B) 125 amps C) 150 amps D) 200 amps

Answer:

The appropriate service amperage that should be reported is 125 amps (option B).

When dealing with electrical circuits, it is crucial to ensure that the amperage rating of the breaker matches the ampacity of the wire and the capacity of the panel. In this scenario, a #3 copper wire is capable of handling up to 100 amps of current, and the panel is rated for 125 amps. Therefore, the breaker should be rated for the same amperage as the panel to ensure safe and efficient operation.

Choosing a lower amperage breaker would restrict the flow of current through the wire and could result in frequent tripping of the breaker. On the other hand, selecting a higher amperage breaker would exceed the ampacity of the wire, leading to overheating and a potential fire hazard. Thus, the appropriate service amperage to report is 125 amps, aligning with the panel rating.

It is important to always follow electrical codes and guidelines to maintain the safety and functionality of electrical circuits.