How to Determine the Size of Breaker Required for an Electric Heater

What formula is used to determine the size of breaker required for an electric heater?

The formula used is I = P/V, where I is the current in amperes, P is the power in watts, and V is the voltage in volts.

Explanation:

When dealing with electrical appliances such as electric heaters, it is important to ensure that the circuit breaker used is appropriately sized to handle the electrical load and protect against overcurrent situations. To determine the size of the breaker needed for an electric heater, the formula I = P/V is used.

For example, if we have an electric heater that is rated at 15,000 watts and operates at a voltage of 240V, we can calculate the required breaker size as follows:

Current (I) = Power (P) / Voltage (V)

Current = 15,000 watts / 240 volts

Current = 62.5 amperes

However, for safety reasons and to comply with regulations, it is recommended to only use 80% of the capacity of the breaker for continuous use. Therefore, a breaker slightly larger than 78.125A would be appropriate, rounding up to an 80A breaker for practicality.