Over loaded panel

[Denray]

So here's this panel with no labels. Looks like a 125 amp type to me. Down where the circuit directory says microwave there is now a 100 amp breaker. This has to be overloading the panel, right??

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[kurt]

Kinda looks like a Zinsco box, doesn't it?

[Jim Katen]

What size was that main breaker?

The 100-amp breaker probably feeds a sub panel, not a branch circuit.

To find out of the panel is overloaded, you have to look at the loads, not the breakers.

[Denray]

100amp main breaker.

[Brandon Whitmore]

Denny,

I believe the main breaker Jim is asking about is the one that has the screw attaching it into place; the main breaker for this panel. If the main breaker is 100 amps, then the panel would be good for 100 amps and not 125.

[Denray]

Seems like I see panels frequently that are rated higher than their main breakers. I report on what the panel is rated for and what the main breaker is at.

[Jim Katen]

100amp main breaker.

Probably a 125-amp panel as you supposed.

I couldn't say whether or not it was overloaded without looking at the loads.