Recent content by drw315

Sure, but I was referring to a short circuit condition. Therefore, the SCPD is the same as the OCPD - the circuit breaker. An OCPD is also a SCPD; it protects against short-circuit current as well as over current.

Haha, I knew someone would correct me, and I'm glad. You're right. Shorts would be protected by the SCPD (breaker), and I obviously pulled 17A out of my shorts. Yet the point remains. Protecting a circuit with a 20A breaker, but not wiring for 20A is asking for problems. There are a million...

This is how fires happen, folks. 20A circuits need to be sized for 20A because that's how much current could flow through the system without tripping the breaker. It's all fine and dandy with your "1A applied load" you calculated for - until something shorts/arcs and you now have 17A running...

Welcome, Clarksville! I grew up around the corner from you in Lake Odessa (live in SE Michigan now). Cheers!