Referencing the above question, what is the correct answer expressed in paper amps?

Referencing the above question, what is the correct answer expressed in paper amps?

• A. 40A
• B. 50A
• C. 60A
• D. 70A

Answer: (B)

The main idea is to size protective devices from a calculated load and report that result as the nearest standard ampacity used on the paper calculations. After summing all loads and applying any demand factors, you get a current value that must be carried safely. You then pick the smallest standard rating that can accommodate that calculated load. In this case, the paper-amps result falls between the 40 A and 50 A standard sizes, so the appropriate paper-amps rating is 50 A. A 40 A rating would be too small for the calculated load, while 60 A or 70 A would be larger than necessary for this calculation.

The main idea is to size protective devices from a calculated load and report that result as the nearest standard ampacity used on the paper calculations. After summing all loads and applying any demand factors, you get a current value that must be carried safely. You then pick the smallest standard rating that can accommodate that calculated load. In this case, the paper-amps result falls between the 40 A and 50 A standard sizes, so the appropriate paper-amps rating is 50 A. A 40 A rating would be too small for the calculated load, while 60 A or 70 A would be larger than necessary for this calculation.