200a 240 residential service,200a each leg in theory

[Stewartmatte]

Looking for a definite answer,and maybe very brief explanation, about the "potential ? power I have available at house.

I have a 200a 240v service at my house. Everything in my home is electric, no gas appliances. I have gotten different answers about this but I know somehow it can be done because I've seen it.

I am going to need quite a bit of power in November and December this year. Total of about 100 amps extra (as in I will be running 100a more than I usually do when I'm just using normal every day appliances). I started last night going thru and jotting down different appliances amp ratings so I can get an idea of what they all use.

Sorry long explanation, main question is: can I in theory use up to say 160 amps per leg at 120 simultaneously? I say 160a BC of course to be safe you should always stay below max amperage rating. I know in theory 200a at 240v is the same as 400amp at 120. (Not exactly how it works out technically I think,so excuse me if that's incorrect). But just want to know if I have a sub panel installed and all circuits are balanced, can I technically run 160a thru both legs same time if ran at 120?

 

[roger]

can I in theory use up to say 160 amps per leg at 120 simultaneously?

Yes you can, you can even use 100 percent of the rating but not continuous.

With that said, I am closing the thread in accordance with the forum rules.

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Roger