Electrical Question

[getogrow]

with a 50a sub panel , its 50a each bus bar

Im not sure exactly how the breaker works but it will pop well before 50 amps on each side. You can run 45 amps on one leg and 10 on the other and it will pop. (well it should, breakers are junk these days)
50 amps means 50 amps. No more.

 

[Renfro]

m not sure exactly how the breaker works but it will pop well before 50 amps

The breaker should trip at 80% of it's rated amperage. So a 50 amp circuit is good for up to 40 amps.

 

[Renfro]

Also know that if a breaker is in a hot location it will trip a little earlier. For example, lets say the breaker panel is in your garage and it gets really hot in the summer. If you are pulling say 39 amps on a 50 amp breaker it will fine most of the year but come the hottest months you start seeing it trip.

 

[getogrow]

chongo posted that you have 50a on each side of the bus bar which is kinda true but you still only have 50 total. you do NOT have 100 amps to play with. Like renfro said , you have 40amps safely. (Total....both legs)

 

[Klone00]

The 40 amps is the number I am working with and will be well within that unless my set up gets bigger. 7amps total for my lights on their own 15amp breaker, my pumps, etc on another 15a (that one should be drawing under half) and another 15 or 20a depending on what A/C unit I end up getting.

 

[getogrow]

The 40 amps is the number I am working with and will be well within that unless my set up gets bigger. 7amps total for my lights on their own 15amp breaker, my pumps, etc on another 15a (that one should be drawing under half) and another 15 or 20a depending on what A/C unit I end up getting.

Thats perfect. you have a shitton of room to upgrade or add things.