An electrical panel schedule shows a 40-amp, 240-volt circuit feeding an electric water heater. What is the maximum wattage this circuit can supply?
Correct Answer
B) 9,600 watts
Using the formula Watts = Volts × Amps, a 40-amp circuit at 240 volts can supply 9,600 watts maximum (240 × 40 = 9,600). This calculation is essential for verifying electrical load requirements.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
Option B is correct because it applies the fundamental electrical power formula P = V × I (Watts = Volts × Amps) accurately. With a 40-amp breaker at 240 volts, the maximum power capacity is 240 × 40 = 9,600 watts. This represents the theoretical maximum load the circuit can handle before the breaker trips. Understanding this calculation is crucial for electrical load planning and ensuring circuits are properly sized for their intended loads.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: 12,000 watts
This answer implies 300 volts (300 × 40 = 12,000), which is not a standard residential voltage and would be incorrect for a typical water heater circuit.
Option D: 8,400 watts
This answer suggests 270 volts instead of 240 volts (270 × 40 = 10,800), which is not the standard residential voltage for this type of circuit.
Memory Technique
Remember 'VIP' - Volts × Amps = Power. For 240V circuits, think '240 × breaker amps = max watts' - it's a direct multiplication with no tricks.
Reference Hint
Florida Building Code, Chapter 27 (Electrical) or NEC Article 220 for electrical load calculations and circuit sizing requirements
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