When sizing feeders, continuous loads are increased by what factor?

When sizing feeders, continuous loads are increased by what factor?

• A. 110%
• B. 125%
• C. 100%
• D. 150%

Answer: (B)

Continuous loads are those expected to run for three hours or more. To prevent overheating and ensure the conductor can carry the load safely, feeders are sized at 125% of the continuous load. This extra margin accounts for temperature effects and variations in actual operating conditions. For example, a continuous load of 80 A would require a feeder sized for 80 × 1.25 = 100 A. The 125% multiplier is the standard rule for this purpose, rather than 100%, 110%, or 150%, which do not represent the accepted sizing factor for continuous loads.

Continuous loads are those expected to run for three hours or more. To prevent overheating and ensure the conductor can carry the load safely, feeders are sized at 125% of the continuous load. This extra margin accounts for temperature effects and variations in actual operating conditions. For example, a continuous load of 80 A would require a feeder sized for 80 × 1.25 = 100 A. The 125% multiplier is the standard rule for this purpose, rather than 100%, 110%, or 150%, which do not represent the accepted sizing factor for continuous loads.