Skip to content
Electrical Field Tables • Standard OCPD Sizes Chart • NEC 240.6(A) Reference
NEC 240.6(A) Field Reference Standard OCPD Sizes + Next-Size-Up Boundary

NEC 240.6(A) Standard OCPD Sizes Chart

Quick field reference for standard breaker and fuse ampere ratings through 800A under NEC 240.6(A). Use this chart for baseline OCPD lookup and next-size-up review only; use the calculator when continuous loads, EV chargers, HVAC MCA/MOCP, motor loads, small conductor limits, conductor ampacity, or equipment instructions affect the breaker or fuse decision.

Primary Field Chart

Standard OCPD Size Chart

This TradeHub field chart groups standard OCPD ampere ratings through 800A for quick lookup. The chart does not decide whether an OCPD may be rounded up, whether a conductor is protected, or whether equipment instructions allow the selected rating.

Rating Range Standard OCPD Sizes Field Note
15–60A 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 60 Common smaller branch-circuit and feeder OCPD sizes. Check small conductor limits and load type before applying any next-size-up logic.
70–125A 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 125 Common feeder and equipment range. Verify conductor ampacity, terminal temperature, equipment rating, and continuous-load conditions.
150–250A 150, 175, 200, 225, 250 Common service, feeder, and equipment range. The standard size alone does not approve the installation.
300–800A 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 700, 800 Large feeder and service range. Confirm equipment listings, conductor sets, available fault current, local amendments and AHJ requirements.

This chart is a standard-size lookup only for NEC 240.6(A) ratings through 800A. It does not approve next-size-up use, small conductor protection, motor OCPD sizing, HVAC MCA/MOCP selection, EV continuous-load sizing, or equipment maximum OCPD limits.

NEC 240.6(A) standard OCPD sizes chart showing breaker and fuse ampere ratings through 800 amps and next-size-up reminders
TradeHub field reference chart for standard OCPD ampere ratings and next-size-up boundary checks. Use the Breaker Size Calculator when load type, conductor ampacity, continuous-load rules, equipment ratings, motors, HVAC, EV charging, or small conductor rules affect the result.

Scope Boundary

When This Chart Applies

  • Use it as a standard-size lookup: This chart helps identify standard OCPD ampere ratings through 800A for field planning and calculator review.
  • Do not use it as approval to round up: The next-size-up rule depends on load, conductor ampacity, equipment limits, and specific NEC conditions.
  • Check special cases separately: Small conductors, motors, HVAC equipment, EV charging, continuous loads, and listed equipment maximum OCPD values can change the result.

Calculator Handoff

When to Use the Breaker Size Calculator

Use the standard-size chart for quick rating lookup. Use the calculator when the selected OCPD depends on calculated load, continuous-load treatment, conductor ampacity, EV charging, HVAC MCA/MOCP, motor rules, or equipment instructions.

Related Code References

Source Alignment

Source Alignment and Use Scope

This TradeHub field reference chart is based on NEC 240.6(A) standard OCPD ampere rating structure and related TradeHub source alignment records. It is for screening and planning only. It does not reproduce the full NEC table set, approve next-size-up use, override conductor ampacity, replace equipment instructions, or substitute for the adopted code, site conditions, or local inspection authority. Review the TradeHub Code Citation & Source Log for source alignment records and the TradeHub Methodology page for how field references are scoped.

Common Questions

Standard OCPD Size FAQ

What are standard OCPD sizes used for?

Standard OCPD sizes are used to match calculated loads and conductor protection requirements to recognized ampere ratings. They do not by themselves approve a breaker or fuse for a specific installation.

Can I always round up to the next standard OCPD size?

No. The next-size-up rule has conditions and exceptions. Small conductor limits, equipment maximum OCPD ratings, motor rules, HVAC MCA/MOCP, EV continuous loads, and conductor ampacity can change the answer.

Is OCPD sizing the same as wire sizing?

No. OCPD sizing and conductor sizing are linked, but they are separate checks. Conductor ampacity, terminal temperature, derating, voltage drop, equipment instructions, and load type must also be reviewed.