Panel Loading

[sbutler]

In a main distribution panel, can the total branch circuit breaker ampacity exceed the amount of the MCB as long as the feeders are sized for the MCB?

 

[jumper]

Yes. See 215.2 and 408.30

 

[augie47]

If I understand correctly, the question is "can the sum of the branch breakers exceed to main breaker", if so, YES. That is often the siatuation and causes no problems often due to load diversity.

 

[texie]

In a main distribution panel, can the total branch circuit breaker ampacity exceed the amount of the MCB as long as the feeders are sized for the MCB?

Sure, and if this is service equipment and six or less breakers you would not even need the MCB and they could still total more than the rated capacity of the conductors and panel if the calculated load is met.
In a feeder situation there is no relationship between the sum total of the breakers in the panelboard and the OCPD feeding it as long as the panel is rated at least as large as the OCPD feeding it.