Qualitative question on sizing a circuit for a sub-panel

[tonype]

Sub panel as the following: 40-amp 220 v for elevator; 20-amp, 220-v for kitchen range and 17, 120-v breakers (15 or 20 amps) for lighting and power.

Install has a 40-amp breaker in the main panel feeding this sub. My gut tells me this is too low.

My though that a minimum of 60-a is needed - am I looking at this properly?

 

[charlie b]

I agree that it appears too low, and 60 may not be high enough. But breaker ratings do not tell the story. You need to know actual loads. For example, here are a few things I would ask:

1. What is (are) the HP rating of the motor(s) in the elevator system?
2. What is the KW rating of the stove?
3. How many receptacles are there?
4. How many lights are there, and what is the rating of the light fixtures?
5. Is this a dwelling unit?

 

[tonype]

I agree that it appears too low, and 60 may not be high enough. But breaker ratings do not tell the story. You need to know actual loads. For example, here are a few things I would ask:

1. What is (are) the HP rating of the motor(s) in the elevator system?
2. What is the KW rating of the stove?
3. How many receptacles are there?
4. How many lights are there, and what is the rating of the light fixtures?
5. Is this a dwelling unit?

This is a dwelling unit - top two floors of a 5 story townhouse. 120-v circuits for receptacles, ceiling lights, bath fans and the like. Unfortunately, I did not have access to the elevator room and the stove was not installed yet.

 

[LarryFine]

Without load numbers, my choice for this would be a 100a feeder.