I don't know much about the AIC ratings on OCPDs except that it has to be equal to or greater than the fault current available from the utility.
So, when a residential main has 22k AIC does this mean that each leg of the service is potentially capable of sourcing 22,000 amps? I would assume so, because all the single-pole breakers must have a corrosponding rating. Does this mean that the actual fault current between legs could be as high as 44,000 amps?
Also, other than the different markings, there isn't an obvious difference between 10k and 22k AIC breakers. Are the ones with the larger AIC rating simply more robust? Are they built out of stronger materials? Will they really withstand a whopping 22,000 amp fault before they fail?
-John
