On what overload amps wil a 60amp main breaker trip

You need to use rated breaker and did you find a fault for why the breaker shorted?

I believe it is supposed to have a 15. Remember, breakers are installed TO PROTECT THE WIRE, NOT THE EQUIPMENT. If a breaker is tripping you just don't put a bigger breaker. The wire must be the correct size for the breaker. Take it to the manufacture.

If you need further help, reach me via phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/thomas_092728000e6acb79

No exact answer since breakers are not fast-acting.
For example, a short draw of 65+ amps might not trip the breaker... but amp draw cannot exceed the 60 amp rating for very long before the breaker will trip.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-a-subpanel.html

Gene
h

If you need further help, I’m available over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/gene_9f0ef4df2f9897e7

A 200 amp circuit breaker has a large spring to assist in rapid opening and closing a load of this size to minimize damaging arcing every time is it operated under electrical load

The larger the circuit breaker is and the more poles (1, 2 or 3) that are being opened / closed; the more force it will require to operate - both by hand or when tripping. Compare the tension or force you need to apply to a similar sized circuit breaker at Home Depot, etc.

The troubling issue about this for me is the fact that the 200 amp service disconnect / main is tripping. This is an indication of an overloaded panel / circuit. I usually see individual circuits that trip in a panel - but often find the that main breaker has only 20% - 60% of its rating on it at any given time. If you're tripping a 200 amp service disconnect / main breaker repeatedly - something has got to give - and eventually the circuit breaker will fail. That may be where you are now with this breaker. You may be in need of a service upgrade (if it is the service disconnect) as clearly, you have out grown the 200 amp size one you currently have or need add a new sub-panel to ease the load that this 200 amp main is trying to supply now.

Either way, you should call a reputable electrical contractor to have your service / sub-panel evaluated very soon. Good luck!

Its possible that there may be load on that circuit from other appliances. Had an issue myself with stove and laptop on same circuit.
Check other appliance attached to the 60amp circuit (microwave, stove, kettle etc)

do a amp check on the compressor and fans.That will tell you exactly what is overloading.

Tripping of the main breaker could be an indication of a short or an overload. To check for an overload you will need an amprobe to test the amperage load on the breaker. Turn all the secondary breakers off. Attach the amprobe by clamping it around one power wire. Turn the breakers on one at a time and check the reading of the amprobe. Most breakers will handle about 80 % of the breaker rating before tripping. If it trips below this point the breaker may be weak and will need to be replaced. If the amprobe pegs out at any time and the breaker trips the secondary breaker that was last turned on probably has a short in its wiring somewhere. Cuasing the breaker to trip. Underground wirng that has gone bad can sometimes take a while to trip the breakers so if there is any underground feeders it may be more difficult to track down a short. If the problem is an overload check both hot wire to see if the load is equal if the load is a lot higher on one leg than the other switching some circuits to the lower side may help. If the total load is just too high you may have to increase your service to a larger size. Hope -this helps
Bob

There seem to be several questions mingled in with those 2 questions.

1) Amps can go either way

2) Breakers trip when heat exceeds certain level. Heat is caused by amps.

3) You want to add a subpanel in garage.
I do not know the code in your area for installing a subpanel.
Your plan will work by connecting 6 gauge wire to main breaker, and new 60 amp breaker will protect wires between main box and subpanel.
Remember, wires going into main breaker cannot be turned off without pulling meter.
Some areas require license to pull meter.
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-replace-circuit-breaker.html

4) To work around license and meter-pull, simply replace a 240V breaker in main panel with your new 60 amp breaker.
Then move breakers around to match new set-up.
New subpanel can accommodate two new 240V breakers and one new 120 Breaker
http://waterheatertimer.org/How-to-install-a-subpanel.html

5) 6 gauge wire is correct for 60 amp breaker.

6) I'm not sure what you mean by the box rails?

7) Do you need more amperage on main service?
This means adding a larger service panel with 150 Watt or 200 Watt main breaker.
Some areas require service upgrade when remodeling or adding circuits.

8) How to figure total amp draw at your house.
Add up total watts being used.
For example you have 1/2 Hp motor
754 watts per Hp
1/2 Hp = 377Watts
Volts x Amps = Watts
Amps = Watts divided by Volts.
377 Watts divided by 240Volts = 1.57 amps (plus a bit more amperage when motor starts)
40 watt light bulb divided by 120Volts = .33 amps
Double oven has label located inside door that shows upper and lower wattage.
Dishwasher, dryer, big screen TV, satellite receiver all have labels that show wattage.
Water heater has label that shows wattage of each element.
http://waterheatertimer.org/Figure-Volts-Amps-Watts-for-water-heater.html
http://waterheatertimer.org/See-inside-main-breaker-box.html

Add a comment for more help

Circut breakers trip due to a short circut or an overload. In this case the likely cause is an overload. If your compressor is drawing more amperage than the breaker is designed to allow, the breaker trips for safety. Possible solutions. Try using a different outlet with fewer appliances or tools on that circut. If the outlet you are using is on a circut that also has lighting, appliances etc, each item is drawing amps, the addition of the compressor to the circut is pushing the amp limit over the top. You can also try a heavier duty extension cord. If you are using an extension that is rated too low for the required amperage your breaker will trip. If you are not using an extiension cord you may need to talk to an electrician about adding another circut to service your tool and garage needs.
Another possiblity is that your service is not upgraded enough. If you have a 60amp service for the house you might want to talk to an electrician about upgrading to 100amp or more.

YES, this is true! Overloaded to what degree? Sometimes, a 20 amp circuit breaker can handle an amp, two, or a few more before tripping. This happens for a number of reasons, but for the most part - they're designed to handle a little bit more than their stated (eg. 20 or 30 amp) amperage. The electrical code states that overload protection (cir. brkr's) should not exceed 80% of their load. So on a 20 amp breaker, you shouldn't exceed 16 amps - and on a 30 amp breaker, it shouldn't exceed 24 amps. I hope this is what you were looking for. If not, feel free to contact me again and I will provide you with more information. Good Luck!