Check the nameplate on the service panel. There it will tell you what the buss capacity is. On a 200 amp service nothing in the wiring configuration is allowed to be less than that the service rating. In the market there are 200 amp 42 circuit distribution panels.
50 amps
50 amps
Simple. Your main electrical panel will have a "main breaker". This will be a two pole breaker, usually at the top of the panel. It will have a number on the breaker "handle" such as 150 or 200. This is the maximum number of amps your panel can supply. Most newer homes, 1975 and newer have a 200 amp service.
A 200 amp main breaker can support a maximum electrical load capacity of 200 amps.
The maximum amperage capacity of the main breaker in a 100 amp sub panel with a main breaker is 100 amps.
The recommended size for a main breaker in a residential electrical panel with a 125 amp main breaker is typically 150 amps.
The main breaker will have marking indicating size of electrical service, or if it is a fuse system....the fuses will have current ratings. If it is a subpanel, it might not have a main breaker. In this case you would have to look in the panel that the feed is coming from and find the size of the breaker that is feeding it. In either case you must look for the manufacturer's label that will have the maximum current the panel can handle, make sure the breaker feeding the panel doesn't exceed this rating.
The maximum amperage capacity of a 100 amp main breaker in an electrical panel is 100 amps.
The maximum amperage capacity of a 150 amp main breaker in an electrical panel is 150 amps.
Its not recommended because your new main breaker will allow up to 100 amps and your old wire can only safely handle 60amps. If you put a 60amp main breaker in the new box, that would be acceptable. No, it is perfectly safe. Because the box is overrated, there is no problem. If the box is the main panel, and not a subpanel, install a 60A main breaker so you cannot overload your service. If it is a subpanel this 60A breaker should be in the main panel.
The maximum amperage capacity of a 100 amp panel with a main breaker is 100 amps.
The maximum amperage capacity of a 125 amp panel with a main breaker is 125 amps.