The 80% rule on breakers is real and causes most nuisance trips

Standard breakers are rated for 80% continuous load per NEC 210.20(A). A 20-amp breaker on a continuous load should carry no more than 16 amps. Space heaters, window ACs, and crypto miners running 24/7 exceed this threshold. Solutions: upgrade to a 100%-rated breaker (they exist), add a dedicated circuit, or reduce the load. Most homeowners blame the breaker when the real issue is circuit design.