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Youcan butyou shouldn't. A #12 copper conductor's rating is20 amps.


The overcurrent protection on the branch should be LESS than the ampacity of the smallest conductor. That way, the breaker will blow before the wire gets red hot, damages its insulation, or causes a structure fire.

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11y ago
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9y ago

No, the ampacity rating of a #12 conductor is only 20 amps and the breaker would not protect the conductor at a rating of 30 amps before trip. The only time a breaker can be larger that the conductor rating is when connecting a motor load to the breaker. This is to allow the inrush current of the motor, on start up, to prevent the breaker from tripping due to the large current flow.

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10y ago

No. 12 awg wire is rated at 20 amps maximum.

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Q: Can you use a 30 amp breaker on 12 awg wire?
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Related questions

How big of breaker do you use for 115 volt?

Depends on the wire size used in the circuit. If you use AWG # 14 wire you must use a 15 amp breaker. If it is wired with AWG # 12 wire then you use a 20 amp breaker. If a AWG # 10 wire is used then a 30 amp breaker is required. The breaker protects the wiring from overheating so you must use the proper size breaker for the wire used.


What size amp circuit breaker should be used for 110 outlet?

The size breaker you use is determined by the size wire used in the circuit. If you use AWG #12/2 wire then use a 20 amp breaker. If you use AWG # 14/2 then use a 15 amp breaker.


Should 25 amps breaker be replaced by 20 amps?

For typical residential house wiring 12 AWG wire is required for a 20 Amp breaker. If you change out the breaker for a 25 A breaker you would have to rewire the circuit with 10 AWG. In that case you could up the breaker to 30 Amps. All outlets and switches should be rated at the same voltage and current as the breaker.


What can you operate on 120 volts at 30 amps?

Yes, if you are using AWG # 10 wire. If you are using AWG # 12 then the answer is no you must use a 20 amp breaker. On AWG #14 wire you must use a 15 amp breaker.


What size circuit breaker for GFCI circuit in a normal size bath?

Normally it is a 20 amp using AWG 12/2 gauge wire. But it really depends on what size wire is on that circuit. If it is white AWG 14 gauge then use a 15 amp breaker. If it is yellow AWG 12 gauge then use a 20 amp breaker.


Size fuse for 12 AWG wire?

Use a 20 amp fuse or breaker.


Can you use a 20 amp circuit breaker for an electric dryer?

If you are referring to a cloths dryer, the answer depends on the requirements of the dryer. Most dryers require AWG#10 wire with a 30 amp fuse. If the wiring is AWG#12 then use a 20 amp breaker but never use it on AWG#10 which requires a 30 amp breaker. If you are referring to a hair dryer then yes a 20 amp breaker is fine.


What size wire is required for 120v 5amp 250ft?

Use AWG #10 wire on a 20 amp breaker.


What size breaker do you need for two 60W bulbes 110 volts?

It is not the number of bulbs that you worry about. It is the wire size that is your concern. If the circuit is wired with AWG 12/2 wire then use a 20 amp breaker. If it is wired with a AWG 14/2 wire then use a 15 amp breaker. You are protecting the wiring with the correct size breaker.


What size wire for 75 feet of wire for a 30 amp 220 volt oven?

A 30 amp breaker run 75 feet would require you use AWG #10 wire. But, an oven normally pulls more that 30 amps and I would not use #10 wire on a 30 amp breaker for an oven. Normally any newer oven is wired with AWG #6 gauge wire on a 50 amp circuit breaker so the breaker will not trip during heavy use of the oven. Some older ovens could use a #8 wire on a 40 amp breaker.


Can you use a 30 amp breaker for a refrigerator?

Not unless the wire going to the refrigerator outlet is AWG 10/2. If it is wired with 12/2 wire then you must use a 20 amp breaker. Using a 30 amp breaker is dangerous and a fire hazard.


What gauge wire to run off a 20 amp breaker?

Use AWG 12/2 with ground.