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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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12y ago

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

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11y ago
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Q: Can you use a 30 amp breaker on 12 awg wire?
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