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Can you use a 30 amp breaker when you have need for only 20 amps?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
The question is one of protection of conductors (wires). A 30 amp breaker must have a #10 copper conductor or larger for adequate protection. A smaller wire (larger number) such as #12, is not protected by a 30 amp breaker. If the equipment you are powering only requires 20 amps, using a 30 amp breaker and #10 AWG wire is acceptable provided all other elements of the circuit are listed for 30 amp circuits.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
Wiki User
∙ 10y agoIn general, no. The device (outlet) needs to be capable of handling the amount of current (amps) that can possibly be present in the circuit. Also, it would be unusual to find a 30amp 120 volt circuit, unless it were a dedicated circuit for a special appliance, and if it is a dedicated circuit no other outlets on that circuit would be allowed. But, all depends on the code you are required to meet.
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What breaker for 17.3 amps?
I would suggest a 20 amp breaker. * Added - I would suggest a 25 amp breaker. A slight surge, depending upon what equipment is the source of the 17.3 amp load, should not result in circuit breaker opening. <<>> In North America, the electrical code only allows circuit loading up to 80% on a continuous load. A 20 amp breaker can be legally loaded to 16 amps. A 25 amp breaker can be legally loaded to 20 amps.
It is safe to use 8-3 wire on a 50 amp breaker?
No, it is not safe to use a #8 conductor on a 50 amp breaker. A #8 conductor is only rated at 45 amps capacity. By connecting it to a 50 amp breaker, which would trip at 50 amps on an overload, would overload the conductor by an extra 5 amps. This would be a conflict against the electrical code.
What size amp circuit breaker would protect a 12kW boiler?
The breaker protects the wiring not the boiler. 12,000 watts at 240 volts will require 50 amps. So, you will need a 60 amp breaker using AWG# 6 wire on a dedicated circuit.
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.
Can you upgrade a 15 Amps circuit breaker for a 40 Amp for a 8.5 Watt shower?
Not unless you change the wiring for that circuit. The breaker protects the wiring and if you install a 40 amp breaker on a 15 amp wire circuit you will have a fire in your home.
Could you use a 12gauge wire for a 25 amp breaker single pole?
No, a 12-gauge wire is typically rated for a 20 amp circuit. To safely handle a 25 amp breaker, you would need to use a 10-gauge wire. It's important to match the wire gauge to the amperage rating of the breaker to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.
Can you use a double pole 15 amp breaker in place of a 20 amp single pole breaker for a 12000 BTU air conditioner?
No, it is not safe to use a double pole 15 amp breaker in place of a 20 amp single pole breaker for a 12000 BTU air conditioner. The breaker size must match the electrical requirements of the appliance to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards. It is recommended to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure the proper breaker is used.
What breaker for 17.3 amps?
I would suggest a 20 amp breaker. * Added - I would suggest a 25 amp breaker. A slight surge, depending upon what equipment is the source of the 17.3 amp load, should not result in circuit breaker opening. <<>> In North America, the electrical code only allows circuit loading up to 80% on a continuous load. A 20 amp breaker can be legally loaded to 16 amps. A 25 amp breaker can be legally loaded to 20 amps.
What size wire and breaker do you need for a 5000 watt garage heater?
Look on the heater and see what amps it is pulling. That will determine the wire size and breaker size. It must be on a dedicated circuit. 15 amps = AWG # 14 wire with 15 amp breaker 20 amps = AWG # 12 wire with 20 amp breaker 30 amps = AWG # 10 wire with 30 amp breaker 40 amps = AWG # 8 wire with 40 amp breaker
What is the difference between a 30 amp and a 40 amp breaker?
A 30 amp breaker is designed to handle a maximum continuous load of 30 amps, while a 40 amp breaker can handle a maximum continuous load of 40 amps. The 40 amp breaker allows for more current to flow through before tripping, making it suitable for higher power requirements compared to the 30 amp breaker. Always consult with a qualified electrician before adjusting or replacing circuit breakers to ensure safety and compliance with electrical codes.
What wire to use on 20 amp breaker?
A #12 copper conductor with an insulation factor of 90 degrees C is rated at 20 amps. A #14 conductor can not be connected to a 20 amp breaker as that conductor is only rated at 15 amps.
It is safe to use 8-3 wire on a 50 amp breaker?
No, it is not safe to use a #8 conductor on a 50 amp breaker. A #8 conductor is only rated at 45 amps capacity. By connecting it to a 50 amp breaker, which would trip at 50 amps on an overload, would overload the conductor by an extra 5 amps. This would be a conflict against the electrical code.
How many volts can you draw off of a 15amp breaker?
On a 15 amp breaker, you can draw up to 120 volts in a standard residential circuit. The voltage remains constant at 120 volts, but the amperage capacity is what is limited by the 15 amp breaker.
Can a 20 amp breaker be replaced with a 30 amp if small window unit causes lights to dim when compressor kicks in?
No, the breaker is there to trip at 20 amps because the supply wiring can only supply 20 amps max at that point. So a larger breaker could give you a house fire.
What breaker to use in a bedroom that holds up to 15 amps with 120v?
15 amp breaker.
What circuit breaker to install for 10 amp 250 volt circuit?
For a 10 amp, 250 volt circuit, you should install a circuit breaker rated for at least 10 amps and 250 volts. A common option would be a single-pole, 10 amp circuit breaker designed for 240-250 volt applications. Be sure to check the specifications and compatibility with your specific electrical panel.
If you have a 200A Meter Main Combo do you need a main 200A breaker in the panel?
No, a Meter Main Combo typically includes the main breaker as part of its design, so you would not need an additional main breaker in the panel. The main breaker in the Meter Main Combo serves as the disconnect for the panel.
