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A 30 amp circuit breaker is needed unless the load is a motor circuit, then it has to be sized to 250 percent of the motors full load amps.

For 30A circuit is needed breaker 30*1.25=37.5 --> 40A.

If load is lamp or heater, then use breaker of group A or B.

If load is motor, then use breaker of groupC or D (very hard start) or special safe breaker for motor - with variable amp setpoint.

See related link also.

By code you are only allowed 80% of the rating of a breaker. So 30x80%=24amps.

24 amps is the MAX allowed on a 30 amp breaker. You would need a 40amp breaker for a 30 amp circuit. 40x80%=32. So you would want a double pole 40amp breaker.

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13y ago
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15y ago

It is a safety device used to protect a # 10 wire from being overloaded.

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Q: What is a 30 amp circuit breaker used for?
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What are the standard size circuit breaker amperages?

In North America the standard sizes for breakers are 15, 20, 30, and 40 amps. The 15 amp size breaker is used in general circuit wiring. The 20 amp size breaker is used for dedicated appliance receptacles, hot water tank and baseboard heating. The 30 amp size breaker is used for a clothes dryer. The 40 amp size breaker is used for the electric range.


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.


Is it safe to use 10 gauge wire on a 20 amp breaker for a microwave?

No, 10 gauge wire requires the use of a 30 amp breaker. A 20 amp breaker is only used on 12 gauge wire.


Can you use a 30 amp breaker when you have need for only 20 amps?

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.


Can you mix an 8-3 wire with a 30 amp double breaker?

You never, ever mix wire sizes within a circuit. However you can wire a 30 amp circuit using AWG # 8/3 wire, although that is overkill and AWG #10 wire is what you would normally use on a 30 amp circuit.

Related questions

How do you turn a 30 amp circuit into a 15 amp cicuit?

Replace the 30 Amp Breaker with a 15 Amp breaker.


Is a 2 pole 30 amp circuit breaker equivalent to 30 amp?

Yes.


What are the standard size circuit breaker amperages?

In North America the standard sizes for breakers are 15, 20, 30, and 40 amps. The 15 amp size breaker is used in general circuit wiring. The 20 amp size breaker is used for dedicated appliance receptacles, hot water tank and baseboard heating. The 30 amp size breaker is used for a clothes dryer. The 40 amp size breaker is used for the electric range.


Is a 40 amp circuit breaker ok for a 30 amp air conditioner?

No, it is not recommended to have a circuit breaker with a higher amperage rating than the device it is protecting. In this case, you should use a 30 amp circuit breaker for a 30 amp air conditioner to ensure proper protection from overcurrent.


Can you have a 120v circuit on a 30 amp breaker?

No, electrical code typically requires that circuits be protected by a breaker that matches the wire size. A 30 amp breaker is typically used for circuits with larger wire sizes. For a 120V circuit, a 20 amp breaker is more suitable with appropriate wire size.


What does 30 amp CB fuse mean?

circuit breaker fuse


Have 30 amp double pole need 15 amp 120v?

You can use a 15 amp single pole breaker to convert your 30 amp double pole breaker to 15 amp 120v. Simply replace the 30 amp breaker with the 15 amp breaker in the circuit breaker panel. Make sure to match the wire size in the circuit with the appropriate amperage rating of the new breaker.


What is the smallest breaker for a 25 amp circuit?

30 amp wired with AWG # 10 wire.


Can you replace a 20 amp circuit breaker with a 25 amp circuit breaker?

It is not recommended to replace a 20 amp circuit breaker with a 25 amp one. Circuit breakers are designed to protect the wiring and equipment from overheating and potential fires. Using a breaker with a higher rating than the wiring can handle increases the risk of overheating and could lead to a fire hazard. It is important to match the circuit breaker size to the wiring and equipment it is protecting.


What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a gas dryer?

Typical residential electric dryers are on 30 amp circuits, which means 10 gage copper wire. The circuit breaker should match the dryer cord rating, generally 30 amps.


What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a well?

A 15-amp circuit breaker is typically used for a well pump that operates on a 120-volt power supply. For well pumps that operate on a 240-volt power supply, a 20-amp circuit breaker is typically used. It's important to check the manufacturer's specifications for the exact amp rating required for your specific well pump.


How can you push 30 amp breaker to 50 amp?

Not if it's functioning properly. The purpose of a circuit breaker is to shut off power if the circuit exceeds the rated power capacity of the wires. Don't plan to exceed the 30 Amp capacity of your house wiring; the results will be destructive.