answersLogoWhite

0


Best Answer

No. The 20 amp breaker is probably protecting a #12 wire. Connecting a 40 amp breaker to the 20 amp #12 wire would seriously overload the #12 wire. This means that if the load increased to a full 40 amps the insulation on the smaller size wire would most likely melt off and the wire could short out.

User Avatar

Wiki User

βˆ™ 12y ago
This answer is:
User Avatar
More answers
User Avatar

AnswerBot

βˆ™ 1w ago

No, it is not okay to replace a 20 amp breaker with a 40 amp breaker. Breakers are designed to protect the electrical wiring in your home, and using a higher amp breaker can overload the circuit and create a fire hazard. Always use the correct amperage breaker for the circuit.

This answer is:
User Avatar

Add your answer:

Earn +20 pts
Q: Is it ok to exchange a 20 amp breaker with a 40 amp breaker?
Write your answer...
Submit
Still have questions?
magnify glass
imp
Continue Learning about Natural Sciences

Will your spa work with a 40 amp breaker even if it says 50 amp on the plate?

No, because if you switch a 50-amp load on, it will blow a 40-amp circuit breaker if the load exceeds 40 amps, which is likely.


Can a 40 amp breaker not a 4 amp breaker be used to replace a 35 amp breaker for ac unit?

No, it is not recommended to replace a 35 amp breaker with a 40 amp breaker for an AC unit. Breakers are designed to protect the circuit and the equipment, so using a higher rated breaker can lead to overheating and potential damage. It is best to use the correct amperage rated breaker for the equipment.


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 replace your current cooker fuse 30 amp with a 40 amp circuit breaker?

No, you should not replace a 30 amp fuse with a 40 amp circuit breaker as it would exceed the designed electrical capacity for the cooker. It's important to match the electrical protection device (fuse or circuit breaker) with the current rating of the appliance to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.


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.

Related questions

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.


Will your spa work with a 40 amp breaker even if it says 50 amp on the plate?

No, because if you switch a 50-amp load on, it will blow a 40-amp circuit breaker if the load exceeds 40 amps, which is likely.


Can a 40 amp breaker not a 4 amp breaker be used to replace a 35 amp breaker for ac unit?

No, it is not recommended to replace a 35 amp breaker with a 40 amp breaker for an AC unit. Breakers are designed to protect the circuit and the equipment, so using a higher rated breaker can lead to overheating and potential damage. It is best to use the correct amperage rated breaker for the equipment.


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 replace your current cooker fuse 30 amp with a 40 amp circuit breaker?

No, you should not replace a 30 amp fuse with a 40 amp circuit breaker as it would exceed the designed electrical capacity for the cooker. It's important to match the electrical protection device (fuse or circuit breaker) with the current rating of the appliance to prevent overheating and potential fire hazards.


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 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


Will it hurt to use a 40 amp breaker on a water heater the wire I was sold will not fit into the 30 amp on a sq. D circuit breaker?

Using a higher amp breaker than recommended can create a safety hazard. It is not recommended to use a 40 amp breaker on a water heater that requires a 30 amp breaker. You should consult with a licensed electrician to properly address the wiring issue.


Can you use 6-3 NM wire and 50 amp breakers and 50 amp range cord for a 40 amp max load range?

No, it is not advisable to use a 50 amp breaker with a 40 amp-rated appliance like a range. You should match the breaker size to the appliance requirements. In this case, you should use a 40 amp breaker, 8-3 NM wire, and a 40 amp range cord for the 40 amp max load range.


What size breaker do you need for a 40 gallon electric water heater?

Usually 30 amp


Can an electric range be powered from the same circuit as an electric dyer?

No. The two appliances usually have dedicated circuits. The range will have a two pole 40 amp breaker and be fed with a 3-C #8 copper cable. The dryer will have a 30 amp two pole breaker and be fed with a 3-C # 10 copper cable. As you can see by powering a 40 amp device from a 30 amp breaker, full operation of the range will trip the 30 amp breaker.