...CHANGE MY CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM 20 AMPS T0 30 AMPS AND...

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Question by willie
Submitted on 11/16/2003
Related FAQ: Electrical Wiring FAQ (Part 1 of 2)
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CAN I CHANGE MY CIRCUIT BREAKER FROM 20 AMPS T0 30 AMPS AND STILL USE THE 14GAUGE WIRE SUPPLIED TO MY GARAGE TO RUN MY 24AMP DELTA UNISAW? I ALREADY CHANGED THE WIRING ON THE SAW WHICH WAS 230/12.

Answer by SHAUN31
Submitted on 11/20/2003
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YOU SHOULD NOT USE ANY MORE THAN 14 GAUGE WIRE FOR A 15 AMP BREAKER. IF YOU USE A 20 AMP BREAKER USE #12 WIRE AND IF YOU USE 30AMP USE #12 . THAT SHOULD BE ACCORDING TO CODE

Answer by steve
Submitted on 12/29/2003
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Actually, 30A circuits require #10 wire, not #12

Answer by Tony
Submitted on 1/23/2004
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On a 20a circuit want is the number of switches/outlet can be used

Answer by tinkfred
Submitted on 4/7/2004
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actually wire size depends on temperature rating,length,type wire used for any application, #12 wire with temp rating 90c good for 30a.

Answer by rosey
Submitted on 8/31/2004
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Actually, according to the code book, #12 wire is only good for a 20A breaker or less. The 30A you're seeing can only be used as a derating number. See the asterick detail below the table.

Answer by whoa!
Submitted on 10/2/2004
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14 gauge wire can handle 15 amps, end of story. 12 gauge wire can handle 20 amps max, end of story. 10 gauge wire can handle 30 amps. Don't even think about using 14 gauge for 24 amps, it WILL melt, probably in the outlet box.

Answer by BORGYMAN
Submitted on 10/9/2004
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CAN I CHANGE FROM A 15 AMP BREAKER TO A 20 AMP BREAKER?...THE 15 AMP BREAKER KEEPS TRIPPING WITH NORMAL USE..NOTHING EXTRA IS PLUGGED IN.....IS IT POSSIBLE THAT THE 15 AMP BREAKER IS JUST WORN OUT?

Answer by Renron
Submitted on 6/2/2005
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Wrong answers here. LOTS of 'em. That can kill someone or start a fire. 14ga =15A 12ga=20A, 10ga=30A, 8ga=40A, 6ga=50A. Be sure of your facts. The above specs. are for wire under 60' in length. Always err on safetys side. Bigger is better where wire size is concerned

Answer by rb455ho
Submitted on 8/27/2005
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The 90 deg c rating should not be used as the termination point (circuit breaker) is most likely 75 deg C. This reduces the ampacity

Answer by Joe
Submitted on 10/2/2005
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While it is true that the calculations will allow a #12 wire to carry 30A, Code does not permit you to connect a 30A breaker to smaller than #10 wire. The same is true for the others - a 20A breaker must be connected to #12 or larger wire even though a #14 wire can normally carry that current safely over short runs. See 2005NEC Table 210.24

Answer by Aris
Submitted on 11/25/2005
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Actually, #12 is NOT good for 30A (Section 240.4(D). There are only 2 exceptions to code to allow for #12 to carry 30A. Section 240.4(E) and 240.4(G). If you don't know what these sections are, you should call a licensed electrician.

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