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Old 01-27-2011, 12:47 AM
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ok here is what Im looking at my in wall plugs are on a 15 amp circuit can I take out the 15 amp and install a 20 amp breaker. cause I have 2x 250's and a 1x 400 MH on one plug so if I have the TV on I think that its tripping the breaker so can I up the breaker to a 20 amp.
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:08 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skimmer King View Post
ok here is what Im looking at my in wall plugs are on a 15 amp circuit can I take out the 15 amp and install a 20 amp breaker. cause I have 2x 250's and a 1x 400 MH on one plug so if I have the TV on I think that its tripping the breaker so can I up the breaker to a 20 amp.
What size wire?
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:12 AM
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its white 14/2 i think that is what it says
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:16 AM
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12/2 is needed for a 20 amp breaker.
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:22 AM
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I guess I should also say I'm not and electrician. But the I just finished wiring my garage and I used 12/2 wire so I could run 20A breakers for welders and other power tools. I read the local code book and it said 12/2 is the minimum wire size for a 20A breaker.
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:25 AM
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I would look at running a dedicated GFCI circuit from your panel. (Either GFCI at the outlet or at the breaker). 15 or 20amp, whichever you prefer. You'll get 12 amps from a 15 circuit. That's more than enough for your lighting.
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Old 01-27-2011, 01:17 AM
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No you can not do what you are thinking first of all a 15 amp breaker is only rated for 80 % of 15 amps this is a code rule. Second the wire will not support you running a 20 amp circuit. If I were you you should bring a new circuit to where you need it. Just my honest opinion.

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Old 01-27-2011, 01:17 AM
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Just replace the current breaker with what you have the breaker fatigues and the metalic strip becomes weak after time you'll be set. I was having the same issue a whie back. For a 20 amp breaker you need 12 gauge wire i recall.
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Old 01-27-2011, 06:03 PM
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2 points First is you need to know the gauge of wire in your wall and second you should only run a breaker at about %80 of rate. If you use a larger breaker and the wire is not rated for it you are looking for trouble.
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Old 01-27-2011, 06:19 PM
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all good points. I am about to run some temporary runs to my fish tank area< i need to build walls before i do permanent runs> but i must be on the right path because i was planing to do it about the way you guys are saying
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