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Breaker Upgrade and Wiring Upgrade

This topic can be found at:
http://boards.diynetwork.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/4691013504/m/9113966467

Nov 08, 2012, 12:18 PM
Ordered
Breaker Upgrade and Wiring Upgrade
If I have 15 amp breakers in my breaker box and one trips a lot, should I upgrade to a 20 amp? If I do that, should I maybe upgrade any wiring that feeds that breaker up to 12 gauge?
Nov 08, 2012, 12:23 PM
Re-mdlr
You should not just upgrade to a 20 amp.

If you want to run new #12 wire, then upgrade, yes that is good.

Have you checked all your outlets on that one circuit to look for a problem? Or maybe it is the breaker itself. Maybe buying a new 15 amp breaker and installing it will solve the problem. Unless your comfortable working with this situation, hire someone that knows what they are doing. I'm thinking you are probably not experienced enough to do this.

And I understand this is the DIY site, but the 'D' does not stand for 'dying'. And working on the breaker box is dangerous. There's that pesky 'D' again.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Re-mdlr,
Nov 08, 2012, 02:53 PM
swschrad
not to mention, not all breaker panels are rugged and reliable. lots of them have creepy ideas about how things hold together, and stuff can start falling out when the deadfront panel is removed. there are also creepy panels in which breakers weld to the buss, and when you pull on them lots of things break in the insulation, with spectacular results.

prime example of the former is the FPE, prime examples of the latter are zinser/sylvania. but depending on environment and sloppy workmanship, anything could be a Big! Surprise! inside.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: swschrad,


sig: if this is a new economy, how come they still want my old-fashioned money?
Nov 16, 2012, 01:42 PM
CommonwealthSparky
quote:
Originally posted by swschrad:
not to mention, not all breaker panels are rugged and reliable. lots of them have creepy ideas about how things hold together, and stuff can start falling out when the deadfront panel is removed. there are also creepy panels in which breakers weld to the buss, and when you pull on them lots of things break in the insulation, with spectacular results.

prime example of the former is the FPE, prime examples of the latter are zinser/sylvania. but depending on environment and sloppy workmanship,
anything could be a Big! Surprise! inside.

I passed ona job with some minor wiring today as the panel was a Federal-Pacific. I did mention the issues arising from those fire hazards lurking as load centers to the owner. Also mentioned to get other quotes and do some net research regarding those boxes. Hope they do just that. Wink


"Why isn't everyday Earth Day ?"
Dec 22, 2012, 07:15 AM
adah1256
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This message has been edited. Last edited by: adah1256,


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Dec 24, 2012, 10:23 AM
Speedy Petey
quote:
Originally posted by adah1256:
This is very awesome informative post. Thanks for share this great post here.
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Jan 01, 2013, 12:02 PM
swschrad
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sig: if this is a new economy, how come they still want my old-fashioned money?
Jan 02, 2013, 11:27 AM
joecaption
Do you happen to be trying to run space heaters off of that 15 amp. circut?


joecaption