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What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a 20 gallon 1500 watts water heater?
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
To answer this question the voltage that is to be used should be stated. If the tank is 240 volts then 1500/240 = 6.25 amps. A 2 pole 15 amp breaker with a #14 wire will work fine. If the working voltage is 120 volts then 1500/120 =12.5 amps. A single pole 20 amp breaker with a #12 conductor will work fine. The reason for the up size in wire for the 120 volt system is that conductors are only allowed to be loaded to 80% capacity. A #14 wire is rated at 15 amps x 80% = 12 amps which is just under the required amperage of the 1500 watt heater. A #12 wire is rated at 20 amps x 80% = 16 amps. The code book states that if the current of the load is over the capacity of the wire rating the next size conductor is to be used.
Wiki User
∙ 12y ago
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Circuit breaker trip cause smoke will homeowner insurance pay for it?
A circuit breaker does not "cause" smoke. A circuit breaker "breaks" a circuit when there is too much current, creating a hazardous condition for the wires that are connected to the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker PROTECTS you from electrical fire. Find the source of the smoke; what burned? If a circuit breaker tripped during the incident, it is usually caused by melting/burning wire insulation, either inside or outside of an appliance. If the insulation inside the walls of your house has burned/melted, it could be that the circuit breaker was too large for the wire or that the circuit breaker failed to shut off at the appropriate current load. If the circuit breaker failed, your insurance should help you. If an appliance overloaded the circuit, your insurance should help you. If someone connected an oversized circuit breaker, causing the wire to overheat, your insurance company may refuse to help you.
Can a circuit breaker be tripped by using 20 amp sockets instead of 15 amp sockets?
A circuit breaker protects the wires that the devices are connected to. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are 20 amps the wire size should be #12 wire fed from a 20 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are15 amps the wire size should be #14 wire fed from a15 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. Putting 20 amp sockets on this 15 amp circuit will work but the circuit is limited to the amount of load that can be plugged in. You will not get the full capacity of the 20 socket because the breaker will trip at 15 amps.
What causes the main breaker to trip from a fault current from a twenty amp branch circuit?
If the fault was on the 20 amp branch circuit, the branch circuit breaker should have tripped, not the main breaker. Call a qualified electrician to check out your wiring.
When installing a circuit breaker do you size the breaker to correct wire size or the device its controlling?
When installing a circuit breaker, you size the breaker based on the wire size. The breaker should be matched to the ampacity of the wire to ensure proper protection against overloads and short circuits. The device being controlled by the breaker is not a determining factor in sizing the breaker.
What size amp circuit breaker should be used for a home entertainment system?
You use the correct size breaker depending on the size wire in the circuit. If the circuit is wired with AWG #12 wire use a 20 amp breaker. If it is wired with AWG #14 wire then use a 15 amp breaker.
Where is the circuit breaker for a hot water heater?
The best way to determine which circuit breaker is for the water heater is with a voltage meter, It is suppose to be only one circuit breaker, but in a faulty application it could be two breakers
Why is heater is not keeping house warm?
A heater may not be keeping a house warm because it is too small for the space. An older heater may not be performing as it should. If you are getting no heat from the heater, you may have blown a fuse and should check the circuit breaker box.
How are Branch circuit protected?
Branch circuits are protected by the circuit breaker found in the electrical panel. Each circuit should have its one breaker. The breaker should be rated to protect the insulation of the wire, so you can determine the breaker size based on the circuit conductor size Example #14-2 should be protected by a 15 amp breaker
What should you do to the surge strip if the circuit breaker fails to reset?
You should replace the surge strip if the circuit breaker fails to reset.
What do I do if there is no circuit breaker for outdoor light?
If you have a light that is not being powered through a circuit breaker or fuse, you should call a qualified electrician to remove this circuit from the panel's bus and install a circuit breaker for it. Without an overcurrent protective device (circuit breaker or fuse) you have a potential fire hazard.
Must wires be connected to breaker box?
It should be connected to circuit breaker. Circuit breaker will automatically discontinue the flow of electricity if it detects faulty condition.
What size circuit breaker should be used for dishwasher and disposal?
A 15 amp dedicated circuit breaker should be used for the dishwasher. The disposal can be wired to the general kitchen 15 amp circuit.
A parallel circuit breaker should be connected in a parallel to the circuit it's protecting?
For a circuit breaker to protect anything, it must be wired in series with whatever it is protecting.
Circuit breaker trip cause smoke will homeowner insurance pay for it?
A circuit breaker does not "cause" smoke. A circuit breaker "breaks" a circuit when there is too much current, creating a hazardous condition for the wires that are connected to the circuit breaker. The circuit breaker PROTECTS you from electrical fire. Find the source of the smoke; what burned? If a circuit breaker tripped during the incident, it is usually caused by melting/burning wire insulation, either inside or outside of an appliance. If the insulation inside the walls of your house has burned/melted, it could be that the circuit breaker was too large for the wire or that the circuit breaker failed to shut off at the appropriate current load. If the circuit breaker failed, your insurance should help you. If an appliance overloaded the circuit, your insurance should help you. If someone connected an oversized circuit breaker, causing the wire to overheat, your insurance company may refuse to help you.
What are the breaker ampere trip ratings?
The ampere frame rating for a circuit breaker designates how the circuit breaker should be configured. It also states the trip unit of the amp.
Can a circuit breaker be tripped by using 20 amp sockets instead of 15 amp sockets?
A circuit breaker protects the wires that the devices are connected to. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are 20 amps the wire size should be #12 wire fed from a 20 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. If the devices that are connected to the circuit are15 amps the wire size should be #14 wire fed from a15 amp breaker. This breaker should not trip unless the circuit is overloaded or a fault occurs on the circuit. Putting 20 amp sockets on this 15 amp circuit will work but the circuit is limited to the amount of load that can be plugged in. You will not get the full capacity of the 20 socket because the breaker will trip at 15 amps.
Can a circuit breaker on my 1992 grand prix cause my headlights to stay on?
No. A circuit breaker is like a fuse, it protects a circuit from a catastrophe if a dead short should occur.
