Can I replace a 15 amps fuse with a 15 amps breaker?

Answer 1

I believe that the wires supplying a 30 amp circuit must be at least 10 gauge. If you have 14 or 12 gauge wires going to or from your 15 amp breaker, then drawing 30 amps over it could cause a fire hazard. It's like using those cheapo non-UL certified extension cords to plug a MILLION X-mas lights into (drawing more power than the wires can handle). You also have to make sure this GFI outlet you refered to is rated for 30 amps.

Do not simply swap out breakers. Overloading the wires in the circuit protected by that breaker will cause a fire.

If you need a 30 amp circuit you must run #10 gauge wire.

Answer 2

Sure, if you want to keep resetting it. To be safe change to a 20 amp and make sure the wire is no smaller than 20 gauge....pkazsr To recharacterize your question, you asked, "Should an electrical appliance be interupted by a circuit breaker designed to trip at the same request for power?" The answer is no because power availability should exceed demand. Amperage is based upon demand. That is, if you have a 15 Amp demand, you need a breaker in excess of that demand. If my electric shaver requires 15 Amps to run, which is the equivalent of a buzzsaw, I don't want the circuit breaker to trip at that demand. A 20 Amp circuit breaker would be fine. It is a compromise. If the breaker is at 30 Amps it will power my 15A appliance without interuption. However, if I drop my 15A electric facial buzzsaw into water, the breaker will hopefully trip before I no longer need to concern myself about ever shaving again. That is, the breaker should furnish adequate power for normal use yet shut down when there is excessive demand, such as a shortage. Like when my wife tests our breaker panel by throwing a toaster into my bath, ostensibly to warm the water. The water was warmed I assure you.

Answer 3

The answer is, yes and no.

Yes you can physically pull a 15 amp circuit breaker and install a 20 amp circuit breaker into the same slot on nearly all modern electrical distribution panels.

No, if the wiring is only 14 gauge then the potential exists to use more amps on the circuit than the wiring was designed for and you could be creating a hazard including fire from hot and shorted lines. A 20 amp circuit require no less than 12 gauge wire.

If you are having a problem with a 15 amp circuit breaker that cannot be resolved by replacing the breaker with another 15 amp circuit breaker, it's time to research why the breaker is tripping to start with. If it's tripping because there more than a 15 amp load, it's time to shed some of the existing load on that circuit.

Answer 4

It is easy to change the 30 amp double pole breaker to a 15 amp double pole breaker. You want to make sure the wires fit.

The #10 wires will most likely not fit the device on the other end, unless it is a light fixture and you are using wire nuts. If you are installing a receptacle or switch, or if the load has screw terminals, you will have to splice #14 gauge wire into the #10s so the #14s can to terminated. I have terminated receptacles and switches with #10 wire but it takes a little effort and experience to make sure it is done properly.

Answer 5

You could. However, it will trip at 15 amps, so be sure your load is less than that. Continuous draw should be no more than 12 amps.

Answer 6

Yes, but only if the circuit is wired with 10 AWG wire.

Answer 7

Yes, a breaker is a better product, it does the job better although of course it costs more.

Answer 8

Yes a 15 amp breaker will protect the circuit the same as a fuse. What will have to change is the enclosure that holds the fuse to one that will hold the new breaker.

Answer 9

No