Can a 15 amp recepticle for an a/c run on a 30 amp breaker?

Question

My new window unit air conditoner ran on a 30 amp recepticle on 10 gague wire to a 30 amp breaker. My new air conditioner that I bought to replace it requires a 15 amp recepticle. Can I just change the recepticle or should I also change the wire and the breaker?

Answer 1

If the outlet is rated at 15A you must match the breaker to your weakest link. If the unit is 120v now and was 220v you have to make the necessary changes.Need more information to tell you exactly what to do.A 30 amp has to be 220 volt because no 120volt is made for 30 amp. 120 volt outlets are only 15 or 20 amp and the 20 amp 120 volt outlests are expensive.

Answer 2

You must change the wire and breaker also.  Otherwise you are going to  have a rather large problem on your hands

Answer 3

1)  The 30 amp circuit for your old air conditioner was a 240 volt.  Your new air conditioner 15 amp circuit needs to be 120 volt.

2)  You will need to change the breaker in addition to replacing the receptacle.  Since you also need to go from 240 volt to 120 volt, the 30 amp breaker will be a double, while the new breaker will be a single pole.  The white wire currently connected to the double breaker will need to be connected to the neutral bar.

3)  The wire will be fine (assuming it is in good condition, copper, and there is a ground wire present).  You can always use a larger wire than required without any problem.

Honestly, this is one of those questions that if you have to ask you really need to have a professional do it for you.  It is a bit more complicated than just changing the receptacle.  If the existing wire is usable, it should not be too expensive -- you are probably looking at paying the minimum charge.

Answer 4

you can just change the breaker and the outlet--no need to change the wiring