Can i up grade from 20 amp breaker to 40 amp breaker.?

Question

if i have a wire that supply 50amps to my circuit breaker, and my circuit breaker is reated 20 amps, would it be safe to replace my 20amp breaker with a 40 amp breaker .

Answer 1

Replacing circuit breaker doesn't depend upon the wire's capability but the load to which Ur using it. Check the maximum current rating of ur equipment (motor or what ever it is). If maximum rating is 20A then u shouldn't replace the circuit breaker, what ever ur wire is..

Answer 2

Normally not advised unless you are clear about gadgets down the line. when somebody has put abreaker for 20 amps,they have done it with an intention the circuit to be tripped  at some level ,while the current under normal conditions can be upto 20 amps.You will end up burning the gadgets if it is replaced without having the connected load and the overcurrent withstand capacity properly identified

Answer 3

If your wire has a carrying capacity of 50 amperes, it is safe to increase your circuit breaker rating to 40 amperes from 20.

Answer 4

That sounds strange, IF the wire is suitable for 50A why is there a 20A breaker now?  might this be a very long run of wire (maybe for a well pump) where the wire is sized for voltage drop?



If the wire really is suitable for 50A it seems you could use a 40A breaker, but since I can't see what you have, and since if you have to ask, you probably don't know enough about it, it really would be best to have a qualified electrician actually look at the installation, sorry.

Answer 5

This is no problem if you are trying to start a fire.