![]() ![]() This will indicate whether your new circuit breaker allows the correct voltage through it. Use the multimeter to check the voltage across all the circuit breakers to ensure that your voltage across the new breaker matches the other breakers. Once the wires are connected, switch on the mains supply switch and switch on your new breaker. Fit The New Circuit BreakerĬlip or screw the new circuit breaker into place, and connect the wires to the new circuit breaker. Depending on your circuit breaker type, unclip or unscrew it for the breaker box panel housing. Undo the screws holding the wires in place on the circuit breaker and push them to the side so they are out of the way. Use your multimeter of contactless volt-meter to ensure none of the wires carry any current. ![]() Use your headlamp for extra lighting for this step, mainly if the breaker box panel is in a dark location. ![]() If you confirm you have the correct wire size, your new 20-Amp breaker can handle the circuit load. ![]() You can identify the gauge wires on the outer wire sheathing. If you are unsure how to tell the difference between the two-wire gauges, the 14-gauge wire is 0.06-inches thick, while the 12-gauge wire is 0.08-inches thick. Fitting a 20-Amp circuit breaker to a 14-gauge wire will contravene the NEC and pose a severe safety risk for your home. If you want to continue with the replacement, you will need to replace the branch circuit wiring with a 12-gauge wire. For a 14-gauge wire, sometimes referred to as #14 AWG, then you cannot place a 20-Amp circuit breaker in this circuit. Make Sure The Wire Gauge Is Correct.Įxamine the wire gauge on the circuit you want to replace the breaker. Hold the cover plate in place with one hand while you remove the last screw to prevent the cover plate from falling when the last screw is removed. Put on your insulating gloves and use the flat head screwdriver to remove the cover from the circuit breaker panel box. Switch off the main supply switch before opening the panel. It is always safer to work with no current flowing through the circuit breaker panel. A non-contact voltage meter or a multimeterĬomplete the following steps to change the breaker from a 15-Amp to a 20-Amp.Insulated gloves, preferably rubber, for additional safety.The tools you will need to do the job include the following. However, if the branch circuit is a 14-gauge wire, you’ll need to run a new 12-gauge wire first to safely install a 20-Amp breaker in the electrical panel and a 20-Amp outlet on the end of the circuit. It only takes a few essential tools and the replacement breaker to get the job done. Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: Can I replace my 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp? ()Ĭhanging a 15-Amp breaker to a 20-Amp breaker is a reasonably simple task to complete, but it should only be changed to a 20-Amp if the AWG wire is the adequate gauge wire, i.e., a 12-gauge or 10-gauge wire, that can carry that level of current safely. Can You Change a 15-Amp Breaker to a 20-Amp Breaker? Can you change a dedicated circuit breaker from a 15 to 20-Amp? Let’s discover the answer to this question and why it may not be a good idea. Homeowners who like to DIY problems in their homes may consider swapping a 20-Amp breaker for a 15-Amp breaker to be a solution to remedy various electrical issues, from adding 15-amp outlet to stopping a 15-Amp breaker from tripping continuously. If the copper wire is 12 AWG, you can replace the 15A breaker with a 20A breaker. A 20-Amp circuit breaker uses a 12-gauge wire. If your wiring is of the correct gauge, you can change a 15-Amp circuit breaker to a 20-Amp breaker. However, you can’t just switch out a smaller circuit breaker for a larger circuit breaker. It may seem like a simple, easy solution to install a 20-Amp breaker in the place of a 15-Amp breaker, especially if the breaker is continuously tripping, but is this a safe solution? Many homeowners do not understand the science behind the electrical circuit installation, resulting in unsafe changes made to the electrical system. ![]()
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