Difference between a 15 and 20 amp breaker So the number of outlets a 20 amp circuit can carry is 10. If you divide 16 amp with 1.5 amp, you get 10.67. Therefore, a 20-amp circuit can comfortably carry a load of 1920 watts or 16 amps on a 120V system without going off.
Replacing a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp free#
This 80% rule is important because a sudden surge from big appliances may consume the remaining 20% which serves as a free space in the circuit.
Replacing a 15 amp breaker with a 20 amp code#
That is why the National Electric Code (NEC) recommends 80% or less for breakers and circuits. Plugging up to 13 devices into one circuit may not allow even distribution of power within the device, and some may not get enough power to start up.Īlso, loading the circuit up to 90% will cause the breaker to trip. This means you can plug in 13 devices at a time. If you multiply 1.5 amp by 13, you get 19.5 amp. Normally, a single outlet draws a maximum power of 180 watts (1.5 amp), while a 20-amp circuit carries a maximum load of 2400 watts before tripping. How many outlets can a 20 ampere circuit carry? See this table for more details Circuit breakers Wire size/Gauge Circuit Breakers (Amps)Īppliances, bathroom circuits and laundry Using the wrong gauge of wire can lead to overload or fire hazard. What size wire do I need for a 20 amp circuit?Ī 20-amp circuit breaker requires a 12 gauge wire for optimum performance and maximum protection. It is also used in the kitchen for plugging fridges, but not for high voltage consumers like cooker unit, AC, and water heaters that require 30 amp circuit breakers. It is used for plugging appliances, laundry, and bathroom circuits. What is a 20 amp circuit breaker used for?Ī 20 amp breaker is connected to the power circuits and sockets wired to a 120 or 240 volt circuits. It can either be single (1-pole), or a double pole breaker.Ī single pole 20 A breaker handles a maximum voltage of 120 volts, and a current of 20 amperes, while the double pole handles a maximum of 240 voltage.Ģ0 A breakers are used to power appliances such as dryers, electrical stoves and fridges. 7 Conclusion What is a 20-amp Circuit Breaker?Ī 20 amp circuit breaker is a safety device used to protect residential homes and appliances from power surge.
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