Wiring a 30 amp breaker how to#
Wiring a 30 amp breaker upgrade#

How to install a 30 amp circuit protectorīefore you start, make sure that the circuit breaker and the electrical panel are from the same manufacturer. When running these large appliances, the device ensures that there is adequate voltage to support the load. It is also useful when running a large load, such as a washing machine, dryer, water heater, air conditioner, cooker unit and others. This can be as an extension cord, a plug, an in-wall outlet, or a whole-house circuit.

The table below shows the different amps of breakers and their normal wire gauge.Ĭircuit breakers Wire size/Gauge Circuit Breakers (Amps)Īppliances, bathroom circuits and laundryĪ 30 A trip switch typically works on 240 volt circuits. Using the wrong wire gauge may lead to electrical hazards. What size of wire do I need for a 30 amp breaker?Ī 30 amp circuit breaker will need a 10 gauge wire to work perfectly. To calculate the exact number of outlets a 30 amp breaker can carry, divide 24 by 1.5, you get 16. Since the National Electric Code (NEC) recommends 80% or less load for breakers and circuits, the 80% of 30 amp should be 24. Normally, a single device draws a maximum power of 180 watts (1.5 amp), while a 30-amp circuit carries a maximum load of 7200 watts before tripping. The maximum outlet a 30 A receptacle can comfortably hold is 16 outlets. How many outlets can a 30 amp circuit handle?

Wiring a 30 amp breaker upgrade#

With a 30 A safety switch, you can connect up to 30 Amps on a single circuit without having to upgrade to a larger breaker. why need a 30 amp breaker?Ī 30 A breaker is necessary if you are running a power hunger appliance such as a dryer, air conditioner, or microwave that requires a greater power than what is available on a 20-Amp device. If you were to overload a 20 Amp 120-volt circuit, it would only handle 2,400 watts, but with a 30 Amp receptacle, it can even handle a water heater pump that requires 6000 watts. The 30 amp rating allows it to handle a large load without overloading or breaking itself. They are used in protecting high powered appliances such as dryers, water heaters, air conditioners and others. 7.1.1 Frequently Asked Questions What is a 30 Amp Circuit Breaker?Ī 30 amp breaker is a types of circuit breaker designed to handle a maximum current of 30 ampere.