A larger breaker on a thinner wire will allow more current over the wire before tripping. The circuit breaker installed on a circuit is of a specific size to protect a certain wire gauge. You should not use a 30-amp circuit breaker on a 12-gauge wire. Can You Use a 30-Amp Breaker on a 12-Gauge Wire? In this circumstance, a 30-amp breaker with 10-gauge wire for the conductor would be the appropriate solution. This requirement is especially true if multiple devices are on the same circuit. These electrical appliances draw a substantial current, requiring a wire gauge capable of withstanding the current demand. These are the more power-hungry devices such as toasters, space heaters, large microwave ovens, and even some air conditioning units. The AWS or American Wire Standard indicates standards with minimum wire gauges that can be used safely on circuits with a specific ampacity.Ī 30-amp circuit intends to provide power to medium-sized appliances in the home. If the wire gauge is too small, the circuit breaker will not trip the circuit before the current overload damages the wire. The circuit breaker’s purpose is to interrupt the current flow before the excess current damages the conductor, resulting in a dangerous outcome. The sizing of circuit breakers is according to the wire gauge used in the circuit. While using a thicker gauge wire than this on a 30-amp circuit is possible, you should consider 10 gauge as the thinnest possible gauge. This article will cover the correct wire gauge needed for a 30-amp circuit and why you should not go too small or too big on the wire gauge! What Wire Size for 30 Amp 240 Volt Circuitįor safety, the minimum wire gauge for use in a circuit with a 30-amp breaker is a 10-gauge wire.
This perceived cost saving can be costly in the long run and potentially dangerous. Some homeowners or contractors may be tempted to use a thinner wire gauge to save costs. The thicker wire gauge can be significantly more expensive than thinner wire. As the current demand on a circuit increases, a thicker conductor cable is necessary for the circuit.
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